Recently, I’ve been reflecting upon the impact of labyrinths on both my personal and professional life and how they have become essential to both. A labyrinth is a geometric design consisting of a winding path that leads to a central point and then back out again. It is often used as a tool for meditation and contemplation.
The labyrinth has a rich and ancient history that can be traced back thousands of years. The most famous labyrinth is the Cretan labyrinth, associated with the myth of the Minotaur and Theseus in Greek mythology. According to the myth, the labyrinth was built in ancient Crete by the legendary architect Daedalus to imprison the Minotaur, a half-human, half-bull creature
In ancient times, labyrinths held deep symbolic and religious significance. They were often used as intricate and complex patterns in art, architecture, and spiritual practices. Labyrinths have been found in various cultures worldwide, including ancient Egypt, India, Scandinavia, and even indigenous cultures in the Americas.
Throughout history, labyrinths have continued to hold significance and can still be found today in various forms, from ancient ruins to modern-day installations in parks, gardens, and spiritual centers. They serve as reminders of our shared human search for meaning and our desire to navigate the twists and turns of life’s journey. It’s believed that the twisting path of the labyrinth can help release trapped energy, emotions, or spirits.
Walking a labyrinth can be a metaphor for life’s journey, with its twists and turns, setbacks, and progressions. It can also symbolize a process of self-discovery, reflection, and spiritual growth. The act of walking a labyrinth can help to quiet the mind, calm the emotions, and create a sense of inner peace and clarity. This serpentine nature is reminiscent of the movements of a snake. Just like snakes, we too do not always follow a direct path in our pursuits. However, there is value in recognizing and embracing the intentional circuitousness of life’s journey.
Self-reflection offers countless opportunities for transforming knowledge gained through life experiences into wisdom. What exactly distinguishes knowledge from wisdom? Knowledge, on one hand, can be viewed as an accumulation of facts, thoughts, and data points that are often limited by the ego. Wisdom, on the other hand, seems to be more connected to the soul, harnessing guidance from the ego’s collection of knowledge. While knowledge can be generalized and widely agreed upon, wisdom may or may not be universally applicable. Wisdom necessitates acknowledging dynamics beyond the ego and surrendering to the influence of invisible realities. In my own journey, I have discovered wisdom, in part, through becoming aware of the energies present within life’s labyrinth.
When we have a singular focus or goal, it can give us a sense of purpose and direction. This kind of clarity can be beneficial in certain aspects of life. However, it’s important to acknowledge that being too narrowly focused can limit our awareness of the multitude of opportunities that life presents us. When we become aware of the abundance of choices and possibilities, it can sometimes feel overwhelming. The sheer number of options can lead to indecision and derailments, preventing us from accomplishing anything meaningful. It is through self-reflection and finding a balance between having a definite goal and being open to the unexpected diversions that we can navigate the labyrinth of life more effectively. Embracing the serpentine nature of our journey allows us to adapt, grow, and make the most of the various opportunities and challenges along the way.
What does it mean to embrace the labyrinthian life experiences? How does this awareness promote the process of living the soul’s journey along with some of ego’s desires. Perhaps, the soul’s journey is always underway whether we are aware or not. Until recently, I had not been aware the labyrinth’s pursuit of me for a long, long time—really for my entire life. I now understand that as a young girl, when I became a member of Rainbow girls, a part of the Free Masons, I was entering into a mysticism study that my soul knew of but was not in my conscious awareness. Now I understand its pursuit was underway even as a young child.
In the process of a fourth-grade classroom drawing assignment, I drew what I now know was a powerful archetypal image of a King and Queen in a throne room. The detail of the drawing is still powerfully vivid in my mind’s eye. Years later, when working on my dissertation I found a very close replica of my drawing when researching the Rosarium Philosophorum, i.e., the Rosary of the Philosophers. The synchronicity of my drawing aligning with the imagery found in this research suggests a profound connection between my personal experiences and the universal symbolism and mysteries that have been explored throughout history.
Finally, I understand how it came to be that my dissertation had to contain the invisible realities found in sacred geometry, holistic psychiatric nursing, depth psychology and quantum physics. All these dynamics, like the labyrinth itself, have been in pursuit of me from a very young age. Had I known then what has now distilled over my lifetime, I would have perhaps named the Holographic Mind Model (a product of my dissertation) the Labyrinthian Mind Model given that the labyrinth is the most ancient representation of a hologram.
