Labyrinth
There have been hundreds of stories, fables and tales—such as the tale
of the minotaur—about labyrinths through the centuries. But the first
signs of this complicated, circular maze were found in Minoan palaces,
usually accompanying female goddesses. The word ‘labyrinth’ is said to
come from the ancient pre-Greek word ‘labrys,’ which means
‘double-edged ax.’ This was considered a symbol of royal power during
those times.
History also shows that labyrinths were used to trap bad or evil
spirits or as a path used in rituals or dances. It was also used as a
symbol of the long and difficult path one must take to commune with God
(from the one entrance signifying birth and the center signifying God).
In modern times, many people still use labyrinths in meditation. They
walk around the circles to achieve a contemplative state as part of
their path to enlightenment. The Labyrinth is also perceived a sign of
wholeness, achieved through the circular and meandering journey around
it. Some people see it as the journey one must take within himself to
discover his own center or the deep knowledge encoded within him and
his DNA. This circular maze also reveals patterns of sacred geometry,
which allows the physical world to interconnect with the cosmic order
and higher realms of being.
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