Fun With Shapes

What is it that makes walking a particular shape special? What’s the use of a turtle, salmon, or sun labyrinth? Traditional labyrinths, such as the 7-circuit classical and 11-circuit Chartres-style labyrinths, have worked their magic for millennia. Why change things now? What purpose does a differently-shaped labyrinth serve? How does it shape one’s experience of walking a labyrinth?

Take the turtle, for example. It is a symbol of Earth. Walking with earth-centered intention as you journey through a turtle labyrinth may give rise to a more intensified awareness of Nature around you. This in turn may foster in you a deeper connection with the natural world. As with many labyrinth experiences, you may also attune to telluric energy emanating from the ground beneath your feet. Negative ions from wild surroundings may, as well, increase the flow of oxygen in your body and invigorate you.

But what effect does the turtle shape have on one who walks the labyrinth? I don’t know empirically its effect, but speculate that walking certain configurations or patterns may create specific frequencies. I might call it turtle energy! United with earth-centered intention, turtle energy may elicit a non-ordinary experience of oneself in relationship with Nature and the Cosmos. This could have a profound impact on perception and worldview. This could also change one’s life and world, or affirm a deeply held intuition about the nature of reality. For some, the experience of walking a turtle labyrinth may simply be one of delight and fun. And that’s valid, too.

Playfulness, a much maligned quality of being, is quite possibly one of the most vital and important things we can embody and express. Children lead the way in this department. Play is integral to childhood and key to learning and creativity. Take the salmon labyrinth, for example. I envisioned it as a symbol of migration, the anadromous adult salmon making its long and arduous journey from the ocean to spawn in the river of their birth. However, the idea of migration was largely lost on the kids who journeyed through the labyrinth, racing from mouth to tail and back again with a primary intention of fun.

Many grownups forget to have fun while walking a labyrinth, because it doesn’t align with their higher spiritual aspirations and ideals. Yet, I would argue that the fearless embrace of fun, as expressed so readily by children, is highly spiritual. It is in fact an expression of innocence, openness, and receptivity—qualities sorely lacking in modern society.

And what of the sun labyrinth? We first created this labyrinth with children as a way to celebrate the Summer Solstice. Uniting with yang energy of the longest day, we zigzagged through the sun’s rays then circled through switchbacks to the center of the sun and back again. This labyrinth, as well, could be walked on the Winter Solstice to honor the steadily returning light that follows the darkest, shortest day of the year.

The experience of differently-shaped labyrinths is, in part, informed by what you bring to the experience—intention, receptivity, and play are some possibilities. The energetics of place (e.g., wildland or playground) and time (e.g., Solstice or migration) may likewise influence the experience of walking these and other labyrinths. Singing a special song or chant may add yet another dimension to the experience. A personal or shared prayer or mantra may also amplify the intent of walking the labyrinth, creating a sense of sacred ritual. Whatever shape you choose, and whatever your intention, walking a labyrinth may help you see the world differently.*

For all that is,