I have previously shown how to make a variety of digital labyrinth drawings. The ones I reviewed fell into one of 5 categories: classical labyrinths, square labyrinths, circular labyrinths, octagonal and hexagonal labyrinths. Today we are going to take a quick look at the five different structures and compare them. We will also discuss aesthetics, shapes, and the different symbolism associated with each labyrinth shape. Here is a guide to what will be included. Click on a section to move to it:
PART 1 - LABYRINTH SEEDS AND STARTING PATTERNS
PART 2 - LABYRINTH TURNBACKS AND SECTIONS
PART 3 - LABYRINTH AESTHETICS - THICKNESS / HANDEDNESS / ORIENTATION
PART 4 - FINAL LABYRINTH COMPARISON
PART 5 - ADDITIONAL LABYRINTH SHAPES TO CONSIDER
PART 6 - LABYRINTH SHAPES AND THEIR SYMBOLISM
PART 7 - REAL WORLD LABYRINTH EXAMPLES
PART 1 - LABYRINTH SEEDS AND STARTING PATTERNS
First let’s look at the seed patterns. For the classical and square labyrinths you can use the same seed pattern show below. None of the circular, octagonal, and hexagonal labyrinths have traditional starting seeds beyond their inherent shapes.
Next let’s look at the connections for the labyrinths that use this seed pattern. The difference between a square and classical labyrinth is simple, and that is the shape of the connections between the seed endings. Here is the first move for each, one square and one curved (each makes the destination of the labyrinth).
Both also use the following seed connections to finish the drawing of the labyrinth:
For a square labyrinth you also have a second option to create a larger square goal if you prefer (the seed is shown with a green background guide below). This is more likely to be found in a real world labyrinth to allow labyrinth walkers to have a large center to rest/meditate in. On the right you see the final version of this center goal variation.
What about the starting seeds for the other 3 types of labyrinths ? Well it seems they go their own way. While they also have 11 circuits, the making of them differs significantly from the classical and the square versions. They also have more variety in the way they are constructed, including allowing the creator to make some aesthetic choices along the way.
Let’s first look at the starting patterns:
Circular - 12 concentric circles
Octagonal - 12 concentric octagons
Hexagonal - 12 concentric hexagons
We have consistency here, we just change the shape. If you did not already know, the # of concentric shapes needed is always 1 greater than the number of circuits you want. So, if you wanted to make a 7 circuit pentagonal labyrinth, you need to start with 8 concentric pentagons. If you go back to our seeding pattern for both the square/classical labyrinths you’ll notice that there are 12 seeded connections there also ! So this math is consistent across all constructions.
PART 2 - LABYRINTH TURNBACKS AND SECTIONS
The next step in drawing each of these labyrinths is determining how many turn-backs or sections you would like the labyrinth to have, and it really is your personal choice. There is no standard way to draw the walls and turn-backs like you find with the classical labyrinth. I typically make 4 sections for my step by step instructions, but I have made 1,2,4 and 8 sections for most shapes with one exception, the hexagonal looks best in 6 sections vs. 8 for obvious reasons. Similarly, a pentagon would look natural with 5 sections.
Shown are the 1,2,4, and 8 section octagonal labyrinths; the 1,2,4, and 6 section hexagonal labyrinths; the 1,2,4, and 8 section circular labyrinths; the 1,2,4, and 8 section square labyrinths.
While match will help you determine how many sections fit with each shape I want to mention that circular gives you the most flexibility. 3 sections in an octagon may look awkward, but in a circle it looks great.
Once you have chosen the number of turn-backs, you can also make 3 more design aesthetics:
PART 3 - LABYRINTH AESTHETICS - THICKNESS / HANDEDNESS / ORIENTATION
Wall or Line Thickness:
For my examples, the hexagonal and octagonal labyrinths each used standard equal constructions (the wall and pathway thicknesses were the same). I like the way they look. All of my other examples used a regular construction. Here is what a circular labyrinth would look like in standard equal construction. All labyrinths can be made in either construction. Which do you prefer ?
