The Beechworth Lake Sambell Labyrinth was designed by artists Donna Page and Chris Dormer as part of the Victoria State Government Creative Village Project.

The Labyrinth design is based on the circular form of the Cretan Labyrinth and is built from blocks of local granite. The imposing structure occupies a cleared oval of the nature reserve, adjacent Lake Sambell and within walking distance of the popular picnic area and playground. The ancient symbol of the Labyrinth has been used over millennia as a meditation tool to foster mindfulness and wellbeing through a guided concentric walk.

In the American Theosophical Society’s Quest Magazine, John Algeo explains the spiritual significance of the Cretan Labyrinth form and its use as a meditation tool.

“The seven circuits of the Cretan Labyrinth correspond with the seven spheres of the sacred planets and the seven principles of the human being and the cosmos. Passing to the centre of the Labyrinth and returning to its circumference represents the involution and evolution of the universe, the coming into birth and the passing out of earthly life of an individual”, writes Mr Algeo.

“The winding pattern of any labyrinth also represents the circulation of vital energies within our bodies, and that pattern suggests the convolutions of the brain and the intestines, two poles of our body corresponding to our consciousness and its physical vehicle. To traverse the labyrinth is to bring into one wholeness all parts of our being” Mr Algeo asserts.

Source: John Algeo, Quest Magazine, The Theosophical Society (USA) https://www.theosophical.org/publications/quest-magazine/1276-the-layrinth-a-brief-introduction-to-its-history-meaning-and-use

by Darren John Pope

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