There & Back Again
There are many images, archetypes and metaphors for birth. Many of which are the symbols of an initiation or a rite of passage.
Archetypes are expressions of universal human experiences, like "maiden, mother and crone." They are a simple image or word that is shorthand for an experience that is in many ways beyond words. Like drawing a picture of feelings. If you've read even one of my posts you'll know that I prefer to speak in metaphors and symbols (thanks Mercury in ♐️).
It is my way of attempting to touch the divine.
(Kim Kranz has an amazing oracle deck called The Wild Unknown Archetypes)
So, birth, potentially an experience of touching the divine, can be represented by many symbols.
The void
The dessert
The portal
An underworld journey (think Inanna/Persephone)
An alchemical transformation that takes 40 days (and 40 nights)
Places of emptiness, darkness.
If you've read Birthing From Within by Pam England, you may have you seen the labyrinth as a symbol of birth. Let's explore this one for a moment: A labyrinth is not a maze. A labyrinth has only one way. You follow the same path into the center and back out again. This symbol and the paths inlaid in stone or sand are found in cultures around the world from ancient times.
(We just finished reading The Hobbit with my 6th grader. Also called There and Back Again. A epic tale if there is was one--of the patriarchal variety--about a journey that transforms Mr Bilbo Baggins. Once you know the symbol, you'll start to see it all over the place.)
How is the labyrinth a symbol of birth or initiation? We can understand a rite of passage as having 3 stages: separation, transition, integration.
In separation we move away from what was. We let go. Unravel. Are stripped bare.
In transition we are in the dark place of stillness and potential. Not what we once were. Not yet what we are to become.
In integration we claim pieces of the experience as our power. We become whole again to a new way of being.
There is no telling how long each phase will take. Hours, days, months.
Walking the labyrinth is stepping into the energy of initiation. As you walk the path into the center you are invited to shed the old. You are invited to stand at the center for as long as you need for the transition. Walking the same path back out again, you integrate the experience.
I'd like to invite you to join me (as a board member of The Yoga Connection), to walk the labyrinth in meditation as preparation for birth or as a reminder of your journey into motherhood. As a way to honor the work and the universiality of the experience.
Monday, June 23, in honor of the summer solstice, to learn about the amazing work of The Yoga Connection, and to practice stepping into the unknown, we will walk the labyrinth.
At 5:30 pm, TYC yoga teachers will lead a yoga warmup and facilitate a group labyrinth walk. Participate in the walk or hold space for others walking. Light refreshments will be served during social time before and after the walk.
Even if you can't join us for the walk, you could print an image of it and trace the path with your finger or pen. I look forward to seeing you there!
Stay grounded!
Dawn
PS. As this is the time that I normally teach Prenatal Yoga, there will be no regular class, but students will instead be invited to participate in the labyrinth walk.
PPS. Learn more about The Yoga Connection and register for the free labyrinth walk.
