The Labyrinth: a three-fold walking prayer

The labyrinth continues to be a significant tool in our spiritual walk and progress toward our spiritual purpose. The original information presented on the labyrinth has expanded, and given these new insights I wanted to post these notes from a previous class.

The Labyrinth is an ancient archetypal symbol said to be 5,000 years old, with some shared similarities of the Shamanic Cosmic Web. Evidence of it has been found throughout Europe, the Mediterranean, and even in the North American Native traditions, especially the Hopi (whose roots can be traced to ancient Olmec).

Basically, the labyrinth is a metaphor for our path through life, which is never linear or a straight line. However, the symbolism contained in the various designs of the labyrinth is profound, and tends to expand as we work with it and/or as our consciousness expands. As with Shamanic practice, the labyrinth can be easily incorporated into any belief system. The labyrinth is a walking prayer, meditation in motion, a spiritual action through physical form.

Combining sacred geometry, numerology, and the imagery of both the circle and the spiral, this symbol offers a simple, meandering yet purposeful, walk of prayer through sacred space. The circle is a universal symbol of life cycles, or the circle of life in which we all exist. Circles represent unity, wholeness, totality, and completion; but they also symbolize movement, motions, waves (such as waves of energy which will be a topic of the next teaching circle this month).

The spiral is symbolic of a journey, but even more, represents a helical unfolding or expansion spinning in waves outward from a center of force or energy. It might also be likened to a vortex that pulls things into this center. In an unfolding, mysteries and experiences would be revealed along the path of the larger journey, toward growth and evolution. In a vortex, one might be drawn in deeper, such as to discover deeper truths and understanding within.

The imagery in the design reflects the structure of our brain, especially the two hemispheres, right and left. However, the symbolic significance of the brain/mind is perhaps the primary or at least, initial reason we might walk the labyrinth. The labyrinth apparently represents balance in the hemispheres, our brain, and our mind. We walk through our own mind to discover the hidden and limiting structures within so we can release them, and continue our journey unburdened by them.

This then is also a metaphorical journey to deep within ourselves. The labyrinth is a spiritual tool or technology that represents our physical walk, our spiritual path, and the “maze” of our subconscious mind.

We need to be clear, at this point, that the labyrinth is NOT a maze although the two words and concepts are often used interchangeably. The labyrinth is not a puzzle to be solved or a game to be won. It is a sacred space and must be honored as such. The labyrinth offers a unicursal, single path leading to and from its center without any false corridors, dead ends, or hidden corners (there are NO corners in a labyrinth). Let’s look deeper into this symbolism.

The Cretan labyrinth is said to be the oldest known design of 7 circuits, and is associated with the Greek mythology of King Minos and the Minotaur. It is probably the simplest design. The seven circuits correspond to our seven chakras, which would suggest a further connection to our energetic bodies (and we could probably continue this out to include the Tree of Life and the seven Sephiroth). It also corresponds with the seven days of divine creation which is a recurring symbolic reference in general.

The medieval labyrinth, especially the 13th century floor design of the Chartres Cathedral in Paris, France is an Eleven Circuit Labyrinth. Here, even the Church brought in the concept of the this sacred archetype with some modifications. The Christian symbols of the Cross and the Rose were added to the design, which actually expanded the emblematic quality of the symbol, and revealed some deeper understanding of the labyrinth’s intent and purpose. At least this is my view after researching this topic in more depth relative to our study of the heart-brain connection. It is the vertical placement of the Cross that gave form to the two metaphorical “hemispheres” of the brain.

However, the horizontal cross beam further divided the labyrinth into four quadrants, which correspond to the four lobes of the brain: frontal; parietal; temporal; and occipital. This then corresponds to division of the heart into upper and lower chambers, which are the four chambers of the heart: the left and right atrium; and the left and right ventricle.

The additional circuits are, of course, by design as well. This design creates 28 “loops” (which a lunar cycle), with 7 loops within each quadrant: 7 right loops and 7 left loops going outward; and 7 right loops and 7 left loops going inward.

The addition of the six-petaled rose (also called a rosette or lotus) is significant. The number 6 is the number of Balance, Love, and Humanity. The rose is the symbol of Balance, Love, and Enlightenment (at least in Christian tradition). The rosette is the core or center of the labyrinth; it is the beginning and end of the spiral and circle.

Given the clear references to the chakras (and associated energetic bodies), knowing that the heart chakra is our central energetic center that not only circulates life force blood but life force energy to our body and chakras <and as we have discussed at teaching circles has its own energetic field greater than the brain>, that our soul is the driving force of our consciousness, it seems abundantly clear that the rosette then represents the HEART with all its symbolism, or at the very least, the Heart-Brain Connection that links with the entire physical-spiritual body (MBS) system. As above so below.

Frontal Lobe Parietal Lobe Temporal Lobe Occipital Lobe

Right Hemisphere Left Hemisphere

BRAIN

ROSETTE: heart-brain connection; when the two become one

HEART

Upper Chambers Lower Chambers

Right Atrium Left Atrium Right Ventricle Left Ventricle

So, it is my conclusion that walking the labyrinth is far more than just walking through your mind to work through issues, it is a metaphoric or virtual walk through your entire being: Mind. Body. Soul. Heart. Brain. Chakras. Energetic Bodies. Consciousness of all the above. These structures, inaccurate and limiting indoctrinated beliefs, cognitive artifacts that are no longer a match, outdated and obsolete patterns, programs, conditioning, are not just rooted in our mind; they become established in all the various aspects of our multi-faceted Self as energetic “blocks” or issues that need resolved.

