Walking the labyrinth

Walking the labyrinth
By Jimmy Henderson
A labyrinth is a specially constructed pathway involving a series of twists and turns which generally leads to a central open area, linking up with a second pathway and eventually returning once again to the place of entry. Although it can be any shape, in practice, it is usually circular. In ancient times they were formed of mazelike patterns on the floors of medieval churches, intended perhaps to symbolize the tortuous journey of Christian pilgrims towards salvation. Labyrinths can be laid out using stones, mosaic or even clipped hedges.
Walking a labyrinth can result in profound inner spiritual experiences, as the twisting turns and patterns can be associated with the travelling, stops, changes in direction, entry through portals and into sacred chambers which occur during a real-life pilgrimage. The labyrinth therefore becomes a powerful metaphor for a symbolic inner journey which can be undertaken by anyone to obtain spiritual or intuitive guidance, as well as to receive impressions, feelings, thoughts, insights and images relating to different aspects of one’s life.
However, the spiritual impressions and shifts in consciousness taking place during the walk are very subtle. And in order to translate them into more tangible experiences, one has to engage the symbolic processes of the subconscious mind. This requires a prior working relationship which usually takes a few months to establish. However, sometimes even a brief period of preparation and meditation can be sufficient.
The preparation
The ideal is to engage in a walking meditation through the labyrinth, as our spiritual perception has to be heightened and the connection with our subconscious mind firmly established. This would require a brief period during which we relax and quiet our mind. The subtle spiritual impressions and subsequent promptings of our subconscious will not be heard through a mind which is cluttered and noisy. In this regard a simple meditation could be as follows:
Sit quietly and comfortably, close your eyes and begin to breathe to a count of one to four. Focus on nothing else but the counting (either aloud or in your mind). Breathe in 1,2,3,4, hold your breath, 1,2,3,4, breathe out 1,2,3,4, hold your breath 1,2,3,4, and breathe in 1,2,3,4, and so on. Carry on with the counting and breathing until your mind is free of all thought, completely quiet and you feel totally relaxed.
Once you have achieved this relaxed state of mind, you will need to direct your subconscious mind to the task at hand, that is, to translate the spiritual impressions into tangible experiences and to link your changes in direction and movements in the labyrinth to corresponding changes and shifts in your consciousness and perception. This requires either the use of affirmations or the setting of powerful intentions. In the case of affirmations, one could simply recite a prayer for assistance or repeat a phrase similar to the following; ‘I connect with my subconscious mind in order to receive spiritual impressions’. This would have to be repeated out loud (or mentally) at least three times. Second, another prayer or affirmation would be required to symbolically link the walk in the labyrinth to your own inner journey. For example, ‘I link my walk in the labyrinth to changes in my consciousness and perception (at least three times).
In the case of setting an intention, which is a statement that is said only once, but with absolute clarity, certainty and conviction, an appropriate phrase could be ‘I now connect with my subconscious mind in order to receive impressions and guidance’. A second affirmation to link the labyrinth to your own life and spiritual journey would be along the lines of ‘I now connect my movements in the labyrinth to my own inner journey’ (only once).
A more complex and comprehensive set of experiences could be obtained by setting your intention that the first part of the labyrinth will represent your past and unresolved issues, whilst the second half of the walk will indicate future possibilities (remembering that the future is not ‘set in stone’), but in most cases, this is not necessary.
Apart from these prayers, affirmations and intentions, I also recommend that before you begin the walk, you engage your faculty of creative visualisation. In other words, as you slowly move through the labyrinth in a meditative state, close your eyes from time to time and try to still see the patterns and pathways ahead in your imagination. This creates an opening or inner visual field for images (and impressions) to take form in your mind.
The process
Enter the labyrinth and start walking slowly and with mindfulness. Be very aware of subtle promptings. For instance, at certain times you may be prompted or moved to stop and reflect. It may seem as if you are suddenly frozen in that spot. During those moments try to detach and reflect on what you are sensing or feeling. It may be impressions, sensations or even images flickering in your consciousness as if it were a daydream. Try to make sense of these inner experiences in terms of your past or present life or spiritual situation. Apply any knowledge of symbolism or metaphors that you may have, as such images are often symbolic and may require interpretation.
During the walk you can also use a process of inner self-questioning. For instance, ‘What is the significance and association of this particular place in the labyrinth that I have suddenly been prompted to stop?’ Or ‘what is this feeling and what event in my life do I (symbolically) associate with this pattern, turn or corner?’ For example, you may have been prompting to pause at a sharp turn to the left. And you may be able to link this to a past turning point in your life. At this time, you may even recognise feelings and impressions associated with that earlier event. When you reach the central open area (corresponding to the inner chamber of your consciousness) wait awhile for any further guidance or information. Open your heart and feelings and ask yourself what these insights or impressions mean to you.
When you intuitively feel the moment is right, leave the central area and continue in the same contemplative manner, returning to the starting point. If you were unable to detach and reflect whilst walking the path of the labyrinth, make a mental record of any images, sensations, feelings or impressions for later interpretation when you have completed the exercise.
Once you leave the labyrinth always give thanks for the guidance and information you have been given. This establishes the correct state of mind and gratitude necessary for spiritual guidance.

Jimmy Henderson is a metaphysical teacher and the author of a number of books and articles on self-development. His latest book ‘Multi-dimensional Thinking’ (Kima Global, 2007) is available at selected bookshops. He is also a facilitator with Metavarsity.
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