What is a labyrinth?

A labyrinth is a winding path leading to a central point. Unlike a maze, a labyrinth has only one single path with no side branches or false endings. You cannot get lost in a labyrinth. The path seems random yet purposeful, soothing but occasionally surprising. 

In our era, labyrinths are used for meditation and relaxation. They range in size from rings, necklaces, and other jewelry to several thousand square feet. No matter the size, mentally or physically tracing them can ease one into a meditative state. 

The earliest labyrinths were almost certainly used for ritual purposes, though what those rituals were is lost to history. Some scholars suggest that they replicated the passage into those caverns where ancient cave art is still discovered. Others provide a psychological explanation, finding in labyrinth’s circuits a symbolic return to the birth (and rebirth) experience. Still others explain labyrinths in terms of practical magic–aiding fertility, easing childbirth, protecting one from malevolent spirits, atoning for sins, communicating with the underworld, and so on.  

Labyrinths are distinguished by their type (Classical, Chartre, Spiral, etc.), by the number of circuits, and by the “handedness” – does the first turn go to the left or right? Ancient labyrinths tend to be right-handed; modern labyrinths mostly turn left. Labyrinths traditionally open toward the east, or in reference to some ordinal direction or external landmark.

Labyrinths at UU Amherst 

[ IMAGE 1 Emergent ]

 “Emergent” lies immediately to the right (behind the brick wall) as you enter the Waterhouse Ecology Center. It is a classical seven-circuit left-handed labyrinth, approximately 32 feet in diameter, opening to the west. The grass path is about two feet wide and traced by inlaid bricks. Though the ground is in places uneven (and laced with tree roots), it is an easy walk. It was christened by Rev. Michelle at its completion in summer 2021, when the Covid crisis was beginning to ease and activities were returning to the public sphere.

Classical labyrinths, also known as “Cretan” labyrinths, came to the attention of archeologists in the excavation of the ancient city of Knossos in Crete in about 1900. Labyrinths were in fact quite commonplace across the Mediterranean region and into northern Europe and the Atlantic seaboard, so ubiquitous that they were seldom commented even into our day. Romans were particularly fascinated with labyrinths and often used them in decorative mosaics and even graffiti wherever they went.

[ Image 2 The Mountain ]

“The Mountain” lies further north on the center path, near the pavilion. It was named by an early walker who observed that, as the path nears its center, the coils grow closer together and the experience is like “climbing a mountain.” The path is indeed narrow and uneven, and one must step carefully.  

The Mountain is a nine-circuit right-handed labyrinth of a type one might find in Scandinavia or Siberia. Labyrinths in northern Europe sometimes grow to huge proportions– up to nineteen circuits and more. They are often found in groups on remote islands, and occasionally near Christian churches. Like many of those models, The Mountain’s entry path and center point are nearly aligned. However, its path is of wood chips rather than bounded by stones. A “harn” (a pile of rocks) also graces its interior. The purpose of these mounds, whether within a labyrinth or sharing the locale, is unknown, though a ritual aspect is assumed. 

Traditionally, Fishermen preparing for a trip would walk slowly into the center of the labyrinth, then race out again as fast as possible, leaving confused demons trapped in the circuits. A separate tradition has young men racing to the center to win a young maiden waiting there.

[ Image 3  Courage ]

“Courage” is the smallest labyrinth on our campus. It is found by turning left at the Ecology Center sign. It is a “Chakra Vyuha,” a six-circuit type found in northern India and Tibet. This style begins with the familiar back-and-forth path of the Classical labyrinth, but becomes a full spiral on the inner circuits. The term Chakra Vyuha may be translated as “spinning disk.” 

The  style is said to have originated in The Mahabharata as a slowly rotating military formation. The style is also occasionally known as a “Hecate” labyrinth, named after the Greek goddess. Both Chakra Vyuha and Hecate have an ambivalent history of both destruction and consolation, and became associated with feminine devotees. 

In India, Chakra Vyuha are drawn in front of homes, or occasionally inscribed near doorways as a protective device. Walking a Chakra Vyuha is said to promote an easy childbirth.

[ Image 4  Chartres ]

A table-top labyrinth in the Chapel is a model of a Chartre Labyrinth, named for the French Cathedral where the original is found. This 13-circuit style was completed around 1200 CE, the culmination of a distinctly Christian type that began evolving about 600 years earlier.

Traversing the Chartre labyrinth may have been regarded as smaller-scale pilgrimage to the Holy Land. The truly penitent were said to walk the labyrinth on their knees.

In our services at UUCA, congregants are invited to place stones of shells on the table labyrinth to symbolically lay down their burdens and enter fully into the experience.

Labyrinth Etiquette

Although in a public space, walking a labyrinth is essentially a private experience – one that is hopefully relaxing, meditative, and restorative. As in all meditative exercises, your attitude in engaging can shape your experience. As the late Robert Pirsig noted, “The only Zen you can find on the tops of mountains is the Zen you bring up there.” If your zen has been buried under the avalanche of daily distractions and concerns, a walk in a labyrinth might help you find it again.

So far as possible, take a few centering breaths before entering the labyrinth. Step deliberately in the entrance and follow the circuits to the center. If you have a favorite chant or prayer from your religious tradition, you might say it quietly as you move, or perhaps simply count your steps.  

Once you reach the center, again take a few deliberate breaths. You might acknowledge the directions, speak or sing something restful, or bring your mind to stillness. When the time seems right, turn and walk the circuit back out. The outward journey is just as important as the inward.

Should you meet someone else on the path, simply step aside. Avoid conversation. If you’re on the outside, do not speak or otherwise distract those who are on their labyrinth journey. 

Children will almost invariably run through labyrinths. You may test your powers of concentration while they’re doing so, or wait for a quieter moment to take your walk.