Walking the labyrinth is more about the journey than the destination (we know we are going to get to the center); it is about being rather than doing, integrating body, mind, and spirit into Oneness.

The Labyrinth Meditation Garden is located in Windham NH, just off Rt. 111, Route 93, exit 3. It is used in Magdalena’s private healing practice, for special events and is open Wednesdays (8:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.); additional times by appointment. Groups are welcome.

Back to the Top.

The Labyrinth

Why . . .

The labyrinth pattern is an archetypal form found all over the world. It dates back thousands of years. No one knows who created any of the labyrinth forms, but we do know from experience that embedded within each design is a pattern that somehow quiets our deep inner being so we can hear our own wisdom and the wisdom attempting to reach us. Whether walked or traced in the sand, the labyrinth pattern is a powerful tool for reflection, meditation, realignment, and a deeper knowledge of the Self.

Ancient Beginnings . . .

Chartres Cathedral, an hour south of Paris, houses what is perhaps the world’s best known labyrinth. The most elaborate of labyrinth patterns, with eleven circuits, dates back to the twelfth century. The classical seven circuit—also known as the Cretan, Celtic, and Hopi medicine wheel—is the oldest known labyrinth, dating back four to five thousand years. It is round or sometimes kidney shaped. Other labyrinth forms have been found in such varying places as ancient Rome, the American Southwest, and Jewish mystical texts.

Back to the Top.

Labyrinths are not mazes, although in the English language the words labyrinth and maze are frequently confused. Mazes contain cul-de-sacs and dead ends. They have more than one entrance and more than one exit and are designed to make us lose our way; they are entertainment. 

Labyrinths have the exact opposite purpose: they are designed to help us find our way. They have only one path—from the outer edge into the center and back out again. Through the act of trusting the path, of giving up conscious control of how things should go and being receptive to our inner state, we can be opened up to a whole new world. It seems that through the beautiful flow of their sacred patterns, labyrinths help us ground ourselves. In the labyrinth the destination is assured—no obstacles to overcome. No matter where you are in the labyrinth’s circuits you can always see the center as well as the path in and out.

Back to the Top.

A Single Path . . .

Because there is only one path, the word circuit is used to describe the number of times the path circles around the center. The classical seven-circuit labyrinth goes around seven times; the eleven-circuit labyrinth meanders around the center eleven times.

Many labyrinths, including the seven-and eleven-circuit ones, are “non-linear,” meaning that the path goes through the four quadrants in a non-sequential way. One enters in the first quadrant, moves through the second, then back to the first, then to the third, back to the second. As you move through a non-linear labyrinth you lose your sense of where you are in the pattern, entering into a pleasurable state of timelessness. Most people find this type of surrender particularly relaxing and refreshing.

Labyrinths come in all sizes—from the forty-two-foot labyrinth at Chartres Cathedral to the twenty four inch one found in the wall outside La Cucca Cathedral in Lucca, Italy. In Lucca one traces the pattern with one’s finger to quiet the mind before entering the cathedral.

Back to the Top.

Research conducted by Dr. Herbert Benson at Harvard Medical School's Mind/Body Medical Institute (and confirmed in other studies) has found focused walking meditations are highly efficient at reducing anxiety and eliciting what Dr. Benson calls the "relaxation response."

This effect has significant long term health benefits, including lower blood pressure and breathing rates, boosts the immune system, reduced incidents of chronic pain, reduction of insomnia, improved fertility, and many other benefits. Regular meditative practice leads to greater powers of concentration, increased brain activity in the areas that create positive emotions and an overall sense of "control" and efficiency in one's life.

When you walk a labyrinth, you meander back and forth, turning 180 degrees each time you enter a different circuit. As you shift your direction you also shift your awareness from right brain to left brain. This is one of the reasons the labyrinth can induce receptive states of consciousness and be more receptive to healing. It can also help to balance the chakras.

Back to the Top.

The most basic metaphor for walking a labyrinth is that of Life’s Journey. Walk the labyrinth while mindful of your life. Envision your life’s goal. Walk to your destiny and see what you learn. Pay attention to the sights and sounds. Do you feel lost at any time? If so, where in the labyrinth did it occur? What does that mean? Do you like one part of the labyrinth more than another? Why? What do the turns represent in your life? Do you resist some turns and like others. When you are outdoors notice subtle changes in the terrain – the ups and downs. Notice any synchronicities such as an overheard word or a bird’s song. Consider all of your experiences in the labyrinth in relation to your life’s journey. What does the labyrinth teach you about your life?

We are all on the path... exactly where we need to be.
The labyrinth is a model of that path.

A labyrinth is an ancient symbol that relates to wholeness.
It combines the imagery of the circle and the
spiral into a meandering but purposeful path.

The Labyrinth represents a journey to our own
center and back out into the world again.

Back to the Top.