Back in the 14th century, medieval architects used sacred geometry to create "environments- that balance and psyche the mind, body, and soul. These environments were called labyrinths. The most commonly used geometric shape in labyrinths was the circle. The circle is the symbol of unity. It is also the primary shape of labyrinths. .
The real origin of the labyrinths isn't really known. The first uses of them date back to as long as 4500 years ago. Though they have traveled through many thousands of years, their seven and eleven watt shapes have remained the same. Seven and eleven are two of the holy numbers therefore that's why they are used in this holy symbol. .
Although they do look similar to mazes, they are not. In fact, they are the exact opposite. However, they are similar to spirals. There is only one difference. Labyrinths do have changes in directions. Labyrinths have a center area, and all paths lead to it. Unlike mazes, they are not meant to challenge the mind.
Labyrinths also have early Christian connections. Christian theology believed the entrance of the labyrinths was known as the entrance to hell, and all of the curves were known as the sins. The center was when you talked to god and he led your way out of it. Some societies believe that if you draw this design on your house, evil spirits will get confused in the path and prevent them from entering.
The early church adapted the seven- circuit labyrinth as a symbol of the Christians, that's a single path to salvation. Some believe that the winding pathways symbolize the path to salvation because of all the twists and turns caused by sin. Also, some others believe that the labyrinth symbolizes the three-fold path.
Pilgrimages of different religions have been a big part of spirituality over a long period of time. For example, Muslims must make at least one visit to Mecca and Christians want to visit Jerusalem. In the medieval times, there were labyrinths that were built in seven different cathedrals due to the fact that it was too dangerous to visit any of these places then.
