Labyrinths
are often seen as a metaphor for confusion. Theseus chases the Minotaur through
a labyrinth; Jung talks of the labyrinth of the unconscious mind. Actually
these are examples of mazes, not labyrinths. A maze is a web of tracks designed
to confuse and disorient: false turns
and dead ends conspire to get you hopelessly lost. In a labyrinth, your path
may twist and turn, but there is only one route. If you follow the way, you will inevitably
come to the centre. Labyrinths are a symbol of the soul’s journey: keep going, and
you will find your true destination.
Labyrinths
have been marked and walked since ancient times. They feature in spiritual
traditions from around the world as a method of obtaining enlightenment. Usually
they are in the form of two-dimensional patterns marked on the ground. They may
be spiral, symmetrical or random meanderings. Early Christian churches feature
labyrinthine patterns as a representation of human life, with the centre
symbolizing salvation. In medieval Christianity, walking the labyrinth was a
form of symbolic pilgrimage: religious processions were conducted on the
patterned floors of great cathedrals such as Amiens and Chartres. Nowadays
‘labyrinth workshops’ in both Christian and New Age traditions hark back to
this ancient source of spiritual insight.
London
Underground are installing a labyrinth in every station to commemorate their
150th year. The series of 270 black-and-white enamel plaques has
been designed by Turner-winning artist Mark Wallinger. Each one is unique but
they are all circular, and have a single starting point. The first ones were
put up today and by summer 2013 they will all be in place. The designs will be
numbered for the station to which they are assigned: this is their position in
the ‘Tube Challenge’ – the route by which you can visit every station in the
shortest possible time. Well, we each have our own spiritual journey....
