Labyrinth Design

The story of the labyrinth is an enigmatic one. No one is exactly sure where they originated so we can only make informed guesses. Some people believe, and famous legend says, that labyrinths were first created in ancient Crete by the Minoan civilisation (2000 BC), however there are traces of their entrancing form found all over the world, possibly dating back further.

A labyrinth is different to a maze in that there is only one way in and one way out. A labyrinth is not meant to confuse or bewilder you like a maze, a labyrinth is meant to balance and harmonise you.

Labyrinths have long since been associated with the balancing of the two sides of the brain.

When walking a labyrinth one participates in an active mediation that is very ancient, this allows us to focus on ourselves with greater ease and helps us connect with the Earth/Goddess.

Thoughts come swirling to the surface of the mind as the body recreates this ancient practice.

Inscribed on the very old stone walls of Rocky Valley, Tintagel, it is still possible to see ancient carved labyrinths. Its still unsure of the artists homeland, but some suggest they are the works of Cretan sailors. (We visit this spot on our Cornish tour).

Following the simple steps in this short story, makes labyrinth creation enjoyable and easy to remember.

1) To begin a labyrinth start with a cross. This represents the belly of the mother earth.

2) Draw her breasts above her belly, (leaving an even amount of space between markings).

3) Mirroring the breasts, draw the hands of the Earth Mother (coming out either side of the cross), resting on her belly.

These markers represent the inner realms of the Earth Mother Goddess.
She has problems to solve. She curls up to meditate and surrounds herself with layers of protective energy.

4)To draw these layers start from the top of the belly (cross) and draw a line connecting it to one of the nearest lines of the breast (left or right).

It doesn’t matter if you choose to go from left to right or vice versa, it just indicates which side the final door way of your labyrinth will open and the direction that the walker will take their first steps.

5)Then from the next nearest marker (nipple) draw a line to connect to the start of the next nearest line of the other breast (on the opposite side of the belly).
Then back again from the nipple of that breast to the outer line of the first.

6-10)Continue this process of connecting the remaining lines systematically from these markers to form your labyrinth and encompass the Goddess in her protective aura.

Deep in thought she is cocooned from any disturbances and she is at one with the universe.

Drawing a labyrinth may seem fiddly at first glance, but the more you do it the easier it becomes, and the closer you’ll get to the goddess!! Good Luck!

What you have just learned to draw is a Cretan style of labyrinth.

There are also many types of Labyrinth these are but a few.

You can experiment by designing and making your own. There is no right or wrong way. Just let your mind play!