Finger Labyrinths
With these beautifully crafted finger labyrinths, you can now experience the labyrinth journey for yourself in your home, when you travel, or in small-group gatherings. Simply let your finger follow the satin smooth path of the labyrinth, or push a marble through the path, or use a stylus, or trace the path with your eyes. Any way you do it is the right way.
11-Circuit Chartres Labyrinth, Cherry, Pre-Release reservation
11-Circuit Chartres Labyrinth, Cherry, Pre-Release reservation
Sorry no pictures are available for this Cherry 11-Circuit labyrinth. That’s because I haven’t completed them yet!
You can reserve yours now by purchasing one (or more), and get to the front of the line for my newest finger labyrinth release in gorgeous, rich Cherry.
To see what this labyrinth’s design looks like, just look at the Maple 11-Circuit labyrinths that are now available for reservation. Unlike the Maple labyrinths, the Cherry labyrinths, will have a darker color with a warm, rich, reddish tone.
Pre-release reservation purchases will ensure that you secure your place in line for these new labyrinths.
Please note that since these labyrinths are not yet complete, your labyrinths may take 6-8 weeks to be delivered to you.
I may be able to get yours to you sooner, but I can’t promise any deliveries sooner than 6 weeks.
This Cherry 11-Circuit Chartres Finger Labyrinth is a replica of the original floor mosaic 11-circuit labyrinth in Chartres Cathedral. Also known as the Medieval Labyrinth, the Chartres Labyrinth first started appearing in the tenth century in Europe (centuries before the Charrtes cathedral was built), and by the 12th century was the dominant labyrinth design in Christian Europe. The original 11-circuit Chartres Labyrinth incorporates a symmetrical, 4-axis design into the 11-circuit Otfrid design, to make a complex labyrinth path with 70 moves.
Available in three sizes: 8” diameter, 11” diameter, and 15” diameter. All labyrinths are .75” thick and made from sustainably-raised Cherry, which has a rich, warm, reddish color and smooth wood grain. Hand-finished with a coat of penetrating Danish Oil, which protects it from mild use, and brings out the color and luster of the Cherry.
All the labyrinths have a convex back side (like a dinner plate) so they rest comfortably in your hands. When not in use, your labyrinth makes an eye-catching bas-relief sculpture on a coffee table, or with the slot in the back, it can be easily hung on a wall for display.
The labyrinth is an archetypal art form that spans the globe and goes back thousands of years. There are several common variants of the labyrinth design, and they have appeared as petroglyphs, in vellum manuscripts, on cathedral floors, and in gardens. In all labyrinth designs, unlike in a maze, there is no “wrong way:” even as it winds, twists, and rounds on itself repeatedly, there is only one path to follow.
Today there is a resurgence of interest in the labyrinth, particularly as a tool for contemplation, meditation, prayer, therapy, as well as calming and relaxation. The act of following the labyrinth path, meandering along the concentric journey from circumference to center and back, is a powerful experience for anyone, of any age or ability.
With these beautifully crafted finger labyrinths, you can now experience the labyrinth journey for yourself in your home, when you travel, or in small-group gatherings. Simply let your finger follow the satin smooth path of the labyrinth, or push a marble through the path, or use a stylus, or trace the path with your eyes. Any way you do it is the right way.
I have designed and created these finger labyrinths with utmost attention to detail. I choose only the highest-quality, sustainably-grown woods for these labyrinths. I currently have labyrinths made of FSC-certified alder, bamboo plywood, eastern hard maple, and red oak. Each labyrinth passes through my hands numerous times, and I make sure that they feel utterly satisfying to hold and trace your fingers along.
The Classical Labyrinth is the oldest of labyrinth designs, stretching back thousands of years, and variants of it appear worldwide. This design has seven circuits, or bends, and is bounded by eight walls.
The Otfrid Labyrinth is thought to have been first drawn by the monk Otfrid of Weissenburg, in c. 871, on the endpaper of the Book of Gospels, composed at Weissenburg monastery in Alsace. It takes the Classical form and adds four more circuits, to make an 11-circuit design, and was a major breakthrough in the development of labyrinth designs.
The 11-Circuit Chartres Labyrinth is named after the floor mosaic of the same design at Chartres cathedral. Also known as the Medieval Labyrinth, the Chartres Labyrinth first started appearing in the tenth century in Europe (centuries before the Chartres cathedral was built), and by the 12th century was the dominant labyrinth design in Christian Europe. It incorporates a symmetrical, 4-axis design into the 11-circuit Otfrid design, to make a complex labyrinth path with 70 moves.
The 7-Circuit Chartres Labyrinth is a simplification of the 11-Circuit Chartres Labyrinth that some people find easier to trace.
The Chalice & Flame Labyrinth is a modern design, and features the symbol for Unitarian Universalism at its center. Designed by Unitarian Universalist David Snedden, the Chalice & Flame Labyrinth is an original labyrinth expression that anyone can enjoy.
Whichever one you choose, you will find the experience of tracing the labyrinth path to be transformative.