Labyrinth
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. It represents a journey to our own center and back again out into
the world. Labyrinths have long been used as meditation and prayer
tools.

As a unicursal (one way in, one way out) path, a labyrinth is showing and
teaching centeredness. This differentiates a labyrinth from a maze,
which has many paths & dead-ends leading to confusion. Like life &
destiny, a labyrinth may be a long journey but it has a specific beginning
and a definite end. Like mandalas, a labyrinth offers a holistic route
(meandering radius) from the periphery to the center. A labyrinth imprints
a 'royal groove', a ceremonial pathway designed according to principles
such as Harmonic Proportion and Alternance of Energy. For instance,
the clockwise (sunwise) and counter-clockwise (moonwise) spins of the
meanders map out a balance between the left and right hemispheres of
the brain.

The contemporary resurgence of labyrinths in the west may stem from
our deeply rooted urge to honor again the Sacredness of All Life.