| |
Labyrinths
 3" diameter pocket-style classic (Cretan) 7-circuit labyrinth
From Labyrinths and Mazes: The Cretan Labyrinth may have been the inspiration for maze builders. According to Greek mythology, King Minos of Crete had the craftsman Daedalus construct the Labyrinth in order to conceal the Minotaur, the half-bull, half-human offspring of Minos' wife Pasiphae and a bull. For some unknown reason, Daedalus and his son Icarus were confined in the Labyrinth. Constructing wings of feathers and wax, the two were able to escape by flying above the walls of the Labyrinth. Young Icarus, however, impetuously flew too near the sun. His waxy wings melted and he drowned in the Icarian Sea.
To walk the labyrinth is to create balance within one's brain as the soul seeks to restore balance within its male/female aspects - the duality of its creation - the electromagnetic polarities of its physical experience.
A labyrinth is an ancient symbol that relates to wholeness. It combines the imagery of the circle and the spiral into a meandering but purposeful path. It represents a journey to our own center and back again out into the world. Labyrinths have long been used as meditation and prayer tools.
For those who don't live near a walking labyrinth, we offer finger-style ones for private meditation and transformation. Complete with pouch and enclosed card, which reads:
"The labyrinth is viewed as a metaphor for life's journey. It offers lessons as we walk the path. Walking the labyrinth can assist us to address challenges, meditate, pray and find peace and serenity."
Handcrafted in the USA of lead-free pewter.
|
 4 3/4" diameter Chartres 11-circuit labyrinth
From Labyrinths and Mazes: The best known example of labyrinth is embedded in the stone pavement of Chartres Cathedral near Paris. It used to be 'walked' (often on the knees) in place of the actual pilgrimage to Jerusalem. It was a holy experience. If you walk the labyrinth with the full dedication of a pilgrim, you won't be the same anymore upon exiting: the old you will be grounded at the threshold stone and a purified you will emerge, ready to tackle new directions in your life's journey.
Like all cathedral labyrinths, it draws upon the ancient northern Celtic, middle eastern, and Classical Greek and Roman origins of the Christian faith. The Medieval builders were careful to incorporate their understanding of sacred architecture into the design and location of the labyrinths, which were usually placed near the entrance at the west end of the nave, beside the baptismal font at the foot of the Church. This location symbolizes our first steps on the spiritual journey. |
 Labyrinth Paperweight
The pewter labyrinth is a reproduction of the eleven-circuit pattern which was inlaid on the stone floor of the Medieval Chartres Cathedral in northern France |
 Pewter Pocket Labyrinth
3" in diameter Includes labyrinth card, pointer & velveteen pouch. |
|