The inclusion of sacred geometry, holistic psychiatric nursing, depth psychology, and quantum physics in my dissertation reflects the multidimensionality of my research and the breadth of knowledge acquired. It’s remarkable how these diverse disciplines are interconnected and contribute to our understanding of the human mind and consciousness. The concept of the “Holographic Mind Model”) reflects the intricate and interconnected nature of the mind, much like a labyrinth. This model embodies the idea that our understanding of the mind is not linear but rather intricate and complex—multidimensional—with various pathways and connections.
As I have a deeply contemplative nature, manifesting a professional practice promoting personal fulfillment and self-discovery, I have supported the exploration of the soul’s journey. Specifically, can an individual’s soul be content with only one facet of expression throughout their lifetime, or does midlife self-reflection become necessary to explore other aspects of one’s soulful existence?
It is common for individuals to become identified solely with a particular role or profession, such as a professor or a businessman. This identification may stem from societal expectations, personal attachments, or a sense of security derived from the familiar. However, as one reaches midlife and experiences a natural stage of self-reflection, there may arise a yearning to explore other facets of their true self that have remained dormant. This process of co-creation is often driven by the soul’s calling, or the deep inner longing for personal growth and fulfillment. As midlife reflection takes hold, individuals may begin to question whether their current identity and pursuits align with their authentic desires and passions. They may start to evaluate and wonder what can truly bring them joy, meaning, and a sense of purpose beyond external obligations and societal roles.
Self-awareness becomes key in this process, allowing individuals to recognize the desires and yearnings of their soul, while also acknowledging the role of ego-driven desires and practical considerations. Balancing both the needs of the ego and the callings of the soul entails engaging in honest introspection, exploring new possibilities, and reevaluating life priorities. Ultimately, living the soul’s journey alongside the desires of the ego involves a willingness to evolve and adapt, to explore uncharted territories, and to honor the deeper aspects of oneself that have been held at bay. It requires openness, courage, and a commitment to personal growth and self-exploration.
I spent many days of my childhood playing in the many Ozark caves that existed in the area, especially being close to Marvel cave, where the entrance was at the top of the cave requiring those entering to follow a spiraling path down into the cavern. In contrast, I also had several wonderful tree houses to play in as well. Early on, I was exposed to the heights and depths, the light and dark, the contrasts that physically occurred within a single day of play. In addition, there were many streams that fed the lakes; these streams were a constant source of water life and wildlife discovery. Now musing over these childhood experiences, I see I was provided with a rich tapestry of contrasting elements, from being open to images within my mind’s eye to exploring the depths of the caves and the heights of the treehouses, along with the diverse life found in the streams. These memories now resonate with the spiraling energy of life’s labyrinth.
It’s fascinating, becoming aware of how archetypal influences find their way into different aspects of our lives, whether it’s in the name of a group or the themes explored in a dissertation. It highlights the universal nature of symbolism and its ability to resonate across different contexts and disciplines. By acknowledging and embracing these archetypal influences, you may find deeper meaning and connections in your experiences. It allows for a broader exploration of the human psyche and the mysteries of life. The following quote is offered in recognition of the archetypal nature of the labyrinthian spiral. According to C.G. Jung in The archetypes and the Collective Unconscious p.179,
A kind of fluid interpenetration belongs to the very nature of all archetypes. They can only be roughly circumscribed at best. Their living meaning comes out more from their presentation as a whole than from a single formulation. Every attempt to focus them more sharply is immediately punished by the intangible core of meaning losing its luminosity. No archetype can be reduced to a simple formula. It is a vessel which we can never empty, and never fill. It has a potential existence only, an when it takes shape in matter it is no longer what it was. It persists throughout the ages and requires interpreting ever anew. The archetypes are the imperishable elements of the unconscious, but they change their shape continually.
