Walking a Labyrinth

The idea behind walking a labyrinth is to move out of one perspective into another one.

A labyrinth is a metaphor for our point of view, so the process of walking a labyrinth is about shifting our awareness and consciousness.

It’s no coincidence the labyrinth shares symbolism with the spiral.
The spiraling labyrinth is symbolic of:

• Balance
• Progress
• Direction
• Initiation
• Centering
• Expanding
• Awareness
• Connection
• Journeying
• Development

When we partake in the ancient process of walking a labyrinth we become intimate with all these attributes inherent to spiral symbolism.

The Hopi, a Native North American Indian tribe viewed the labyrinth as an underground maze in which the whole race of humankind sought liberation from.  At first, humankind was created within the inner earth-womb (called a kiva, a cave-like sanctuary underground).  There, humans were nurtured by the earth.  Through a process of evolution, understanding and growth, humans emerged out of the underground labyrinth and ascended above-ground to embrace a new dawn of awareness.  This process of evolution is reenacted today by making a ritual of physically walking a labyrinth.

Walking the labyrinth is also synonymous with moving through the trials and tribulations of life.  We all know every life is replete with twists and turns of fate and fortune.

We could say our very lives are labyrinth-like.  Walking a labyrinth is a way to see the revolutions of life, and gaining composed control over what might otherwise seem out-of-control scenarios.  But walking our way through the labyrinth of life with calm determination and faith, we know our destination is always enlightenment – always expansive.

Give it a try for yourself.  Do a Google search on labyrinth walks offered in your area.  You will find this experience to be incredibly soul-expansive and mind-broadening too.

Written by Avia Venefica of www.whats-your-sign.com