What is a labyrinth?
A labyrinth is a powerful archetypal symbol representing Wholeness and the interconnectedness of all of life. A source of wisdom, wonder and transformation, it is an ancient universal symbol found in many sacred cultures of the world and not belonging to any one faith or tradition.
Unlike a maze, which has many paths and dead-ends, a labyrinth is unicursal, meaning it has one direct path to the centre. This can be seen as a metaphor for our journey through life, a journey to the centre of ourselves and an opportunity for transformation.
The plant labyrinth at Derrynagittah is a classic 7-ring labyrinth, a living Earth Temple. The rings correspond to the first seven major chakras or energy centres in the body and are planted with appropriate herbs and flowers. Walking the labyrinth balances the two hemispheres of the brain and has a beneficial effect on body, mind and spirit.
The centre of the labyrinth is a place of transformation. When we walk out from the centre, something is always changed, even if we are unaware of it at the time.
The labyrinth honours the Earth Mother and is often seen as a fertility symbol. This labyrinth is dedicated to Shekinah, the Hebrew Feminine aspect of the Divine. It also honours Yod as the Divine Masculine. It helps us connect with these aspects of ourselves and balance our own male and female energies, finding the Sacred Marriage within.
The labyrinth is a gateway between Heaven and Earth, Above and Below. It links in with the Earth Energy Grid or ‘songlines’ of the Earth and connects us to the stars and planets. As well as offering healing for ourselves and our communities, walking the labyrinth can bring benefit to the Earth Herself.
The labyrinth may be walked in many different ways. There is no right or wrong – it is best to trust your own inner wisdom. We walk the labyrinth with intention. Some possible intents are:- to seek guidance and inspiration
- to ask for healing for yourself or another
- to give thanks
- to grieve a loss
- to release fear or some other pattern
- to dream
- to pray and be with Spirit
- to raise your consciousness
- simply to have fun!
Walking the labyrinth serves many functions including:
- developing intuition, creativity and trust
- balancing right and left sides of the brain, female & male energies
- enhancing contact with spiritual realms
- cleansing and balancing the chakras
- carrying our prayers to wherever they are needed and giving us an opportunity to receive a reply
- bringing healing and comfort to ourselves and others
- raising consciousness
By balancing the two hemispheres of the brain, labyrinth walking has been shown to be of benefit to children with certain behavioural and/or developmental difficulties.
Anything can be transformed, and we hold the intention that whatever we do for ourselves, we also do for the collective. By surrendering to the winding path one's soul finds healing and wholeness.
I invite you to walk the Derrynagittah labyrinth by engaging with the Labyrinth Walk video on our Home page. Set your intention and enjoy!