BACKGROUND INFORMATION
(synopsis by Bob Peach, Georgia Labyrinths)
In his talk at the 2001 TLS Conference in Atlanta, Len Meserve described and explained his Relationship Labyrinth as follows:
"In nature, the wave form transmits energy and the spiral form generates energy. These two forms [work] together in nature. When a wave moves towards shore it rises up and falls forward, creating a spiral form. Also, in nature, the spiral form has actions and is symbolic of evolution and infinity." Len created his wave (meander) with 180 degree turns to correlate to the 180 degree turns in other labyrinth designs.
Storms in the northern hemisphere (ie. hurricanes) turn counterclockwise around a center eye ("the stillpoint"). In this way, these storms "scatter, disperse, and destroy" their energy. So it is when entering the spiral (storm) of the Relationship Labyrinth...you release (scatter, disperse, and destroy) your turmoil, your grief, your self before entering the stillpoint.
"Here in the center [stillpoint] of the [Relationship] labyrinth is an egg shape that is a golden mean proportion, which is about relationship. Symbolically the egg is the vessel that contains all possibility, and represents new cycles, and new life. Here in the center you receive."
Len pointed out that the Relationship Labyrinth also contains the sacred geometric number of 7 (3+4). In the spiral, there are 3 paths to the left and 4 to the right. There are also 3 paths at the bottom of the spiral and 4 at the top.
"...traditions teach us that we come from Unity [as represented by the circle] into the world of duality to experience the masculine and the feminine, the positive and the negative, etc. Our job is to master the experience of duality and bring it back to Unity." Len feels that the outside path (white) represents the masculine energy because of (1) the traditional male role of protector, and (2) it's a longer path to the center which parallels the male's longer struggle to his center (feelings).
When walking this labyrinth with a partner, enter the circle at the bottom, hold each other's hand, and pause before entering the meander portion (Len always uses "pause stones" at the entrance). When leaving the center, it doesn't matter it you switch paths or not...this is the walkers' choice.
There are many metaphors associated with this design but one that struck me when I walked it was that it represents two people on their individual journeys (walks) through life (paths) but joined by a shared goal (labyrinth center) where they will eventually be re-united.
Len's presentation tape should be available from the
in the near future.
This is Len's personal Relationship Labyrinth he created at his
home.
He may be contacted at P.O. Box 674, Tesuque, NM 87574.
Email address is:
Bonnicia@aol.com
To see more photos of the Relationship
Labyrinth, click
HERE.