Mrs Airwolfhound
Looking for Divine Inspiration
I have done one of these before and did this one too while i was at Winchester, being Spiritually inclined i certainly got something from the experience.
Sorry the pic is a bit wonky, ill adjust when i can be bothered ;-)
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The Labyrinth is an ancient pattern found in many cultures and most religions around the world, though its form may vary. Labyrinth designs have been found on pottery, rocks and tiles as old as 2000bc. Many patterns are based on spirals from nature. Celtic culture would have known labyrinths as 'The Never-Ending Circle" In Native American Culture it is called the Medicine Wheel. It differs from the maze in having only one path; there are no false turns or dead ends.
In early medieval times, many Christians vowed to make a pilgramage to the Holy Land, just as Muslims today make a pilgramage to Mecca for the Haj. However during the Crusades, it became too dangerous for Christians to travel to Jerusalem, so seven European Cathedrals, including Chartres, built large Labyrinths in their naves for pilgrims to walk. The Spiritual journey for these pilgrims would be a visit to all these labyrinths, which were negotiated upon their knees. This spiritual excercise was based upon three stages detailed below, of Pergation, Illumination and Union.
To do the walk, quieten your mind and become aware of your breath. Allow yourself to find the pace your body wants. There is no need to rush. Others may be walking the labyrinth at the same time, the path is two-way. Those going in will meet those coming out. You may pass people or let others step around you, do what feels natural.
The path always takes us to the centre, and then always returns us to the world. Some walk the Labyrinth find that it becomes a mirror for our lives.
Three traditional, spiritual stages to walking the Labyrinth;
- Purgation (releasing) A releasing or letting go of the self. Try to switch off stray thoughts and distractions. use the time to open the heart and quiet the mind.
- Illumination (receiving) A time to dwell at the centre. It is a place of meditation and prayer. You may receive some unexpected revelation.
- Union (returning) Leaving the labyrinth will take you on the same journey as the way in. However, this return jopurney may feel different, giving you energy and a new focus for the journey ahead.
Looking for Divine Inspiration
I have done one of these before and did this one too while i was at Winchester, being Spiritually inclined i certainly got something from the experience.
Sorry the pic is a bit wonky, ill adjust when i can be bothered ;-)
* * * * *
The Labyrinth is an ancient pattern found in many cultures and most religions around the world, though its form may vary. Labyrinth designs have been found on pottery, rocks and tiles as old as 2000bc. Many patterns are based on spirals from nature. Celtic culture would have known labyrinths as 'The Never-Ending Circle" In Native American Culture it is called the Medicine Wheel. It differs from the maze in having only one path; there are no false turns or dead ends.
In early medieval times, many Christians vowed to make a pilgramage to the Holy Land, just as Muslims today make a pilgramage to Mecca for the Haj. However during the Crusades, it became too dangerous for Christians to travel to Jerusalem, so seven European Cathedrals, including Chartres, built large Labyrinths in their naves for pilgrims to walk. The Spiritual journey for these pilgrims would be a visit to all these labyrinths, which were negotiated upon their knees. This spiritual excercise was based upon three stages detailed below, of Pergation, Illumination and Union.
To do the walk, quieten your mind and become aware of your breath. Allow yourself to find the pace your body wants. There is no need to rush. Others may be walking the labyrinth at the same time, the path is two-way. Those going in will meet those coming out. You may pass people or let others step around you, do what feels natural.
The path always takes us to the centre, and then always returns us to the world. Some walk the Labyrinth find that it becomes a mirror for our lives.
Three traditional, spiritual stages to walking the Labyrinth;
- Purgation (releasing) A releasing or letting go of the self. Try to switch off stray thoughts and distractions. use the time to open the heart and quiet the mind.
- Illumination (receiving) A time to dwell at the centre. It is a place of meditation and prayer. You may receive some unexpected revelation.
- Union (returning) Leaving the labyrinth will take you on the same journey as the way in. However, this return jopurney may feel different, giving you energy and a new focus for the journey ahead.