At our Samhain celebration, I constructed a labyrinth that I was very proud of. Here it is:

On our forums, I was asked recently about the meaning of the labyrinth and how it fit into our practice. This was my off the cuff answer:

The labyrinth is like a path.. to where, I’m not sure… to the center of the universe, to an alternate “here,” to the edge of the divide between our world and the spirit world? Maybe all of the above. As you walk its path back and forth, your “head space” changes, expands. It’s a walking, moving meditation. When you reach the center and look around, it’s like you are in a different world. You are in the center of the world, surrounded by the universe.

It’s hard to explain. Maybe because, to any rational observation, it’s just walking around in circles and spirals, twists and turns. But you actually do it, and it’s completely different.

Honestly, my knowledge of labyrinths is very limited. It consists of having walked a few and briefly discussed them with Dragon once. I just found a very interesting site about them, though: The Labyrinth Society. They are “inspiring possibilities and creating connections through the labyrinth.” Their goal is to promote the use and construction of labyrinths worldwide. What do they have to say about the meaning of labyrinths? Here is their take on sacred geometry:

Sig Lonegren’s Definition
In a nut-shell, Sacred Geometry is, “The use of a handful of ratios to create forms that help the seeker to resonate properly to achieve their desired spiritual goal.”

While I am aware that others have found sacred geometry in the Chartres Labyrinth, I honestly have never found any evidence that it exists in the Classical labyrinths. Oh yes, you can make them with a compass, but it ain’t necessary. Is the turf-cut Chartres-type Braemer labyrinth south of Salisbury in England any less effective than the identical path labyrinth in Chartres Cathedral in France? I don’t think so, I’ve experienced powerful results in both.

BUT, there is a connection between Classical labyrinths and Sacred Geometry. To really gnow how to make one, you MUST make ten or so with your hands - the same as with and Sacred Geometrical shape like the phi rectangle. Something happens when you make a number of these forms. Suddenly, you can stop thinking about what to do next, and your hand takes over, and you just gnow what to do. That’s when the geometry becomes sacred.

So, while it can be made an issue with a small number of labyrinth types, for most of them, except for the gnowing-by-doing-it-with-your-hand aspect, sacred geometry really isn’t necessary to the construction of most labyrinths. (Of course you/Western Man can MAKE Sacred Geometry a part, but I have found that it is absolutely not a requirement.)

Unlike standing in the King’s Chamber in the Great Pyramid, or at the centre of Stonehenge, or in any other sacred space constructed using Sacred Geometry, I don’t believe it is the shape/form/ratio of the labyrinth that aids one in achieving resonance or entrainment, it is the act of walking it - back and forth, back and forth that does this. (This is one reason why I am less sure of the efficacy of modern labyrinth variants. It is the pattern that one walks that creates the resonance.

Alex Champion’s Definition
Sacred geometry is the contemplation and utilization of the archetypal geometric patterns of Nature for the purposes of spiritual communion and healing.

Robert Ferré’s Definition
“Sacred geometry is the act of studying the divine act of creation and then using that knowledge to create in the same way. By studying nature, we find that the basic building blocks of creation are geometric. Since a divine hand is responsible for originating the numbers and proportions of the manifest universe, that geometry is sacred. Studying sacred geometry leads us to truth and self-understanding. All societies use sacred geometry to construct their temples, sacred places, and art. Chartres Cathedral, for example. And its labyrinth. Numbers aren’t just for counting, nor are they just symbolic. They are the actual essence of everything that exists.”

More insight into the “why” of labyrinths was neatly provided on a website created for Palo Alto College’s Staff Development Day, July 25, 2001, and called: Labyrinth: Journey to Wellness.

A labyrinth is an ancient symbol representing wholeness that is over 3,500 years old. When this symbol is transferred to the ground and walked with purpose, it becomes a metaphor for the journey of life. It is a single path to our center, the inner self; a slowing down and listening, then returning to the outer world feeling renewed and rejuvenated. The benefits include stress reduction, relaxation and stillness along with the opportunity to open to our intuition and creativity.

Also, of good value is their list o’ benefits of walking a labyrinth:

10. It is a Right Brain task involving creativity and imagery. There is no logic or maze trickery.
9. You can experience an ancient archetype symbolic of wholeness and life’s journey.
The seven circuits symbolize the variety of parts that make up the whole human.
8. Allows you to be a part of human history…people all over the world have been walking these patterns for over 3,500 years.
7. When the labyrinth is an outside one, it is a wonderful opportunity
to connect with nature and Mother Earth, allowing you to realize
how sacred & precious everything is.
6. It is a walking meditation promoting relaxation, deeper breathing &
release of stress.
5. Mysteriously works with the chakra system and chi meridians used by Chinese acupuncturist throughout ages for healing and balancing the organs & body.
4. It is a way to get in touch with the inner self; the self that knows you best.
3. Gives you the opportunity to express your personal needs to yourself.
2. Gives you the opportunity to listen and search for your own answers.
To be self-dependent, self-responsible and connected to your inner source.
1. It is a gift of self-care you give to yourself and share with others.

As I said before, it doesn’t really make sense until you give it a try. Find a labyrinth near you and try walking it with purpose as a moving meditation and see what happens. I doubt you will be disappointed.