Celebrating Beltane with a labyrinth walk
Wow, what a few weeks it has been on the build up to Beltane. I LOVE Beltane, the energy really resonates with me, it is potent and creative (there is a very strong sexual energy, the male and female coming together to create, create, create) and brings energy and clarity, at least that has been my experience, like a push through after the retreat and inner work of the winter so that we feel ready to emerge a little more out into the world.
Here at Beinspired we celebrated Beltane by getting on the land and walking the labyrinth up at Heritage Farm, cautery of Nic Jee and his team. I didn’t actually get to the walk the labyrinth, as I was busy dowsing auras with my dowsing buddies, Humphrey, Ella and Indie from my little home school group.
It was rather amazing as people’s auras were much stronger than the last time we walked the labyrinth, perhaps it was towards the end of last summer, which got me thinking how much this Beltane energy really does bring ore vibrance into us, as it does the land too. By the end of the walk, most people’s auras had almost doubled in size, which just goes to show how potent labyrinth walking can be on one’s energy.
Not only that but people commented on the clarity and insight they gained, and some of my dedicated practitioners, really found it quite a life changing event. Even though I didn’t walk the labyrinth, I did receive some insight just by standing on the land - Nic’s land is rather magical, he has preserved it well and on a full moon especially, it reminds me of Little Sark in its potent and mystical quality - you really can enter other realms.
So what is all this labyrinth malarkey about? Well read below to learn more and if it appeals then keep checking the website as we will likely do another walk to celebrate Lammas around 1 August.
What is a labyrinth?
A labyrinth is a walking meditation representing a journey or path to our own centre and back out again. It has only one path that leads from the outer edge in a circuitous way to the centre. There are no tricks to it and no dead ends, and unlike a maze where you lose your way, the labyrinth is a spiritual tool that can help you find your way.
The practice of labyrinth walking integrates the body with the mind and the mind with the spirit. The experience can be very calming and clarifying for your thoughts. Intentionally walking in a quiet place in nature on a set path allows a level of focus that can be difficult to find in a busy life.
The labyrinth weaves back and forth and takes you seemingly close to the destination at the centre and then sends you off on many more zig-zags before you once again appear to be nearing the centre. This can bring to mind expectations about goals and how unpredictable tangents can arise in our lives.
Using this time to reflect on expectations about goals and letting those thoughts arise without judgement, may offer you peace or a different outlook and perspective on life. Bringing to mind a problem, issue or worry at the beginning of the walk can also be beneficial, as the labyrinth will help you to work this through so that by the end, you might have more insight and less concern.
As others are walking the labyrinth you will at times approach them on your path and then be sent farther away. This can bring to mind how people enter and leave your life, allowing you to process those thoughts and feelings.
In short, the labyrinth is a metaphor for life. You pause, take a break, charge forward, become annoyed if someone is ‘in your way’ or even experience loneliness if you are walking alone. Alternatively, you may feel a sense of solace from being alone.
Why walk the labyrinth?
Labyrinths are used world-wide as a way to heal, quieten the mind, calm anxieties, recover balance in life, enhance creativity, encourage meditation, insight, self-reflection and stress reduction.
The history of labyrinth
The labyrinth is an ancient pattern found in many cultures around the world. Labyrinth designs were found on pottery, tablets and tiles that date as far back as 5000 years. Many patterns are based on spirals and circles mirrored in nature. In Native American tradition, the labyrinth is identical to the Medicine Wheel and Man in the Maze. The Celts described the labyrinth as the Never Ending Circle. One feature labyrinths have in common is that they have one path that winds in a circuitous way to the center.
How to Use a Labyrinth
Before entering: Consider a contemplative question, an issue or concern in your life, or a prayer to hold in your mind before you step into the labyrinth and begin walking.
While walking: Just follow the path. As you concentrate on your steps, everything else can melt away.
Upon reaching the center: Sit or stand with your eyes closed or looking downward. Take three deep breaths, and in silence ask yourself: What am I feeling right now?
Walking back: Bring to mind again the contemplative question, issue or concern in your life or a prayer you began with.
After walking: Take a moment to let the experience settle. Perhaps try journaling about your labyrinth experience. What did you discover? What changed from the time you entered to the time you exited the labyrinth?
Happy Beltane!
Love Emma x