CVCC
Labyrinth
In the
garden of Carmel Valley Community Chapel you will find the first permanent
public labyrinth on the Monterey Peninsula. It is open to walkers any time
of day or night and in any season.
The invitation
is open to all that wish to walk the labyrinth. Simply enter at the opening
and follow the path to the center. Feel free to pause there for as long
as you wish before following the same path outward.
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Built in the summer of 1999 by Chapel members and friends as a
prototype for a temporary labyrinth at First Night Monterey, this 7-circuit
design measures 33 feet across and is made of river rocks and pea gravel
on a decomposed granite base. Prior to its construction, the ground was
consecrated in a ritual ceremony that acknowledged many wisdom traditions
and the sacredness of the earth. The entry opens to the East, following
the Native American tradition of bringing in the energy of the rising sun.
Once completed, the labyrinth was dedicated by the members, friends and
pastor and then walked by the assembled congregation. It is used regularly
by people throughout our community.
What is a Labyrinth?
A labyrinth is an archetype, a divine imprint found in religious
traditions in various forms around the world. The form can be named for
the number of circle around the center, i.e. 11-circuit (Chartres Cathedral)
or 7-circuit.
The Labyrinth is formed of a single path with one entrance/exit
within a defined shape that is often circular. Unlike a maze with it’s
many dead-ends that confuse and cause walkers to lose their way, a labyrinth
has a clearly visible 2-dimensional path that steadily leads to its center.
Traditionally the path inward is re-traced back to the entrance.
This can be seen as a metaphor for one’s spiritual journey: the inward
path symbolizing Retreat; the center symbolizing Solitude with the Divine;
and the outward path the Return and Re-commitment to action.
How is the Labyrinth used?
There is no right or wrong way to walk a labyrinth. Follow the
path and let it speak to you. You can walk it in times of joy, or in times
of sorrow, or when you are seeking hope. You might walk with a question
in mind, or find issues and ideas surfacing as you move along the path.
The labyrinth can act as a tool of celebration and thanks. It can be used
for walking meditation or ‘body prayer’. You may proceed at your own pace
being mindful of others as you pass.
Where did it come from?
No one knows it’s origins, but spiraling, labyrinth-like forms
are found throughout nature. The labyrinth may have been inspired by something
as close to us as our fingerprints. Labyrinth designs have emerged from
many cultures at various times in history: 12th century France at Chartres
Cathedral during the Crusades, 5th century Crete at the Palace of Knossos
and 18th century indigenous America within the Hopi nation. The 7-circuit
design here at the Chapel garden is a design that has been found in Greece,
Europe, North America and India. It is possible that some designs are symbols
for astrological orbits; as one follows the paths, turns and arcs, one
may be recreating the paths of celestial spheres.
How does it work?
The labyrinth is a cross-cultural spiritual tool that provides
for a uniquely personal experience that compliments any belief or tradition.
It has been said that the labyrinth can hold anything that comes into it.
The labyrinth makes us use our bodies, and puts us back in touch with the
rhythm of the universe. It provides an opportunity for meditation that
uses the body, mind and spirit.
Like music, the labyrinth has a universal appeal that transcends
language barriers. It is a type of walking meditation that can quiet the
mind and help gather emotional and spiritual resources. As with any spiritual
tool, it can bring clarity and focus to one’s life.
For more information, or questions, contact Thea
Sagen at 659-2746