Left-handed vs. Right-handed Labyrinths:
All 5 versions of these labyrinths can be created as either right handed or left handed. Every example in this discussion so far has been right handed. The left handed versions is the mirror image of what I have shown. What determines this ? The direction of your first turn after you enter the labyrinth ! This is difficult to notice for most people except for the classical labyrinth where it is apparent as shown below (although you would notice the handedness of any labyrinth that you were walking I imagine):
Left handed labyrinth
Right handed labyrinth
Labyrinth Orientation
The last variation applies to only the octagonal and hexagonal labyrinths construction (or any other shape you decide to use). For geometric shapes you may start the initial pathway centered on a wall, as all the above examples have done, or you may start the labyrinth on a corner. Here is the 4 sectioned hexagon labyrinth with each orientation. Notice that the section lines are placed in the same place for each version.
So that concludes our discussion and comparison of the 5 main types of labyrinths. I hope I have inspired you to create your own !
PART 4 - FINAL LABYRINTH COMPARISON
Here is the final comparison of the 5 main labyrinths. Which do you prefer ?
PART 5 - ADDITIONAL LABYRINTH SHAPES TO CONSIDER
Following the basic steps I have outlined you can create additional shaped labyrinths. I think once you get to a decagon (10 sided) and dodecagon (12 sided) regular shaped polygons you are close enough to a circle that that would be the preferred construction. Irregular polygonal shaped labyrinths are possible but typically not drawn, just used in the real world because a rock/tree/other is in the way of the path.
The Triangle Labyrinth. I used this opportunity to divide the labyrinth into 3 sections based on the above discussion.
The Spiral Labyrinth. When you think of spirals you think of a circular shape, but they can also be square shaped spirals. Double spiral labyrinths are also made in the real world so 2 people may walk at the same time. However I am unsure how you count the circuits correctly !!
The Diamond Labyrinth. You may create these at any angle. I did 90 degrees which looked like a rotated square and a second at a sharper angle.
PART 6 - LABYRINTH SHAPES AND THEIR SYMBOLISM
The symbolism of labyrinths is complex and varied. Some people see them as symbols of the journey of life, while others see them as representations of the universe or the mind. Labyrinths can also be seen as metaphors for the challenges that we face in life and the rewards that we can reap if we persevere. Here is a look at some of the symbolism found in the most common shapes:
Most Classical labyrinths have 7 circuits. The 7 circuits represent the 7 stages of life: birth, childhood, youth, adulthood, middle age, old age, and death.
Square labyrinths are often seen as representing the four elements (earth, air, fire, and water),
Circular labyrinths are often seen as representing the cycle of life.
Hexagonal Labyrinths may have been made for a variety of reasons. One theory is that the number 6 has symbolic significance in many cultures. It is often associated with creation, completion, and balance. For example, in the Bible, God created the world in six days, and the Star of David has six points. It is possible that the builders of labyrinths used the number 6 because they believed that it had special powers or meaning.
PART 7 - REAL WORLD LABYRINTH EXAMPLES
I did extensive labyrinth research and was able to pull together some examples of different shapes you can find in the real world, each featuring 11 circuits. Here are some examples you could visit:
Square Labyrinth. The St. Benedict Church Labyrinth in Hollister, CA is an 11 circuit version made of brick pavers.
Classical Labyrinth. The Church of the Good Shepherd in Yukon, OK is an 11 circuit labyrinth made from pavers placed in the grass.
Chartres Labyrinth. Ideally you would just visit the original in France, but to keep with my theme, the Unity Spiritual Center Labyrinth is a nice version in Sun City, AZ.
Roman Style Labyrinth. The S.O.U.L. Center Labyrinth in Granby, CT has a large 84 foot diameter and is made with rocks.
Spiral Labyrinth. The Goldwell Open Air Museum Labyrinth in Beatty, NV is made from rocks.
Octagonal Labyrinth. The Oasis at Calvary Labyrinth in Ruskin, FL is a beautiful brick paver version. The most famous octagonal version is from Amiens, France.
Medieval Labyrinth. The Benedictine Sisters of Annunciation Monastery Labyrinth in Bismarck, ND is made from rocks placed in the grass.
Step by step instructions on how to draw over 20 digital labyrinths.
