Labyrinths: Ancient Myths & Modern Uses

by Sig Lonegren

For thousands of years, in many different cultures and in many diverse forms, the labyrinth's enigmatic shape has reappeared to tantalize archeologists and historians. What were these magical mazes used for, and why? What meaning could they hold for us today? Through myths, stories, and symbolism we enter the labyrinth's sacred space, and into its very heart where we can reach and understand its how it enhances awareness and forces us to become attuned to the convoluted path in order to reach our goal. As we work our way through its various forms, from ancient Greece to Native America, through its legends, links with dream imagery, role in women's history, energies and planetary connections, we are given practical projects for personal growth. Draw your own labyrinths, use them as problem-solving tools, and even build real ones on a lawn or inside with a string and masking tape.

Genres: Nonfiction, Spirituality, Mythology, Nature, Reference, History

160 pages, Paperback

First published May 9, 2001

Reviews

[Bruce · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book written by a long time student of labyrinths and earth mysteries, and contains much useful and rare information. Lots of pictures, lots of experiential exercises, really casts a wide net. Recommended.

Unfortunately the prose is amateurish. It's completely readable but the clumsy wording is distracting in places, and at times simple things are ridiculously over explained and unusual complicated things are given few words-- the meaning is not always clear.

Nor is all the information here to be taken as given-- there are contradictions with some information Jeff Saward's site, who is a friend and fellow labyrinth enthusiast. Also some incorrect information regarding tunnels under Macchu Picchu which many experts get wrong, admittedly. So while this book is a real treasure trove of info be a little careful.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was great! I learned a lot about labyrinths, and even had some instructions on how to draw some basic ones and build them, but there is a lot of other info in there about them too like the mythology and history behind them. The only place I felt It got a little dry around the area about geometry near the end...but in its own way I'm sure it interesting too probably dry for me just because I'm not very math minded.

[Allyson Shaw · Rating 2 out of 5]

There are actually four editions of this book; I have the latest which has been edited to include the labyrinth on the Glastonbury Tor. While there are some enjoyable visual aspects to this book- the “seed patterns” to help you drawn various labyrinths, and a flipbook in the corner, it is a jumble of ideas, personal anecdotes and casual scholarship.

[Reena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent base of labyrinthine knowledge. Wonderfully comprehensive and erudite.

[Amy Paget · Rating 2 out of 5]

Labyrinths: Ancient Myths & Modern Uses by Sig Lonegren is an excellent first introduction to the labyrinth topic, The revised edition was published in 2001. Chapters focus on sacred space, the seed pattern, myths, dreams, herstory, energies and modern uses. Most chapters engage the reader further with follow-up exercises. These guided exercises help the reader consider using the labyrinth fro problem solving and personal growth. The book also includes detailed instruction on creating both indoor and outdoor labyrinths, guidelines on how to dance the labyrinth and tips on using the signs of the zodiac with the labyrinth.
Sig Lonegren is an internationally known wirter, speaker, and consultant on dowsing, labyrinths and sacred energy sites. He lives in Glastonbury, England, and Greensboro. Vermont, USA.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting book. This explains what a labyrinth is (not the same thing as a maze - a labyrinth has only one possible path and serves different purposes - goes over the history of the creation of labyrinths in several cultures, shows still-extant examples from around the world, gives some instruction in how to make one's own labyrinth, and talks about the various ways people have thought about and used them. Along with the interesting text, the pictures are gorgeous.

[Sylvia B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal book! It so affected me, a major catalyst for me. Life changing stuff here. Still use this one as a reference. A must have if you're the slightest bit interested in Labyrinths.