home/earthrod/us/mysteries&megaliths/mazes
Mazes and Labyrinths
 |
This is a unicursal maze. Called because it's not there to baffle you, but to present a clear, if winding path to the centre, sometimes called Jerusalem. These mazes were made all over the British countryside for celebration at the key times of the year - notably Beltane (May 1st). You'll also find them in many European churches and cathedrals - particularly at Chartres near Paris, France. But they also occur all over the world, particularly in Greece at Knossos, the Hopi and Pima native American cultures and in northern Scandinavia. The link between the double axe and the maze as seen at Knossos in Crete, is a fascinating one - see more details. |
 |
Coins with Maze symbol - Knossos, Crete. c67BC. These were minted with the head of the sun-god Apollo on the reverse. They show the winding unicursal path of the maze, where as legend tells us, the Minotaur dwelt at its centre. At the time, the Bull Cult was reigning in Crete - where in ritual games, young men leapt over the horns as proof of their manhood. But no evidence was found of any labyrinth at the Palace of Knossos. Yet images of this potent symbol are found not only on coins, but on fragments of ceramics proving that it held an important place in Cretan life. Many stories survive of dancers linked with long threads as they made their way around a maze. This goes back to the story of Theseus and Ariadne who gave Theseus a thread on his way into the labyrinth to kill the Minotaur. Without it, he would never have found his way out. |
 |
The Chi-Rho or Crook Inevitably, the Church adopted so-called pagan ritualism and its symbols. Look at the maze on the left. The Papal symbol of the shepherd's crook or chi-rho is directly based on the crossing point of the maze. It was also the monogram of Christ and formed the labaram of Constantine. The Church was quick to adopt the maze symbol which you'll find in many European churches and cathedrals. |
Troy Towns
The city of Troy was consecrated to Hippolytus, son of Theseus and had a close relationship with the labyrinth. In fact Troy Towns, or Troy Mazes occur in many British maze sites. Games called 'Walls of Troy' and 'Shepherds Races' all link back to a time when the maze was a deeply ritualistic device. Later the maze became a pleasure playground where its more resonant attributes were forgotten. But some hundereds still survive if you know where to look for them.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
