Labyrinth: A Powerful Symbol for the Journey of Life
How the act of walking its path, with its twists and turns, can offer moments of reflection and insight
Labyrinths are intricate and sometimes confusing networks of passages through which one must find a way, and they have intrigued humans for millennia. Exploring a labyrinth yourself, whether for spiritual, meditative, or purely recreational reasons, can be a unique experience.
Let’s delve into their history, symbolic meanings, and some prominent examples. Then, we will explore this concept through different lenses and how it permeates various fields of study.
History & Origins
The word “labyrinth” is derived from the ancient Greek “λαβύρινθος” (labýrinthos). The most famous labyrinth from ancient times was the Cretan Labyrinth, which, according to myth, housed the Minotaur — a creature half-man and half-bull.
Labyrinths have been found in various cultures worldwide, from ancient Greece and the pre-Colombian Americas to India and Scandinavia.
Difference between Labyrinths and Mazes
Although the terms are often used interchangeably, there’s a difference.
