Types of Labyrinths

 Chartres |  Classical

 Chartres Labyrinth Overview:

The Chartres labyrinth is the largest of the labyrinths. Located toward the rear, the Chartres is based on the famous design at Chartres, France. The underlying foundation of the labyrinth is a cross. Although you cannot see it, it is important that you know it is there. The cross creates the form upon which the entrance/exit and turns are created: these are the significant opportunities in which you are challenged the most. 

At the very heart of the labyrinth - the center - is the point of intersection of the cross. It is the crossroads, it is the point of simply “what is”. The labyrinth is a series of concentric circles around this center point which helps us to discover what is within, and to use what is within to live with boldness and peace outside with others.

Size: The diameter of the labyrinth is 200 feet.

Circuits: 11

Time to Walk: Approximately 20 minutes. However, walking time depends on whether and how long you use walking guides, or stop at turns.

Entrance and Exit: The entrance and exit are through a gate. There may be stones or other aids available at the gate for use on your journey. 

Path: Approximately 20 inches wide. 

Walking surface: Grass/Mulch

Borders of paths: Native grasses and plants left to grow to their natural height. Borders are approximately six inches wide.

Turns: Turns in a Chartres labyrinth are either 90 or 180 degrees. A variety of natural and man-made artifacts such as trellises, benches, and markers. Turns are marked by numbers and directional arrows as a visual aid for those who may need them. There are two sets of 35 marked turns -- the jade markers point from entrance to center, and yellow markers point from center to exit. 

Center circle: The center circle is 20 feet in diameter and bordered with scrubs, native grasses and flowers. Benches and other decorations are within the circle. There is usually an artifact for reflection. Meditation guides are available.

 Classical Labyrinth Overview:

The classical labyrinth has seven circuits. This labyrinth was created by plantings of lavender, culinary herbs, salad greens and edible flowers. The cross also forms the internal structure. In this labyrinth, the cross formation is the most visible and distinctive part. Because of its design, the classical labyrinth is experience as a continuous flow. 

Compared to the invitation for introspection of Chartres, here the invitation is for celebration. There is always

something to celebrate. You experience visually and physically the impact of the cross at the heart of this labyrinth and have the opportunity to explore the meaning of the cross as celebration.

The shape of the classical labyrinth is not round, but rather like a mushroom or tree. There is no pronounced exact center such as in the Chartres. Here, your journey moves toward an area of the upper right quadrant of the cross. For practical purposes, we call this a “center” although clearly it does not lie at the physical center. The classical labyrinth has a unique characteristic that allows the designer to create an enlarged center. To the extent that you enlarge the center, the labyrinth takes on a modified shape. 

This labyrinth teaches us that as we expand our “center” the rest of our life will change to accommodate it. The more we are able to find celebration at the core of our living, the greater is our capacity to enlarge our life. 

• Size: The diameter of the labyrinth is 10 feet.

• Circuits: 7

• Time to Walk: Approximately 10 minutes.

• Entrance and Exit: The entrance and exit are the same. This is a powerful statement about the wholeness of everything: a beginning, what happens in between and an end. They are all connected.

• Path: Approximately 14 inches wide. 

• Walking surface: Grass.

• Borders of paths: Created by planting seasonal lavenders, herbs, edible flowers and salad greens and other produce. Borders are approximately 6 inches wide.

• Turns: There are four turns in the classical labyrinth. However, they are round, not angled and so it is more of a continuous forward walk.

• Center circle: 12 feet in diameter and bordered with culinary herbs, edible flowers. Seating consist of benches and chairs

More Labyrinths to Come!

Check back for an update on our next labyrinth project to be completed around March, 2012