Labyrinth Book: Artistic and Historical Tidbits
Artist Tidbit The geometric form of a labyrinth has existed for centuries, used to represent a path, a journey, or even a pilgrimage. The labyrinth first became a part of my life in 1997, when my initial experience of walking a labyrinth in Portland, Oregon revealed to me a long-known truth. The physical act of following the winding path of a labyrinth was a tool for meditation. From that moment to the present, whether I am walking a full-sized labyrinth or using a finger labyrinth like the one in the photo, this form of meditation continues to be an effective personal spiritual practice. It helps me center myself, and is a fruitful way to access my God-given inner wisdom. The power of the labyrinth as a tool for transformation is what captivated my desire to create the Labyrinth gift book. I hope that others might benefit from the form of the labyrinth and cherish this book as a keepsake for themselves.
Historical and Architectural Tidbits The Chartres Cathedral, home of the particular labyrinth used for the images in the gift book, is a French Gothic masterpiece built around 1020. The immense beauty of the Chartres labyrinth – its curving outer labyrs, rosette-shaped inner circle, and proportional size – is intricately connected to the overall architecture of the Cathedral.
For example, the distance from the west entrance door to the center of the labyrinth on the cathedral’s floor is 107 feet, the exact distance from the floor beneath the door to the center of the spectacular circle-shaped rose window on the wall above. Furthermore, the size of the west rose window exactly matches the size of the labyrinth. Thus, the labyrinth and the window would fit neatly as overlays, one beautiful circle on top of another. Amazing!
Upcoming Event! Saturday, May 7 is World Labyrinth Day. Join people from all over the world in celebration of the labyrinth. To find a labyrinth near you and learn of the World Labyrinth activities they are offering, click labyrinth locator.