The Magic of Labyrinths: Following Your Path, Finding Your Center

The Magic of Labyrinths: Following Your Path, Finding Your Center
Liz Simpson

The most comprehensive work on labyrinths yet written.Labyrinths have fascinated and enthralled mankind from the beginning of time. This illustrated book examines the phenomena of mazes and labyrinths, looking at their historical, cultural and spiritual significance, and at how we can use these ancient devices to enrich our modern lives.The Magic of Labyrinths is a journey, woven around four themes of voyage, trial, initiation and resurrection. It examines the importance of ritual and ceremony, the hero's quest, and dealing with the monsters within. Contents:Introduction to labyrinths• Labyrinths in mythology• Labyrinths in history• Different forms of labyrinth• Earth energies – rituals and ceremonies• Pilgrimage – a moving meditation – how labyrinths can facilitate your journey• Practical labyrinths – how to build or draw a labyrinth

The Magic of

LABYRINTHS

Liz Simpson

Following your Path, Finding your Center

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS (#ulink_294ae033-64d7-53ca-a4d6-e970b81156c2)

As a wise woman once remarked to me, the labyrinth is not about “me,” it’s about “us.” The same is true of books. I could not have written this one without the generosity of spirit I received from so many inspiring individuals. Their support and the openness with which they shared their personal stories and wisdom have helped make the writing of this book an especially joyous experience for me. I would therefore like to extend my special thanks to:

Kim Anderson

Neil Anderson

Jim Buchanan

Dr. Alex Champion

Joan Champion

Kathy Doore

Robert Ferré

Lea Goode-Harris

Nicholas Halpin

Joyce Leake

Prof. Paula Lemmon

Sig Lonegren

Rae Ann Kumelos Mahon

Marge McCarthy

Julie Mitchell

Joseph Rafalo

Taylor Ray

Jeff Saward

Dr. Lynne A. Texter

Calvin Vanderhoof

Dale Vanderhoof

I would like to dedicate this book to my husband, Douglas Barnes. There is a saying I’m fond of: “A mind once stretched by a new idea never goes back to its original dimensions.” No one has ever stretched me as much as you, Doug, for which I am ever grateful.

Labyrinth (#ulink_b9dfefef-497b-5a1f-b2eb-e3089b5f0666)

A walking meditation, a spiritual tool,a means of coming to one’s spiritual center.

Viewed from exterior angles, a device that appears complicated and bewildering but, once experienced, is found to be a single pathway (“unicursal”) that winds inextricably towards its center and requires you simply to take the same route out.

Maze (#ulink_e6f844ad-bb09-5381-b9f8-10a1ebb26e22)

delirium, delusion, disappointment.

A network of interconnecting passages designed for trickery and deception. A complex puzzle that, without guidance, is difficult or impossible to navigate to a successful conclusion.

Table of Contents

Title Page (#uea549bc1-865d-51b7-a67c-62941aa4fcdc)

Acknowledgements (#u498c3c69-abe1-5271-8275-4859883448cb)

Labyrinth (#u750100d4-42de-593c-93b7-3b892dda9bfc)

Maze (#u92374741-ebbf-5d72-903f-e5a993982c3f)

Introduction (#u5f5ec1f3-6b2f-5f6f-b4a6-a3ececde0bc2)

1. The History of the Labyrinth (#u75dd158a-9650-5354-afc5-6c4f47aa36e4)

2. Labyrinthine Patterns (#u97ed7b77-3285-53a8-b3e9-1a1be7f4de9a)

3. Emerging from the Maze Mind (#litres_trial_promo)

4. The Relevance of Ritual (#litres_trial_promo)

5. Living Labyrinths (#litres_trial_promo)

6. Changing the World, One Person at a Time (#litres_trial_promo)

Resources (#litres_trial_promo)

Index (#litres_trial_promo)