Labyrinths have been around since 500 B.C. and through the years they have been used by many cultures as a form of mediation. The word labyrinth is pre-Greek and has translated to many different cultures and understandings of these remarkable works of art. Once believed labyrinths were used to trap malevolent spirits or as defined paths for ritual dances or a hard path to God with a clearly defined center (God) and one entrance (birth). Others believe that labyrinths are symbolic forms of pilgrimage as a path, ascending toward salvation or enlightenment.
Ancient labyrinths from as early as 18,000 BCE have been found as far afield as Peru, Egypt, India, Scandinavia and the British Isles and as nearby as Glisten, New Mexico. Today people find that labyrinths still answer complex human needs. It is possible to lose the sense of space and time and be fully present in the moment as one walks.
Unlike a maze, the labyrinth’s single path carries one to the center and out again.
More and more labyrinths in recent years have begun to appear on the floors of churches. Though the purpose is not clear many believe that a the use of labyrinths was an alternate form of pilgrimage to the Holy Land.
One of my favorite labyrinths in town would be the labyrinth in front of the International Folk Art Museum on Museum Hill. The Milner Plaza labyrinth, a seven circuit pattern designed by Allan T. Baer of Lloyd Tryk Architect. This particular labyrinth is by far my most favorite in Santa Fe. Experience the unique harmonics of this labyrinth by speaking or whispering while in the center. A natural amplification to sounds results from the surrounding wall and graduated elevations.
For more information on labyrinths in Santa Fe:
Frenchy’s Field Park
Agua Fria at Osage. Open all hours (Classic seven circuit design; mud, straw and stones)
Railyard Park
Cerrillos Road across from Whole Foods – Open all hours (Relationship Labyrinth; stones on earth)
“Challenge New Mexico” – 2504 Camino Entrada – Open all hours ( Five circuits with wide paths where wheelchairs can pass; stones on earth)
Unity Church – 1108 LaCuchara Road – Open all hours.
(Relationship Labyrinth; stones on earth.)
Carlos Gilbert Elementary School – 300 Griffin Street Outside school hours (seven circuit concentric design; stones)
St. Francis Cathedral Basilica- Cathedral Street, downtown Santa Fe
Ghost Ranch, Abiquiu, NM – Beautiful setting 1 hour northwest of Santa Fe on U.S. 84 – Open all hours – stop at office. (Chartres design; flat stones, gravel and river stones)
“The labyrinth is a mandala that meets our longing – for a change of heart: for a change of ways in how we live together on this fragile island home; and for the energy, the vision, and the courage to become agents of transformation in an age when no less will suffice to meet the challenges of survival.” - Lauren Artress
