The labyrinth is a universal symbol not belonging to any one faith or tradition and is known in most cultures of the world. The labyrinth is unicursal, that is, it has a direct path to the centre and out again. The model of labyrinth used in the Aistear replicates the more complex, medieval or Christian form, which is found in Chartres Cathedral in France. The Chartres labyrinth dates from the mid-13th Century, around 1260, the date of completion of the church. It is a classical, eleven-circuit labyrinth with eleven concentric circles while the twelfth constitutes the centre. There are thirty four turns on the path to the centre of the labyrinth. Six of these are right angle turns and twenty eight are 180 degree u-turns. As one walks to the centre, the entire area of the labyrinth is walked, instead of each quadrant in turn. Thus the whole area of the labyrinth is traversed before one reaches the centre. The entrance to the labyrinth breaks an otherwise continuous border pattern that comprises the lunations that form the outer circle of the labyrinth. The intricate lines of the path convey a sense of journeying. While concentrating on the paths’ turns, a person is also aware of the broader expanse of the labyrinth, of the attraction, yet elusiveness, of the centre and at the same time of the distance back to the mouth or entrance.
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The Labrys
Located in the quadrants of the labyrinth are the labrys. The labrys are the double headed axe symbols found between the turns of the labyrinth. The labrys, which is believed to be the root word of labyrinth, is traditionally associated with the Goddess or feminine power and creativity. The path into the centre winds in a clockwise pattern while the path back winds counter-clockwise.
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The Centre
The centre of the labyrinth is the culmination of the journey inwards. It provides a view of the whole labyrinth, the journey undertaken and the experiences encountered to arrive there. While the centre traditionally represents the journey of the Self, the labyrinth journey symbolises the process of integration, self-realisation and maturation of the human person. The centre as a place of transformation is also a place of renewal. A six petal rose pattern forms the inner circle of the centre. The rose is a symbol of Mary the Divine Mother. In the mystical tradition the rose is also a symbol of the Holy Spirit. Roses have been planted in the six petals of the rose-shaped pattern. The rose petal centre is understood to symbolise the six stages in planetary evolution.
As one walks into the centre and takes the left turn, one can meditate in each petal. The first petal represents mineral consciousness, then vegetable, animal, human, angelic and the Unknown Spirit, which is the mystery of all there is.
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Suggestions for walking the Aistear Labyrinth
The labyrinth path represents the path of life. It depicts the way to the unknown centre, the challenges on the way, the resolution of issues and the return to the external world. Every part of the journey is related, the long and short winding stretches and the twists and turns on the path. Though appearing to take one away from the centre, they actually bring one closer all the time. The centre represents the centre of oneself, a place that can be accessed again and again.
Before commencing the journey:
- Be conscious of where you are; the sounds, smells and how you feel.
- Inhale and exhale until the mind is quiet.
- Allow a question to arise within you.
- Ask for guidance, step on the path and begin the journey.
- Be aware of all aspects of the journey; the path itself, the twists and turns & how you feel.
- Without judgment and with awareness, walk the path to the centre.
- Pause and reflect in each of the six petals of the rose centre.
- Rest and reflect before commencing the journey outwards.
- Give thanks.
- You can also walk for a friend.
There is a transformative process in walking the labyrinth that provides an inner experience of harmony and unity. One only has to ask a question and be open to the experiences encountered in the journey, i.e. images, sounds, emotions, feelings, etc. As the whole labyrinth is traversed to the centre, one may experience different stages of awareness until a state of unity emerges. The journey outwards is walked in the same fashion and one can bring the experience or insight gained out into the world.
As one walks the path, one meets others on their journey. Each meeting is significant as are our attitudes to each other. We are in a constant process of learning and each person plays a role in life, the impact of which is important to understand in our own lives. Through all the interactions with each other on the way, we continue to learn about ourselves.
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