Beach labyrinth – Mana, NZ
Grace Cathedral – San Francisco
Houchen Retreat Centre – Hamilton
Centennial Park – Sydney
6 metre portable labyrinth
Welcome to Active Sage New Zealand
Nurturing the well-being of the community, and the oneness of spirit by providing a meditative labyrinth experience for everyone.
Presentations and workshops relating to the labyrinth as well as labyrinth design, construction and supply – portable and permanent.
Portable Labyrinths
Finger Labyrinths
Community Labyrinths
We have many ways to facilitate a deep and meaningful labyrinth experience.
Personal labyrinths. Beautiful, mindful meditation at your fingertips.
Do you want / need a labyrinth at the heart of your community? Let's make it happen.
Chartres Medieval Labyrinth Replica
Grace Catherdral – San Francisco
What is a labyrinth?
Labyrinths are powerful meditative tools, often referred to as a metaphor for life. Essentially they fall into two main categories; the Cretan (or Classical) and the Medieval from the 13th century. Many cultures have adapted the essence of labyrinth forms to reflect their own unique style, resulting in countless variations to be found throughout history and the world. They are sacred spaces that anyone can and should use whenever they feel the need.
Many modern-day labyrinths follow the traditional "rules" of labyrinth making but the scope for creativity and expression is unlimited. From organic, natural materials found nearby to highly engineered and precise structures, the sky is indeed the limit.
The way to walk the labyrinth, however, remains the same, offering a singular path to the centre, with generally the same path used to exit. A labyrinth is not a maze, you cannot get lost – It's actually more about finding yourself!
The Classical labyrinth is an ancient meditative and ceremonial tool that has been used by many cultures around the world for thousands of years. This one from Goa, India circa 2000 BC.
The Medieval style labyrinth built using the sacred geometry developed in the 13th century by Europe’s cathedral builders, the most famous example being in Chartres Cathedral, France.
Why do we need labyrinths?
We have created a frantically busy world for ourselves, a world that moves at a pace like never before; with easy access to amazing technology, it's an exciting time to be alive. The downside is that we are at extreme risk of personal burnout and disconnect. Besides excitement, the human psyche craves love, peace, harmony, nurture and tranquility. We need to set aside time for ourselves at the soul level. Time without distraction, time without our digital devices, time to recharge and to free the spirit.
In medieval times, back in the days of the Crusades, it became too dangerous for pilgrims to travel to the Holy Land. So, church leaders across Europe began creating labyrinths in cathedrals and other sacred places so that pilgrimages could be undertaken in the safety of the local community; to make that pilgimage without ever having to leave home.
Now as then, we set our intention for the labyrinth walk, then simply step onto the path without expectation and make our way to the centre. The "journey" quieten our minds, we can pause, reflect, seek guidance, give thanks, then return refreshed to the outside world with vigour, enlightenment and nourished sprits. Mindfulness, body, spirit – connection to the One – it all comes together effortlessly on the labyrinth, regardless of belief system or culture.
“Your sacred space is where you can find yourself over and over again.”Joseph Campbell