The reading begins with the authors description of a blue cadillac in Chimayo that has been painted with religious imagery, or more specifically the crucifixion of Jesus. She discusses that the Plaza in Chimayo that used to be full of men and women who would use the space as a courting ritual by lining up adjacent from each other and preforming a dance. She discusses the nature of walks and how they change throughout the years, as instead of lovers walking the plaza, the space has been filled with vehicles preforming a similar type of motion. The same thing can be said for the crucifixion imagery of Jesus, these images line the walls of almost every church where the walk can be visually retaken by followers. The most significant part of the reading to my study on labyrinths beings when she discusses the pilgrimage, and how the act of walking a pilgrimage is an attempt to access the same space or ritual as a saint who made the same walk years before. Walking therefore does not become just a physical act, but can imply spiritual intentions. "To walk the same way is to reiterate something deep; to move through the same space the same way is a means of becoming the same person, thinking the same thoughts:"(68). The author then discusses her first encounter with a labyrinth at the Chartres Cathedral where she became aware of the connection between the labyrinth and life's journey in general. "...sometimes you have to turn your back on your goal to get there, sometimes you're farthest away when you're closest, sometimes the only way is the long one(69)." Walking does not just have to be a mode of transportation, but can be a way of accesseing a different space which connects to life's journey in general. She discusses the possible origins of the labyrinth but concludes that both its purpose and its creation remain ambiguous.
When I continued my research I discovered that there were quite a few different types of labyrinths.
The Reims Labyrinth The Cretan Labyrinth The Chartreuse Labyrinth
Each labyrinths name corrosponds to the places they are most likely to be seen, but the most common rendition of the labyrinth is done in the Chartreuse form. The potential for spiritual understanding is often the reason why these labyrinths are created, and with the help of the labyrinth society labyrinths are becoming more common in the Western world. The lady from this clip for example, created her very own labyrinth in her backyard, and discusses the healing that comes along with walking it.
I also came across a clip that shows you how to draw a labyrinth.
In drawing the labyrinth you almost experience a similar meditative calm as you would walking it.
Overall, labyrinths are pretty cool! Everyone should walk one once!
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