The Labyrinth of Sacred Oak GroveFeatured in Kentucky Living Magazine (Aug,'98)Courtesy of Clarice O'Bryan, creator and spiritual leader of Sacred Oak Grove |
The Labyrinth of Sacred Oak Grove lies on a peaceful hilltop beneath the sheltering arms of a circle of oaks. Its natural sandstone path and atmosphere is relaxing and conductive to meditation and enlightenment.
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Labyrinths can be found in almost every religious tradition around the world. Christians in the middle ages made a vow: to make a prigrimage to the Holy City of Jerusalem at least once in their lives. However, by the Twelfth Century the Crusades made travel too dangerous and expensive. In response, the Roman Church appointed seven prigrimage cathedrals to become the "Jerusalem" for prigrims.
The labyrinth served as a symbolic entry into the Celestial City. In the tradition of pilgrimage, the path of the labyrinth is called the Chemin de Jerusalem- the road to Jerusalem- and the center of the labyrinth, the New Jerusalem. The Labyrinth of Sacred Oak Grove is based on the one in the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Chartres, France, built in 1201. |
Unlike a maze, labyrinths have one well-defined path
that leads to the center and back again. The center represents illumination, a place where people may find insights to their problems. At the center of the long winding path we gain confidence to realize our dreams.
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Clarice O'BryanTeacher, healer, dancer, intuitive masseuse, Clarice O'Bryan has studied the mythic aspects of spirituality with scholars, clergy, and shamans throughout the U.S. and Great Britain. Plain spoken, down to earth and open-hearted, she tends the spirit and celebrates many forms of sacred wisdom. Clarice helps us to reclaim our deepest dreams and power. Friends and students call her wise woman.The Sacred Oak Labyrinth was a direct answer to Clarice's prayer for a tool where people of all races and beliefs could come together for a common spiritual experience.
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The sculpture in the middle of the labyrinth is called The Greening of the Mind, Body, and Spirit
and symbolizes the three parts of nature entwined. Each growing but all of equal importance to the whole.
One bears fruit at its top. Which part is it? It does not matter as all will have their turn in the maturing of the being.
The sculpture is created from native limestone and blends in with the peaceful setting beneath the oak trees surrounding the Labyrinth.
Created by Shane Smith, "The Stoneshaper" specifically for the Labyrinth. You can learn more about the sculptor and his works at his home page. |