About Labyrinths
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The Labyrinth is an Ancient tool
Labyrinths are an ancient tool for meditation, peace and prayer. It is a place of possibility. In our busy lives we seldom take the time to stop and reflect. Walking the labyrinth helps to clear the mind and gives insight into our life's journey. The journey is different for everyone, for we each bring our uniqueness to the labyrinth. There is not 'right way' to walk a labyrinth. You only have to enter and put one foot in front of the other to follow the path.
Geometric form describes sacred place
Labyrinths are geometric forms that define a sacred space
and they have been around for over 4,000 years. Labyrinths have been found in just about every major religious tradition in the world, from Scandinavia, through Europe and into the Americas. The Hopi used a labyrinth as a symbol for Mother Earth and troy towns (labyrinths) in Scandinavia were thought to keep sailors safe at sea.
Ancient Christiatn labyrinth tradition
During the Christian crusades of the middle ages labyrinths were used to symbolically represent a pilgrimage to the Holy Land and were placed in some of the great cathedrals of the time (like the one at Chartres Cathedral in France). Today they are used for meditation, reflection, prayer, healing, stress reduction and fun.
"The labyrinth is an evocative tool. It evokes, from within us, a sense of how we relate to other people, to ourselves and to the Holy. To reap the benefits of these insights, however demands that we experience our experience in a conscious way." Rev. Lauren Artress
Walking the Labyrinth
Walking the labyrinth is more about the journey than the destination; more about being than doing; about integrating body, mind and spirit. When you walk you meander back and forth, turning 180° each time you enter a different circuit. As you shift direction you also shift your awareness from one side of your brain to the other, from the right side of the brain to the left side and back again at the next turn, balancing the hemispheres. This is one of the reasons the labyrinth can induce receptive states of consciousness.
Labyrinths come in different sizes and patterns. They often have seven or eleven circuits, but usually an odd number.
To find out more or to find a labyrinth near you try Labyrinths in New Zealand
or use the Labyrinth Locator on the Grace Cathedral (San Fransico) site -
Labyrinth Locator
Click to our labyrinth links page |
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Portable Labyrinths
Handpainted Silk Labyrinths
Hand-dyed Plain Labyrinths
Black Rayon Labyrinths
Finger Labyrinths
Walk Labyrinth for World Peace
Permanent Labyrinths
Labyrinths in New Zealand
Labyrinth Links
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"One step at a time
that's all I need to know.
One foot after the other
that's all I need to do,
trusting, I AM enough as I AM.
Jan Blythe
'Walking the Margins' |
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Location map - Castle Hill |
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1 hour to Christchurch Airport
1.75 hours to Greymouth & Hokitika
Great stopover accommodation
Kaikoura to Franz Josef Glacier
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Contact Avoca House
Private Bag 55037, Castle Hill Village
Canterbury 7652, New Zealand
Phone : +64 (0)3 318 7620
Email : labyrinths@avocahouse.com
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