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with Arianne Conty Inner Traditions International 2002 ISBN #089281922-7 This is a highly readable foray into the world of labyrinths and sacred geometry. I am a dilletant in this field - I have some understanding of sacred geometry from my work with the Tarot, and share an interest in the subject of spiritual transformation from my own personal studies. When I first started reading this work, I felt that it was a bit wordy - that it wandered far and wide, albeit finally coming back to the point. Then I had an "Aha!" experience that changed how I viewed things. First of all - this work was originally written in French, and translated by the author's daughter. Nothing was lost in the translation - but there was a translation. Next - Patrick Conty is a painter, not a mathematician or a spiritual writer/leader. The fact that he presents the mathematical and spiritual principles in such a cogent manner says a great deal about this gentleman. From the back of the book:
"A groundbreaking look at the phenomenon of the labyrinth, connecting this ancient symbol to modern scientific principles I found all of the above to be true - and then some. Labyrinth work is based on spiritual evolvement - within the labyrinth one finds the secrets of freedom and ancient wisdom. One of the very first things that Conty does is to connect the labyrinth with its mythological origins - specifically the tale of Ariadne and Theseus. From there Conty presents a continuing series of labyrinth graphics, including those found on Cretan seals (seals from the island of Crete). There is an absolutely wonderful section in the Hopi chapter of this book that contains beautiful color photographs of knots and labyrinths in textiles from around the world - including the Congo, Panama and Tibet. We see a beautiful Taoist funerary banner, and examples of several works from as early as 1300. The connection between the structure of the labyrinth, mythology and religion was very interesting for me. Conty shows how symbols have come down through time, and how really universal they are by nature. He has included many well done graphics that show how one geometric shape starts out and then changes - all the while taking the same basic energy with it. From the book: "As the center of the Cretan labyrinth represents an eternal moment containing all things past and future, it contains in a latent form all kinds of breaks and passages (including, for example, the expulsion of Adam and Eve from paradise). But in order to ensure that the birth and the severing of the umbilical cord are specifically represented, a new geometric overthrow is necessary. Thus the series of transformations and the symbols associated with them seem unending. The meanings of these symbols, which can be represented in so many different ways (and mentioned in myths in so many different contexts), are as if linked by a sort of algebra that itself corresponds to geometry." (pg 169) What can one hope to gain from this book? An understanding of labyrinth work, how personal transformation is connected with the labyrinth and how the science of mathematics and the art of religion merge together through symbol and myth. As a layman to labyrinth work, I recommend this book. I was able to understand it enough to work with it, and it will be a resource for some of my other studies (Tarot, religion and personal growth). If you are drawn to this type of thing at all - you will spend many peaceful hours with this book.
Bonnie Cehovet
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