The Labyrinth Journey of Self-Discovery, Trust, and Determination
Labyrinths tell us about trust, hope and many forms of journeys life has a way of embarking us on. And to walk a physical earth labyrinth is to walk a sacred path as we bring our contemplations, questions, and deliberations to light as we slowly weave our way through the trusted spiral corridor. Life has its natural cycles of ebbs and flow, twists and turns, reflected in the labyrinth’s earth womb pathways. As a spiritual practice, I love seeking out new and familiar labyrinths to walk. The earthy grounding effect (I try to walk barefoot) always provides clarity, or at least a sense of calm, for me. This short article is an attempt to showcase the timeless wisdom and benefits (and fun!) of finding sacred labyrinths to walk.
The Shores, and Inner Landscapes
Entering a labyrinth requires abandoning dry land for watery depths. This is a metaphor for descent into the unconscious, a descent by which consciousness grows. As Joseph Campbell elaborated, “In the cave of our greatest fear lies the greatest treasure.” Joseph Campbell's Hero's Journey and walking a labyrinth share a profound connection. Both involve embarking on transformative quests, encountering challenges, and ultimately finding personal growth and self-realization. Walking a labyrinth becomes a symbolic representation of the hero's journey, guiding individuals through their own inner landscapes to discover their true selves. But the labyrinth is more gentle, intimate, as we feel secure knowing the path, the entrance, and the endpoint, will appear for us in time, always. It feels warm, too.
Image courtesy Celtic Arts Studio https://celticartstudio.com/symbol/43/
These journeys can represent specific adventures or the broader voyage through life. In essence, labyrinths visually mirror the epic folk-tales that encompass lengthy and intricate expeditions, where episodes often recur and loop back on themselves. They also carry the symbolism of self-discovery, delving into the depths of one's being and returning anew. This ancient symbol emerges as an archetype, serving as a valuable instrument for self-exploration and healing.
How to Embark on a Labyrinth Journey
Finding a labyrinth is your first step, and on Prince Edward Island we have the International Children’s Memorial Place – a free, and beautiful place to picnic, relax, and walk the sacred labyrinth. We also have a labyrinth at the palliative care center designed by my very own labyrinth guru, Diane, who gave us a beautiful workshop and discovery into her work with labyrinths as part of our spiritual care training, opening retreat.
Stepping Forward
There’s no “right” way to walk a labyrinth, but in contemplative style, we begin at the entrance by pausing, taking some deep breaths and asking a question, saying a prayer, or meditating. Then, start walking at your own pace, let go, release, and trust. As we reach the center, stay open to receive insights, perhaps ask the question again, and be willing to receive insights in the form of a symbol, direct experience, key word – anything, really. The divine speaks to us in many ways, after all. When you are ready, simply walk back towards the entrance and let the insights ferment without imposing any pressure on you. When you finish, address the labyrinth and be grateful for the path’s journey.
Some basics: Maze vs. Labyrinth
A labyrinth, unlike a maze, has only one path, winding but continuous, leading from the entrance to the center. In a maze, we are lost and there is no clear way out; In a labyrinth, we may feel lost, perhaps, but if we simply continue on the path we will reach the center and the way out again. The sensation of being in a labyrinth can feel full of trust, and warming, slightly adventurous, as we weave our way through, trusting we will find our way.
David Bowie in Tights
In the cult classic film "Labyrinth," Sarah, played by the talented Jennifer Connelly, embarks on a magical and perilous quest to rescue her baby brother from the clutches of the Goblin King. Beyond the enchanting visuals and captivating story, the movie conveys a powerful message of hope and resilience.
Throughout Sarah's labyrinthine journey, she encounters numerous challenges and setbacks. Yet, despite the overwhelming odds, she never gives up, as other Sarahs did. This is the famous quote for when Sarah ends up in the oubliette, Jareth (Bowie) says, "She should have given up by now." She didn’t.
Sarah's determination and unwavering belief in herself serve as a beacon of hope, inspiring viewers to confront their own trials with courage and perseverance.
Just like Sarah, we may stumble, encounter dead ends, and feel lost. However, the labyrinth teaches us that even in the face of adversity, there is always a way forward, that the labyrinth has a continuity, a reliable path, even though it may feel like a maze to us in the moment.