Lots of New Photos!
| The photograph opposite shows the Labyrinth at Chartes Cathedral in France, lit by candle-light. Around 1230, as the Cathedral of Chartres was being built, the large labyrinth was set with blue and white stones into the floor of the nave of the church. |  |
| And here it is!!! Finally, the Te Moata Labyrinth was finished for the 1st January 2001, exactly one year after the idea to build one was conceived. |  |
See the labyrinth wedding photos here.
NEW! Lots of new photos below!
During the Te Moata 2000 celebrations to welcome the new Millennium, many of us had an opportunity to walk the Labyrinth. The unexpected power of the experience prompted many of us to vow to create a permanent labyrinth at Te Moata. Donations were made to seed the project and we will keep you informed as the plans develop. Of course, you are most welcome to help! To email a message about this project click here.
Here is a link to an excellent history of labyrinths going back to pre-historic times. You can also find out how to make your own simple temporary labyrinths. You might also like to check out the Labyrinth Society.
If you are interested in books about labyrinths or even "labyrinth mouse-pads"(!!!)
click her click
here.
| The Labyrinth is a medieval spiritual tool which is being rediscovered in our time.
It is a universal path, one path in and out. The winding circuitous walk is a form of walking meditation or prayer.
The Labyrinth is an archetypal symbol which holds the experience of wholeness and unity for all who enter. Walking
the Labyrinth is an ancient spiritual act of pilgrimage symbolizing one's walk with God or journey through life.
In today's world, we are in need of living spiritual tools which are inclusive, non judgmental, and uplifting. According to the Christian Church, walking the Labyrinth mirrors the Three Fold Mystical Path: the path of purgation, illumination, and union. The first stage, the journey inward, is a releasing and letting go of the details and concerns of life. The mind empties and quiets as one finds a pace. The second stage, reaching and staying in the center, is a time for personal prayer and meditation. This is an opening to receive, to be illumined, inspired by the Divine. The third stage, leaving the center and retracing the path, is a time of union and joining with God, or some other aspect of the Divine, for empowerment and/or healing in worldly relations. This stage provides grounding, guidance, and integration for whatever one has received. |
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| Here is the latest picture of Te Moata labyrinth being marked out. The picture is animated so wait until it has finished loading. It may take a while to load but it is worth the wait! |
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Here are some recent photos of the first labyrinth "water-stone" day, which was held at Tarariki Pottery, Paeroa on 8th July 2000. Nearly 1800 water-stones were hand-crafted by a wonderful group of people and these stones, when fired, will be layed down at the Te Moata Labyrinth and used to mark either side of the path. Click photo to enlarge
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Today, 2 September, we opened the kiln at Tarariki Pottery and brought the fired water
stones out into sun. It was very exciting to see how well they had turned out - perfect match to the beach
pebbles.
Today is also a special day as there is a funding raising evening for the Te Moata labyrinth, organised by Rachel
and friends. Good luck!
Click photo to enlarge:
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