A Lifelong Relationship with the Maze - Part 2
Mazes and labyrinths are often confused, but describe two different approaches to design, purpose, and historical usage.
Labyrinths are unicursal, meaning there is one way in and the same way out with no dead ends or traps. Labyrinths have been used in religious and spiritual rituals since prior to 450 BCE, and as many as 4,000 years ago. Romans used labyrinths on coins and monks used them in walking meditations, but their earliest use dates to ancient tribes that used the design in fertility rituals. In these rituals an egg was placed at the center of the labyrinth, and those who enter represent the seed to fertilize the egg. Once the egg is fertilized the tribe travels back out, metaphorically carrying the seed to term, and birth is symbolized by exiting the labyrinth.
Mazes are older than labyrinths, with some pictorial designs found that date as far back as 15,000 years. Mazes are a representation of the journey of life, and just as in the grand adventure we are all on, each comes with traps, dead ends, loops, and hidden passageways. Yet we each always have access to, and are connected to, the exit of the maze and freedom, which represents heaven.
Unlike the labyrinth, with its clear but convoluted path out, the maze is designed to trap its user. This is reflected in religious maze images of the Middle Ages, where a blind man with dark glasses and a white cane stands within the maze. A golden cord is attached from his navel to the heavens, where the light of God and the angels glows radiant. This depiction portrays the concept that without God’s guidance, all men are blind within the maze of life. Only with that connection to God can you make it through.
This religious appropriation has philosophical value, but is perhaps not what the maze was originally intended to represent. I believe the origin of the maze was originally a tribal design that eventually became a game, and from a game, a way to protect your village, pyramid, or city from enemies. Think for example of the Minotaur in the maze. Perhaps the maze is the first game, and mankind found a utilitarian use for it? To trap and dispel threats.
Mazes are interactive games, communication devices, art, myth, and represent spiritual and ritual aspects from many tribes and civilizations throughout history. Today, it’s an art form I use to challenge others to play my mind in a clever game of psychology. I seek to stop you from finding freedom and reaching your goal. The mind you play is mine and the challenge is on.
