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Labyrinths are a form of sacred geometry used for spiritual purposes and as a tool for meditation. Composed of intertwining lines that form a vortex, labyrinths create a form of subtle energy helpful in meditation, problem solving, emotional release, enhancement of overall vitality and the gathering of insight. A labyrinth, unlike a maze, has a single path leading to a center goal. Where a maze, with all it's choices and possible wrong turns is a left-brain puzzle, a labyrinth is a puzzle for the right brain. As a meditation tool, a labyrinth is helpful because it gives the left brain some activity to occupy it, allowing freedom for the right brain. Together, the bodily motion combined with the mental intent allow synchronization of both brain hemispheres.
Labyrinths are known in the history of most major cultures of the world. The classic 7-circuit labyrinths date archeologically to at least 2000 BCE in the island of Crete. They were popular additions to medieval churches, most notably the cathedral at Chartres, built around 1200 AD. The largest number of preserved ancient labyrinths are found in the Scandinavian countries and in England. In America, the Hopi had a stylized version of the classic 7-circuit labyrinth which to them symbolized the point of emergence into the world.
As a meditation tool, the finger labyrinth excels as a way to de-stress, as a means of grounding and centering and a means for harmonizing a room or garden by the presence of the vortex energy.
As an energy amplifier, the labyrinth will facilitate and add energy to any healing intent. To amplify the energy of a crystal or stone, incense or other item, place it in the center, at or near the "goal."
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Starseed™ Finger Labyrinths
Fingerprint of the Goddess
A New Generation in Labyrinth Design
A New Design - A Higher Level Vortex
Classic labyrinth designs, including both Cretan and Chartres,
are created from a seed pattern of the
cross (
). The Starseed™ Labyrinth, as the name implies, uses the pattern of a six-sided
star (
). The classic designs, whether of seven or eleven circuits, are composed of two lines intertwined to create (or attract) vortex energy. These lines are often said to correspond to ying/yang, or male/female, or heaven/earth or positive/negative. This contrast reflects the basic duality in which humanity perceives itself on this Earth. The Cretan labyrinth is a powerful tool in itself. It seems to have been a gift to humanity to help deal with the stresses of living in a dualistic world
The new Starseed™ design goes beyond the static balance of duality to take us to the level of dynamic balance. It consists of three lines intertwined. (Look through the design to find the six loose ends.) This "Trinity" of influences yields a movement beyond the limitations of duality. The eleven twists of the paths plus the oneness of the center point correspond with the seven physical and five etheric chakras, with the Twelve Rays, and with the twelve-stranded human DNA.
The sacred geometry underlying all labyrinths is that of a vortex, a sacred dynamic spiral connecting the infinite with the finite. This is an electromagnetic influence that encodes information onto the cellular level of the physical body. This holographic imprint transfers healing energy. It is especially useful when acting as a carrier wave to transfer a healer's intent or the prayers of the user.
Beyond Dualism: Below on the left, is a classic Cretan 7-circuit labyrinth with
two crossing lines visible in the center.
On the right, the Starseed™ Labyrinth with a trinity of lines intersecting.
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Labyrinths come in two sizes: walkable or finger sized. Both are used in a similar fashion:
Select a concern, issue, or "problem" to work with.
Pause at the opening to the labyrinth and silently or vocally state the issue.
Move into the labyrinth, allowing your fingers to slide along the 'ridges' of the grooves. You may keep your eyes open or shut.
As you spiral through the turns and circuits of the labyrinth allow all your thoughts on this issue to surface. Do not judge the thoughts or yourself for thinking them. Allow the energy of the labyrinth to soak them up and reorder or eliminate them for you.
When you reach the center, allow your mind, which is now blank of thoughts of this subject, to be open to receiving insight. As soon as you begin to have thoughts about "doing," it is time to slowly exit the As you move slowly out, allow your thoughts to focus on how you will manifest the insights you have received and the changes you desire. In this way the labyrinth acts as a bridge between where you were before you entered the labyrinth and where you wish to go.
As you leave the labyrinth, pause briefly to thank Spirit for the experience and the insights.
If your finger slips out of the groove, you may be trying to go too quickly. Slow down, breathe!
Note: Many users may be familiar with the idea that the different circuits of the labyrinth correspond to the chakras and can be used deliberately for working with the problem on a chakra-by-chakra basis. The Starseed Labyrinth encompasses the seven physical chakras and five etheric ones.
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Outdoor, or walkable labyrinths, offer a whole-body meditation and can be built out with a wide range of materials, from stones to cut-away turf. Placement and orientation of the opening and center can be critical for the specific site. Dowsing skills are employed by labyrinth builders for these purposes.
The energy of a labyrinth adapts to the local energies of the specific building site. In actual practice labyrinths are rarely precise in form. Rather, they bend, flex and modify themselves as needed. In Earth reality, labyrinths rarely look like the theoretical diagrams.
For consultations on design and construction of a permanent or temporary walkable labyrinth
at your site or for your event, please contact Stephen at 970-988-5302 or
email.
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Early lessons Stephen learned from labyrinths.
"Stunningly beautiful..."
Dr. Christine Northrup, M.D.
"I use it in my
healing practice and
for students."
Deena Z. Spears, author of "Ears of the Angels"
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A web search engine will produce many hits for studying labyrinths. Here are a few to get you started:
The Labyrinth Society
A worldwide association of labyrinth
designers, builders, artists and aficionados.
Sig Lonegren's Earth Mysteries site
One of the best sites for learning about labyrinths, sacred geometry, earth mysteries, dowsing and more. Sig's contributions to the field are unparalleled. All of us labyrinth students owe a great debt to this master.
Marty Cain's Site
I first learned of labyrinths when walking one built by this terrific artist and geomancer. Her work is beyond gorgeous.
The Grace Cathedral Site
Dr. Lauren Artress, the beautiful Chartres labyrinth, and much, much more.
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Read more about the artist, Stephen Clearheart Johnson,
and his artwork.
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