A labyrinth is a spiritual tool. It has a single path that is laid out in a certain way. Unlike a maze, a labyrinth has a clear beginning and one that path always leads you to the center. A labyrinth requires no thought to walk. On the contrary, it is meant to help you to let go of your thoughts, your conceptual mind, which allows you to connect deeper with your self. Walking the pattern of the labyrinth induces, consciously or unconsciously, a shift in your energy system and consciousness that enhances your experience.
Angel Valley has two labyrinths.
Both a 7-circuit and an 11-circuit Chartres Labyrinth have been constructed as a part of Angel Valley's outdoor spiritual tools. Although the basic function of the two labyrinths is the same, the path and the experience are quite different. The way the paths of the two types of labyrinths have been laid out induces a different way of moving. This brings the person who walks the labyrinths to a different state of being. The 7-circuit labyrinth helps to connect to a spiritual experience in the physical reality. The Chartres labyrinth works with cosmic principles, and functions as a tool to transcend our current level of consciousness.
The 7-circuit Labyrinth
The 7-circuit labyrinth is the most common type of labyrinth. There are related labyrinths found having 3, 11 or 15 circuits. The number of circuits equals the number of loops that are walked before reaching the goal. The fact that the difference between these types is 4 circuits has to do with the way they are constructed.
The 7-circuit labyrinths are the most popular because they are long enough to enable the user to turn inward and yet not of a size that would take too much space. In addition, many people relate the number 7 to the seven chakras and the seven steps to enlightenment. They consider seven a sacred number, adding to the sacredness of the labyrinth.
While the 7-circuit Labyrinth is a typical outdoor labyrinth, the Chartres Labyrinth belongs to a group of labyrinths originally found in churches. It is located in the Cathedral de Notre Dame in Chartres, France. Pilgrims used it as an alternative for going to Jerusalem, walking the labyrinth barefoot, or even on their knees. Once in the center the strong Earth energies, the cosmic energies and the light of the special stained-glass windows all enhanced the experience.
Currently, few pilgrims in the old sense of the word walk the labyrinth. Now many "new-age" pilgrims visit the Cathedral. In a sense they have the same goal as the pilgrims of days past: to change something in their life.
The labyrinth has 11 circuits with the center as the 12th step. Mastering the 12 levels of consciousness leads to completion of your journey. The pilgrims themselves are the 13th element: the element that brings all levels into one. In doing so, the pilgrim transcends the consciousness of this reality and moves to a higher level of consciousness (enlightenment). This labyrinth is truly a transcendental tool that may lead to enlightenment.
The locations of the Angel Valley labyrinths were specifically chosen. The centers of both are located on a 7th chakra earth energy line, thus enhancing the spiritual experience.
You can walk the labyrinth alone or you can ask to be guided by a facilitator, who can help guide your experience to deepen the result.
Angel Valley has developed a brochure about the labyrinth that is available for every visitor.
