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It is only by keeping to the path, step by step, twist by turn, that one arrives at the physical center of the labyrinth, which signifies arriving at the center of our own lives and souls. Reaching the center of the labyrinth represents reaching the center, not only of our own hearts and spirits but of the goal we seek: Spirit, release from emotional or physical pain, a solution to a challenging problem or creative task, the unobstructed Self.

With today’s labyrinth renaissance, two forms of the labyrinth have assumed prominence. These, the Cretan form and the Chartres form, are the ones explored in this book. Both produce the same powerful results; preferences are based on personal aesthetics, individual connection to liturgical forms or allegiance to Earth-based spiritualities, or simply the ease of installing one form over another.

The Cretan labyrinth, named after the island of Crete, home of the mythical labyrinth in which dwelled the Minotaur, takes the walker through seven circuits before reaching the center. It is the oldest and most universal form of the labyrinth, dating back at least 3,500 years. (See Figure 1.1.) Almost all other forms of the labyrinth are a variation of this classic model, save for the Chartres labyrinth.

The Chartres labyrinth, named after the permanent stone labyrinth set into the floor of Chartres Cathedral in France during the thirteenth century, has eleven concentric paths that wind through four quadrants of a circle. It is a distinctly Christian pattern, an equal-armed cross visible in its elegant layout. Set in the center is a rosette, a six-petaled design representing a rose, traditional symbol for the Virgin Mary. (See Figure 1.2.)

FIGURE 1.1 CRETAN LABYRINTH

Why the astonishing and sudden popularity of the labyrinth? Walking the labyrinth fulfills six important contemporary needs: deepening spirituality; inwardness and connection to soul; access to intuition and creativity; simplicity; for integration of body and spirit; and intimacy and community. The labyrinth addresses all of these six human needs, transforming the lives of those who take the time to walk its circuits.

FIGURE 1.2 CHARTRES LABYRINTH

DEEPENING SPIRITUALITY

We are a nation gripped by a powerful spiritual resurgence. Across the entire spectrum from mainstream religions to Eastern philosophies to New Age movements, people in an increasingly driven and fragmented culture are searching for authentic spirituality and the sacred.

The labyrinth welcomes these seekers, opening its arms wide to anyone seeking authentic spiritual experience. The labyrinth is a powerful spiritual symbol that speaks to our souls in a way that transcends all creeds and beliefs. All spiritual traditions speak of life as a path, a spiritual journey, with its own twists and unexpected turns, to the heart of Spirit. Walking the labyrinth can help people step foot once again on their own paths, helping them to remember their own lives as spiritual journeys.

“The interest in the labyrinth is coming from every corner of society. You name it, I’ve probably heard something about it,” says Jean Lutz, editor of the Labyrinth Letter and webmistress of one of the most comprehensive labyrinth websites in the world. “This widespread, across-the-board interest boggles my mind. People are so hungry for some handhold now to get spirituality into their lives in a concrete way. The labyrinth isn’t just physical; it has a very powerful mystical quality. It’s like the labyrinth is a kind of clue to existence, to the mysteries of life and Spirit. Just being in a labyrinth begins to bring some sense to all this mystery; it’s like being on the Path, knowing that there are answers to all the Big Questions, even if I’ll never know them.”

Walking the labyrinth deepens one’s spiritual path, whatever that path may be. The labyrinth can be a path of prayer, taking us—no matter whom or what we worship—to the center: the center of creation and the center of our own hearts