In Europe in the Middle Ages, the church dominated society as the spires of its churches and cathedrals dominated the skylines of its towns and cities. At the seat of every bishop, a cathedral would be constructed. It was as large and tall as possible, built over the course of years, decades, even centuries to the glory of God, the instruction of the illiterate peasantry, and to reflect the power of the church itself.
In those rare instances when the skills of a builder, the spiritual as well as political aspirations of the bishop and the growing wealth of the populace intersected, those cathedrals attained a beauty that is awe-inspiring. The cathedral at Chartres in France is an example of such a cathedral. It is complete with spires, flying buttresses, stained glass windows, and an intricate eleven-circuit labyrinth inset in the floor.
The labyrinth at Chartres was built around 1200. It is laid into the floor in a style sometimes referred to as a pavement maze.
Walking the labyrinth frees your mind and lets your thoughts flow freely. It can represent a spiritual pilgrimage to greater spiritual heights or the broader walk of life. It can be walked as a quest, a journey toward a closer relationship with God, or a sign of penance and sorrow for sins. In that case, the penitent may walk the labyrinth on his or her knees.
Labyrinths come in three basic designs--seven circuit, eleven circuit and twelve circuit. They can be used for reflection, meditation or prayer.
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