Many people may get confused thinking a labyrinth is a maze however labyrinths are an ancient symbol relating to wholeness. It combines the imagery of a circle and spiral into a journey from outside to in and backs out again. Usually, there is only one entry into the path and people choose how fast, slow, or way to walk it. The practice provides a direct experience of walking a path as a metaphor for life's journey. Labyrinths can be incredible experiences combining movement and action with meditation.
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The first examples of labyrinths come from the neolithic and bronze age with images carved on rocks. Coins from Crete appear with the symbols around 1 BC. The design later became popular with the Romans who would put them on the floors of their homes and would use the design for horsemen to practice riding. The imagery eventually developed and led to churches using them in their construction.
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The first evidence of religious use of labyrinths is from the 4th century where the Basilica of Reparatus in Orleansville, Algeria was built. The most famous one is the Chartres Cathedral in France which was built in the 13th century. Chartres Cathedral is widely known to have individuals pilgrimage there to partake in the labyrinth.
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What is a Labyrinth
For me, a labyrinth is a spiritual tool to connect with the Divine within. It is an incredible way to make a shift in consciousness. It has a clear beginning, and the path always leads you to the center. A labyrinth helps you to let go of your conceptual mind, which allows you to connect deeper with your inner self. Walking the pattern of the labyrinth induces a shift in your consciousness and in your energy system, consciously or unconsciously. The labyrinth has been described as a 're-orientation engine'.
The main labyrinth I work with at Angel Valley is an 11th circuit labyrinth. It has a rose cross at the center. It is a symbol of dawn, of the resurrection of light and the renewal of life, and therefore of the dawn of the first day. It is a bearer of resurrection energy. The Angel Valley labyrinth is located on a 7th chakra earth energy line enhancing the spiritual experience.
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How to walk a labyrinth
Be quiet. Breathe deep into your belly. Be aware to walk in your own space. Before you enter the labyrinth, set an intention, and open your heart. Walk in a meditative way. Be in a receptive state of being. Have a clear intention.
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The Chartres Labyrinth
The Chartres labyrinth has 11 circuits with the center as the 12th step. Mastering the 12 levels of consciousness leads to the completion of our journey. The labyrinth walker is the 13th element, bringing all levels into one. The walker transcends the consciousness of this reality and moves to a higher level of consciousness.
Chartres Cathedral, France
The Chartres labyrinth at Angel Valley is a replica of the one in the Cathedral de Notre Dame in Chartres, France. It is 104 ft (31.6m) in diameter, two times the size of the original labyrinth.
Pilgrims used it as an alternative for a pilgrimage to Jerusalem, the holy city, walking the labyrinth barefoot, or even on their knees. Once in the center, the strong Earth energies and the cosmic energies, combined with the light of the colorful stained-glass windows, made it into a transcendental experience. The pilgrims in our times have a similar goal to achieve clarity on their path through life, and to experience their connection with God, The Creator, All That Is. The pattern of the Chartres labyrinth is a cross within a circle, a symbol much older than the Christian tradition.
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Working with the Labyrinth:
It is a joy to "work" with the energy of the labyrinth at Angel Valley Labyrinth.
Couples, groups, and individuals enjoy being guided via drumming through the labyrinth. It is a wonderful place for new beginnings, creating intentions, releasing prayers, dreaming new dreams, as well as letting go of the past and stepping into a new future!
The Angel Valley land has a nice grassy area for preparation, meditation, and Elemental Connection.
I offer a donation to Angel Valley (per person) for the use of the land.
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Reservations can be made with (48 hr notice) via my website or email: AngelaJeanneRoseHeart@gmail.com
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