With this perspective and knowledge, I believe that we can now approach the labyrinth with a conscious intention of an all inclusive and deep release on multiple levels, clearing said structures and whatever else from every aspect of our Self. Along with the other tools we have, such as the Dismemberment Journey, Soul Retrieval (the restoration of displaced consciousness), chakra healing, the Sacred Song and Word Zin-Aru per Thoth and the Emerald Tablets, we have a real means to reach this spiritual simpatico we have been discussing and working toward. The labyrinth would also be a great follow-up action for any counseling, energy work, healing, meditation, or even other mindful exercises such as yoga.

So, that said, let’s discuss the actual walk. There really is no strict protocol for walking the labyrinth, but there are some basic guidelines and suggestions you want to be aware of. Much like the Dismemberment, the labyrinth walk is not a one time event but a progressive process. Expect to repeat the same intention and walk several times to reach full energetic resolution. Much like the Shamanic Journey, it is your intention that drives and directs your walk. Any issue is fair game in the labyrinth, from any area in your life.

Focus on one thing at a time per walk: job, family, relationship, finances, health, healing, guidance, release, etc. Your intention will determine what type of walk you will have, what you will let go of, what you might receive, and what you will then need to integrate and assimilate into your subjective reality.

If you are not sure about your intention, then just hand it over to God-Source-Universe-Spirit to guide you through and do whatever it sees most appropriate for you right now. If you are seeking guidance or insights, remember that you must not reduce your question down to a simple “yes or no” answer; you are seeking a better understanding of the issue in general so that you can make the best possible choice.

Decide on the pace of your walk, and then go with whatever moves you as you move. I have seen people literally “skip” through their walk almost as if they were dancing. I suggest that you begin with a relatively slow and deliberate gait, focusing on each step you take. By taking your time and being mindful as you walk you will better sense the urges to pause or stop at certain points. Never rush yourself through the walk, especially in the paused moments. Allow this to work itself through.

Some people like to repeat some sort of mantra or prayer, especially something that puts themselves into a state of receiving. Some may simply repeat their intention as they move through the space. One mantra used in the Buddhist tradition is, “May I dwell in the HEART. May I be free of suffering. May I be healed. May I find peace.”

Another mantra might be the Ascension Mantra or Celestial Song, "Kodoish, Kodoish, Kodoish, Adonai Sabayoth." The labyrinth walk follows a “three-fold path” with some possible variations as follows:

Step One: Entering the Labyrinth: you are about to step into a sacred space, so be mentally and emotionally prepared. St your intention before you step in. Define the purpose of focus of your walk before you enter. Be ready to let go of whatever you need to be rid of and to receive anything that benefits you. Some call this first phase a purging, but you might also call it releasing, purification, cleansing, or unburdening. As you enter and move through remain mindful of your experience. Avoid any critical thinking but pay attention to what comes to mind; and pay special attention to what you FEEL as you progress.

I mentioned that there may be points where you feel the need to pause or stop. This usually happens when your are rounding or approaching the curves of the loops. This is typically when you meet that structure that needs attention, whatever it might be. These are reflections of those “dark corners” in your mind. Stop and just allow Spirit and your Higher Self to do what it needs to do; do not rush through this.

Even if someone is approaching you, simply allow them to step around you. You will feel when it is time to continue. This may happen several times, or it may not happen at all, so just flow with it. You may feel a wave of emotion during this process or sometime during the walk. Pay attention to what you feel, and if you need to pause do so, regardless of where you are within the space.

Consider walking with your palms faced downward to the ground as you release (repeating your mantra if you so desire). In life we are all sharing the same space and path, so you may “meet” another person during your walk. Simply step around each other and continue.

Step Two: Centering, Illumination, or Receiving: step into the rose/rosette area. Here is where you center and balance yourself, where you receive the healing, guidance or reprogramming you need relative to the purpose of your walk. As in a shamanic healing, the voids left from releasing are filled. Some people will stand in the middle of the rose. I prefer to stand in each “petal” moving through and then finally stand in the middle. Consider standing with your palms upward in your time here to receive and connect with whatever is coming to you. Take your time. As with any paused moments gauge your time according to what you feel. When you feel it is complete, move out of the rose walking the same path you used to enter.

Step Three: Returning and Integrating: Once you have moved through the labyrinth to process your releasing, and then connecting and received, you will move back through the labyrinth the same way you came in. This time, however, you are now integrating what you received, absorbing the healing, guidance or insight that came to you. You are basically acclimating to a new consciousness before you step back out into the “real world.” Some people like to hold their palms together to “gel” the experience. Mindful breath at this point would be beneficial as well as you "breathe in" what you have received and experienced.

As you approach the exit, the point where you also entered, the beginning and the end, take you time and allow yourself to prepare stepping out of this sacred space. Pause if necessary to give thanks for this interaction and experience, and mark the end of your journey with words such as “amen” or “it is done.” If possible, once you have exited the labyrinth, take a few minutes to just relax and ground yourself.

Keeping a labyrinth journal is also beneficial to record your experience. Walk the labyrinth often, but I suggest that you give each walk a few weeks to process before you walk again. One thing you can do in the mean time is to use a photo or pix of a labyrinth and trace your path with your finger or a feather. This is not quite the same experience, but it is effective. Integrate this practice with your other spiritual maintenance routines such as chakra healing and consciousness restoration aka soul retrieval. The key to our progress and evolution is integration or defragmentation.

Namaste' Y'all.