As a youngster I could imagine myself as the Athenian hero, Theseus, searching  for the half-man half-bull creature held in the centre of the Labyrinth, built for King Minos of Crete at Knossos. In my one hand I held my sword, in the other hand the flaming torch showing me the way into the terrifying darkness from where I could hear the Minotaur’s heavy breathing. On my hip the ball of thread, given to me by Ariadne, the king’s daughter, was slowly unwinding to guide me back. 

In later years my growing interest in our mythological past, coupled with that in archaeology, psychology, religion and classical literature brought new insight into the strange and magical ways in which man through the ages endeavoured to gain spiritual fulfillment. This quest primarily rests on religious principles, but differs in the way certain rituals are performed symbolizing spiritual growth. One of the most interesting spiritual tools to be found in many cultures over the world, is the labyrinth.

Over the centuries different distinct patterns evolved. The so-called Classical Labyrinths (existing for at least 3500 years) is well-known due to its simplicity of construction, found all over the world. There are different varieties, between circular and square, but the design always has seven circuits (or paths), creating a mirror-like image. Another variety is called the Roman Labyrinth, based on mathematical and geometrical designs, mostly creating a four-fold symmetry, either circular or square.

From the ninth and tenth centuries the Medieval labyrinth design started to developed. It has an eleven circuit design, often combined with the four-fold symmetry of the Roman Labyrinth, some circular, others square. It was during these times, the Middle Ages,  that the labyrinth symbol was transformed to incorporate Christian symbology, and erected in churches and cathedrals. Since many people could not afford to travel to holy sites, it was used as an symbolic form of pilgrimage, a walk towards enlightment or salvation, a searching journey with the hope of becoming closer to God.

The most famous one is inlaid in the floor of the Chartres Cathedral in France, built in 1201. The eleven circuit, four quadrant design measures 12.85 meters in diameter. Although the circuit is not regularly walked any more, it symbolized a pilgrimage to Jerusalem, called the “Chemin de Jerusalem” (the Road to Jerusalem). Pilgrims even repented by walking the circuit on their knees.

On the way pilgrims traversed the four quadrants several times, alternately getting nearer to the centre, but then moving further away along the winding path, in this way prolonging the expectancy of reaching the ultimate goal. At the centre the four arms of the cross is clearly visible. The  six-petal rose symbol at which you then find yourself represents the Mother Mary, also the Holy Spirit. This symbol, the equivalent of the Eastern lotus, has for ages been regarded as a symbol for enlightment.

Many writers refer to this design as the “Chartres” labyrinth. Variations - circular, square and even polygonal - are common and to be found on all continents.

However, an astounding number of labyrinths of all varieties are to be found. The database of the World-Wide Labyrinth Locator, a project of The Labyrinth Society, lists around 3 300 labyrinths in over 70 countries. It is therefore quite possible that a tourist will come across one. Just a few can be mentioned here:

At Conimbriga in Portugal one finds a Roman mosaic labyrinth with the Minotaur displayed at the centre. In the Cathedral of Amiens, France, a large eleven circuit labyrinth can be walked on the polished inlaid floor. The large circular labyrinth at the George Square Gardens in Edinburgh, Scotland, is a tourist attraction well worth visiting. Even in the USA several labyrinths can be found, such as the one erected at the Boston College, after the attack on the Twin Towers as a  9/11 memorial.

One of the most interesting labyrinths that I’ve come across is the mirror labyrinth at the Glacier Park in Lucerne, Switzerland. It resembles the famous Alhambra in Cordoba, Spain, but with corridors erected with mirrors all around. Although only one path leads you to the centre and out again, the myriad of images create the  illusion of a maze. It is sometimes impossible to distinguish which way to follow.

Since the 1970’s a world-wide revival of interest in the art, meaning and use of the labyrinth led to the development of a number of new variations. They are to be found in private gardens, public parks, at schools, universities, churches, even in prisons. Labyrinth Societies, founded by labyrinth enthusiasts, abound. This has also happened in South Africa, where according to the latest list of known labyrinths, there are 40 open to the public, 14 are for private use, whilst 6 schools have already established labyrinths on their grounds.

Why this fascinations with an ancient archetypal design? The answer lies in the fact that it had been created and used as an intriguing tool assisting us to understand our psychological and spiritual journey. It is a non-denominational metaphor representing a journey to our own centre, our deepest self and back again into the world with a broadening understanding of who you are and where you fit in. It is open to anyone from any religion to be used as a meditation or prayer tool.

People are invited to walk this labyrinth with “an open mind and an open heart’. Guidelines are given to visitors, such as to clear the mind before entering, to become aware of yourself, of your breathing, and to find the pace that your body wants to go. The three stages of the walk is then described as follows:

“Purgation - On the inward spiral you may experience a sense of release, a letting go of the details of your life. This is an act of shedding thoughts and emotions. It quiets and empties the mind.

Illumination - When you reach the centre, stay there as long as you like. It is a place of meditation and prayer. Receive what is there for you to receive.

Union - As you return to the world, you may be conscious of joining God, your Higher Power or the healing forces at work in the world. Each time you walk the labyrinth you become more empowered to find and do the work you feel your soul is reaching for.”

Although I’ve seen a number of these labyrinths on trips overseas, I was not really aware of their spiritual significance. However, a few years ago we welcomed a new pastor, Rev. Bertie Haasbroek, at our church, the Dutch Reformed Church in Universitas, Bloemfontein. Rev. Haasbroek came over from Philippolis, the small town in the South-Western Free State, where Sir Laurens van der Post, the famous traveller and writer once resided. Here the Reverend was instrumental in the erection of a 7-circuit classical labyrinth in the Laurens van der Post Memorial Centre.

When Rev. Haasbroek arrived at our church, he explained the spiritual significance that a labyrinth could have for members of a congregation. It was not long before we also erected a small five circuit hedge labyrinth. Since then it forms a cherished and valuable part of our church complex.       

– Manie Wolvaardt