It has been fascinating to discover the connections between Carl Jung, Freemasonry, and my own experiences in the Masonic teachings. In fact, texts of Freemason instruction even reference their instruction as labyrinthian. Carl Jung’s interest in alchemy, sacred geometry, astrology, and archetypal imagery aligns closely with the teachings and symbolism of Freemasonry. Exploring these subjects and participating in the Masonic rituals as a Rainbow Girl provided me with a unique perspective and understanding of these concepts at a young age. The symbolism of shapes, numbers, colors, and figures in Freemasonry can offer profound insights into the nature of the self and the world.
By delving into these areas of knowledge, my understanding of Jung’s work and the relevance of these teachings have been enhanced. The connections discovered between my childhood experiences and Jung’s interests highlight the interconnectedness of different philosophies and belief systems. Such newfound understanding has deepened my appreciation for the rich tapestry of ideas and influences that have shaped my understanding of the self and the world. It’s an exciting journey of discovery and exploration that offers meaning and insight as I navigate through life’s twists and turns.
Yet is it newfound knowledge when at age 14yr the song “Twisted” was my mantra? A stanza of Joni Mitchell’s song Twisted from her 1974 album seems appropriate here.
… They say as a child I appeared a little bit wild
With all my crazy ideas
But I knew what was happening, I knew I was a genius
What’s so strange when you know
That you’re a wizard at three?
I knew that this was meant to be….
The lyrics from the song “Twisted” by Keith Sweat captured my experiences and emotions at that time, resonating with my unconscious knowing of the labyrinth’s pursuit. While I did not have a conscious understanding of what it meant at age 14, I now see it reflected the underlying truth that was already present within me. Sometimes, certain songs or expressions can tap into our unconscious and provide insight into deeper aspects of ourselves. In this case, the mantra-like quality of the song “Twisted” hinted at the complexities and twists of my life’s journey that were yet to be fully revealed and understood.
So, while the conscious awareness of the labyrinth’s pursuit may have unfolded more recently, the underlying knowledge and resonance were already present, as further evidenced by the connection to the song at a young age. The soul’s influence is ever present if we pay attention.
By recognizing patterns and following the threads of your own life’s labyrinth, you can deepen your self-knowledge, uncover hidden truths, and continue to explore the mysterious depths of the human psyche.’
Walking a labyrinth opens a portal into the paradoxical nature of life, with the purpose to get to the center only to be pulled further away and very close before getting to that destination and then having to repeat the journey in reverse to remerge in the world, is just one experience of paradox the labyrinth holds. According to B. Tarnas in Iridescent Infinity: Participatory Theory and Archetypal Cosmology Vol 5. Archai The Journal of Archetypal Cosmology p.100.
The presence of paradox seems to indicate the presence of the divine. When something is simultaneously one and many, manifest and unmanifest, and it cannot be reduced to one or the other, the very tension of this irresolvability reveals its sacredness. ….[here] a metaphoric image to reflect the nature of the divine mystery and the “iridescent variation of aspect” displayed by its archetypal principles. Webster Dictionary defines iridescence as “a lustrous rainbowlike play of color caused by differential refraction of light waves that tends to change as the angle of view changes.” I believe this is true of the archetypal expression of the divine, which can be imagined as a white light, eternally refracting into the multiplicity of archetypal colors, in shades from light to shadow, ever shifting and interweaving with each other in a harmonious display of rainbows.
Indeed, the alignment between the name “Rainbow Girls” and the concept of labyrinthian energies is intriguing. It showcases the interconnectedness and synchronicity present within life experiences and the broader archetypal realm. The use of the term “Rainbow” implies a connection to a wide spectrum of colors, symbolizing diversity and inclusivity. The labyrinthian energies mentioned can be seen as representing the complex and intricate nature of life’s journey, with various twists, turns, and paths to explore.
By walking the labyrinth and engaging in mystical studies, such as the Rainbow Girls and Free Masons, and Depth Psychology, I was unknowingly embarking on a journey of self-realization and spiritual exploration. These experiences were already aligning with my soul’s journey, even if I was not consciously aware of it at the time.
Now that I have gained awareness of the labyrinth’s pursuit in my life, I can further integrate its teachings and symbolism into conscious awareness. This can help navigate life’s journey, making decisions that align with the higher self and allowing ego’s desires to be in harmony with soul’s purpose. In essence, the awareness of the labyrinth’s pursuit in my life is a guide towards a more authentic and fulfilling existence, where the true self and ego desires are unified in service of the soul’s journey.