Although generally used interchangeably, did you know that a labyrinth and a maze are NOT the same thing? Generally speaking, a maze offers choices and dead-ends whereas a labyrinth offers only one (albeit LONG) way to the center.
Here’s a better explanation: “The labyrinth is an ancient spiritual tool that has been used throughout the world for over four thousand years. A labyrinth is a circuitous path with one entrance point that leads through a series of switch-backs to its center. A labyrinth is not a maze. A maze, by contrast, has dead-ends and blind alley ways. Its intention is confusion and mystery. The labyrinth, when followed, leads eventually and without making choices to the center. It is designed for one to find his/her way. The labyrinth may be thought of as a map, but as such it should not be confused with the territory that it represents, that is the inner Being and its relationship with Spirit.”
Of course, the only kind of Labyrinth I really know anything about is the one pictured above—a game that used to drive me NUTS as a kid! Now, don’t you feel smarter?
Labyrinths are very popular in the pagan community. It’s almost impossible to attend a pagan festival and not find one. I’ve heard many says that “walking the labyrinth” is soothing & enlightening. I’ve tried it. I wasn’t impressed – I was neither soothed nor enlightened. Kinda disappointing
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dawtch
Jodi, I came across this tidbit when a couple had one installed in their yard to, as you said, provide “soothing and enlightenment.” I personally think they were soothed by having less grass to mow…
Too much time on your hands??
Woody…awww. Just trying to give you your clicks worth.
I had to stop and go look up “switch-backs”. Smarter, no. Little less dumb. Maybe. But it was interesting.
I agree with Woody, VV – You have too much time on your hands…
I think there might be a metaphor for life in there somewhere.
Or a sweet reminder of those guys who had dragon posters on their walls in high school … and possibly still do.
The thing that popped to mind was having to double check Harry Potter 5 to see if it has the appropriate word. Random thought.
Asa–well, we can all hope to be a little less dumb each day, right? LOL!
Josh–you go sit in the corner with Woody.
SGirl–Im almost sure of it.
Amanda–ooo yeah, I forgot about the one in that book.n
Ok now I have to have one of those!
I LOVED that game!!! Sucked at it, but loved it!!!
I just had flashbacks of the movie with David Bowie. Wow, I am sooooo old!
I thought a Labyrinth was a part of a woman’s……
oh….never mind. That’s labia. LOL
TPB–in either case, its just as long and frustrating a route to get to where you wanna be.
I consider myself smarter for having read your blog today.
Re: your response to TPB. Often I enjoy your responses as much as the original story. This was a good one.
Thanx, I did not know about the labyrinth’s spirituality. I only thought it was a game. However, I kinda agree with Woody & Josh …sorry
Tami–glad to have given you your click’s worth!
Asa–I love the comments too!
Trish–it’s ok. Im a geek. A dufus. I can handle it and am comfortable in my own skin.
My life is like a labyrinth. And I LOVED “Pan’s Labyrinth”. Aaaand…thats all I got…
There is no such thing as useless knowledge; only useless people with knowledge. My mother used to say that about me.
Oh no, does that mean Im useless?? LOL! Thanks for stoppin by Ahmnodt