 Labyrinths…A Resurgence of Ancient Tools by John Wayne Blassingame Labyrinths are sacred spaces. They are one of the great mysteries. Labyrinths are tools that have been used for thousands of years. The energy field of these sacred spaces increase the intuition and connection with the sacred energy often called Creator or God. Labyrinths are windows to the paranormal world. It is no surprise that in this special time, the time of transition into a new era, labyrinths are surfacing again. Labyrinths have been used in many cultures and religions and can be traced back over 3500 years. Because of all the changes and transitions we are experiencing right now, there is a new found popularity; an innate guidance toward old tools. The form and shape of labyrinths may vary considerably from the Classical Seven Circuit Labyrinth to the labyrinth of the Hopi Nation, and from the labyrinth in the Chatres Cathedral in France to the labyrinth my corral. Some labyrinths are round, others are oval or square. Some of them are in the shapes of animals. They are made from stones, hedges, pvc pipe, and rope. Labyrinths have been painted on paper and cloth, carved on rocks, woven into baskets, and knotted into carpets. Some are laid stone by stone into a beautiful mosaic. The labyrinth in the Chatres Cathedral in France took twenty-nine years to build. The use of labyrinths is as diverse as their shapes . Most often they have been used from personal rituals such as weddings, baptisms, and funerals. Celebrations of the seasons, the harvest, and the full moon were a community affair. A labyrinth is also a metaphor for life. There is only one entrance, one path and one goal. People who walk the path of the labyrinth may experience rejuvenation and often physical, emotional and spiritual healing. Inner peace and contentment are emotions most often related to the walk. The Labyrinth's energy is similar to the energy in domes and pyramids. Experiences such as vivid dreams with deeper colors, increased intuition and a feeling of a deeper connection are not uncommon. Physical and emotional healing can take place. It is a very personal experience. Some people feel more somber, while others feel re-juvenated and joyful. Small labyrinths, either on paper or carved into wood or cast from a mold in plastic are used for retracing. This exercise can even balance and harmonize our energy. If used simultaneously, one on the right side and one on the left side, it will help to balance the left and right brain energy. Additions such as colors, sounds, prayer flags, candles, incense, and chanting may be added to deepen the mystical experience. These additions are not new to celebrations. The elements, the four directions and the beauty of nature have been used for centuries to celebrate life and to give thanks to the Creator. This is one of the common threads of all religions. Labyrinths are very unique. They help us to connect with the Creator. They help us to focus on our path by harmonizing and balancing our body, mind, and spirit. The design, as you will see, tells the truth. It is totally balanced for the new era, as it was for the past and is for the present. Universal Truth never changes. Meditating on the symbols will open doors to new knowledge and will increase recognition of the truth. Much of that truth cannot be verbalized, it can only be felt deep within. Labyrinths have been instrumental in helping numerous adults and children with problems of dyslexia, hyperactivity, alcoholism, and brain imbalance. A Labyrinth can be a tool to increase the Universal Consciousness. It increases the peace vibration within and around us. There are many changes coming our way, on a personal level as well as in our surroundings. The labyrinth can help us through this great catharsis. Growth always requires change, expansion, and motion. The more we are connected with the Creator, with God, the easier it will be to go through all the necessary transitions. This connection is the only reliable and stable asset in our life. However difficult a situation we will face, we are never alone unless we choose to cut ourselves off from the love and peace that always prevails in the nearness of the Creator. § John Wayne Blassingame has been a professional dowser for over 38 years and is well known for his design, construction, and uses of labyrinths. He speaks at conferences across the country and teaches participants how to build and use labyrinths. He has designed and developed permanent and mobile labyrinths with sound and color as well as colored table top labyrinths. John will conduct his workshop "Labyrinths and Their Many Uses" at the Southwest Dowsing Conference to be held October 19-24, 2000 in Flagstaff, Arizona. For information, (520) 204-2717 or visit www.dowsers.org To contact John call 505-466-6454 or email him at
JWAYNEB@earthlink.net. |
