Labyrinth Page
The Sinfield Nature Conservation Trust
White House Farm
LABYRINTH AT WHITE HOUSE FARM
In April 2008, with the help of volunteers, we created a turf labyrinth at White House Farm, which will be used as an educational and inspirational tool. We hope the labyrinth will make a positive lasting impression on all those who walk it.
At a volunteer event in December 2007 we created a temporary labyrinth outlined with candles. The light-filled labyrinth was most suitable for the time of year when it is tradition to celebrate the turning of the season and the 'rebirth of the sun' with the energy of fire.
Photographs of the turf labyrinth coming soon.
Background Information
Labyrinths are generally recognised as unicursal mazes found represented in art, carved onto stone or as a physical construction. Labyrinths have historically been used for group ritual or individual meditation. If used as a form of group or private meditation, the labyrinth can help you to gain greater awareness and connect with the life-force of the land. Walking the labyrinth can become a symbolic pilgrimage.
Ancient labyrinth designs have been discovered in many parts of the world including Europe, North and South America (Tohono O'odham), Australia, Nepal and India. One of the oldest discovered labyrinth designs is at Goa and is dated to circa 2500 BC. A Neolithic tomb in Sardinia has possibly the oldest labyrinth inscription that is known. Two labyrinth symbols near Tintagel in Cornwall may date to 1500 BC.
Labyrinths were popular in medieval times, particularly in England, France and Scandanavia. Some impressive ecclesiastical labyrinths remain, such as the famous paved labyrinth at Chartres cathedral in Northern France. Many medieval turf labyrinths still survive in the UK including at Hilton in Cambridgeshire and Saffron Waldon in Essex.
We are now seeing a resurgence of labyrinth creation and appreciation throughout the world. Many people again seek inspiration from ancestral wisdom and the labyrinth provides a remarkable tool for sacred exploration. It is said that in a maze you go to lose yourself but in a labyrinth you go to find yourself!
Related Sites:
Labyrinth Society - World-Wide Labyrinth Locator
Labyrinth Society - About Labyrinths
Mid-Atlantic Geomancy (Once on this site select 'Sacred Space' for information about labyrinths.)