jdaviesreazor posted: " This month -another favorite theme. We focused on the labyrinth symbol as one of our motif's in my initial SPARKing Creativity art journaling class. While the classes will be available again - hopefully this Fall - for know I wanted to share some of the " Jenny Davies-Reazor
This month -another favorite theme. We focused on the labyrinth symbol as one of our motif's in my initial SPARKing Creativity art journaling class. While the classes will be available again - hopefully this Fall - for know I wanted to share some of the information and resources from that lesson. May they inspire you for this month's theme!
A labyrinth differs greatly from a maze. While a maze is filled with dead ends, paths to no where… it offers a challenge, a puzzle, and much back and forth. A labyrinth has ONE path - and that leads to the center. As you walk the labyrinth - you approach, and recede, and approach again in a rhythmic way before finally reaching the center. The path meanders, and can obscure your goal/center - but it will be attained if you remain on the path.
The Cretan labyrinth (pictured above) - the oldest recorded labyrinth connected to the myth of the Minotaur. Created by master inventor Daedelus at the command of King Minos; it housed the half man, half bull Minotaur. ( Born of the Queen in illicit union…) Theseus the princely hero is determined to kill the Minotaur and end the tribute Minos demands of Athens. He is aided by Ariadne, who he cruelly betrays… You can read the tragic tale - here.
The Chartres labyrinth - Many Medieval cathedrals had stone labyrinths set in the floors. Chartres is so well known as it is still intact. These were used for devotional purposes and could serve as a substitute for a pilgrimage to the Holy Land.
The Chartres labyrinth is 42' in diameter. It may have been connected to the Knights Templar traditions. The center has a rosette - roses being a symbol of the Virgin Mary - to whom Chartres is dedicated. The rosette can also symbolize the Holy Spirit, and it can be noted that the 6 petals correspond with the 6 days of Creation. Unique to the Charters style labyrinth are the 28 "lunations" on the outside edge. ( I cant help but think of the moon and women's cycles that run app. 28 days as well.)
Dr. Lauren Artress has a phenomenal book "Walking a Sacred Path" - I highly recommend it if you are interested in learning more! She is also the leader of the modern labyrinth movement, starting with the Chartres style labyrinth located at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco. On her site "Veriditas" the labyrinth is described as: "The labyrinth is a walking meditation, a path of prayer and an archetypal blueprint where psyche meets Spirit. It has only one path that leads from the outer edge in a circuitous way to the center.There are no tricks to it and no dead ends. Unlike a maze where you lose your way, the labyrinth is a spiritual tool that can help you find your way."
And I have added more resources and images on Pinterest! Check it out!
Are you a subscriber on You Tube? I would love to have you... and this theme will unfold during the month of July. My monthly theme inspired my filmed art journal pages. And anyone is welcome to use the theme and journal along !
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