The urban labyrinth is an intricate network of streets, buildings, and alleyways that can often feel like a maze to even the most seasoned city dweller. However, hidden among the concrete and steel are magical avenues that hold a special allure. These magical avenues are paths less traveled, tucked away from the bustling crowds and the chaos of city life. They are secret gardens, tucked behind tall walls, where nature flourishes and time seems to stand still. The air is filled with the scent of flowers and the sound of birdsong, offering a peaceful respite from the noisy streets. Another magical avenue in the urban labyrinth is the narrow alley lined with quaint shops and hidden treasures.
A design charette was hosted by Chadwick Arboretum in 1997 to determine what could occupy this particular space in our gardens. A design charette is a multiday, highly structured and facilitated working session. The term is borrowed from the architecture field and refers to a collaborative session where a group drafts a solution to a design problem. Our challenge: Chadwick Arboretum needed a hardscape which could be enclosed and/or tented for special events and still provide a unique feature for our gardens, attracting a wide variety of visitors.
Newhouse is a well-known twentieth-century Christian mystic who wrote and lectured extensively, reawakening humanity to the reality of the Living Christ, the Inner Worlds and the Angel Kingdom. This seems like a moment to pause, and to think about labyrinths, a recurring symbol in her fiction, and a figure that seems appropriate to Jean Rhys.
Another magical avenue in the urban labyrinth is the narrow alley lined with quaint shops and hidden treasures. These shops, filled with trinkets and curiosities, seem to have stepped out of a fairytale. Each one holds the potential to transport visitors to a different time or place, with their antique furniture, vintage clothing, and whimsical artwork.
Lois B. Small and Gladys B. Hamilton Labyrinth Garden
The Lois B. Small and Gladys B. Hamilton Labyrinth is modeled after the medieval 11-circuit Chartres Cathedral Labyrinth in France that was built nearly 800 years ago. The labyrinth was made possible through a generous gift from Dr. Edwin B. and Nancy S. Hamilton in loving memory of their mothers, Lois B. Small and Gladys B. Hamilton. It was dedicated July 16, 2000, and has become a very popular tour destination since then.
Explore the beauty of the labyrinth:
- What is a Labyrinth?
- History of Labyrinths
- History of the Lois B. Small and Gladys B. Hamilton Labyrinth
- Meditative Benefits of Walking the Labyrinth
- World Wide Labyrinth Locator
What is a Labyrinth?
A labyrinth is a one-way path that is laid out for contemplative walking, typically leading from an entrance to a center. In general, there are distinct patterns and elements of symmetry present. In any part of a labyrinth the view allows for a visual appreciation of its patterns.
History of Labyrinths
The function of labyrinths has been largely ceremonial, although they are not restricted to this use. Labyrinths have been used for spiritual purposes in the great Gothic cathedrals of Europe, as magical talismans by fishermen in Sweden, and for fertility rituals by pre-Christian agrarian societies. The labyrinth symbolizes the cyclic journey that each of us must take daily, seasonally, in life, death, and rebirth.
History of the Lois B. Small and Gladys B. Hamilton Labyrinth
A design charette was hosted by Chadwick Arboretum in 1997 to determine what could occupy this particular space in our gardens. A design charette is a multiday, highly structured and facilitated working session. The term is borrowed from the architecture field and refers to a collaborative session where a group drafts a solution to a design problem. Our challenge: Chadwick Arboretum needed a hardscape which could be enclosed and/or tented for special events and still provide a unique feature for our gardens, attracting a wide variety of visitors.
In the waning months of 1997 the first phase of our labyrinth and surrounding gardens were installed based on a design by Jon Carloftis, a widely recognized garden designer. Jon was one of nine designers and artists who participated in the Chadwick Arboretum design charette. His design for the Arboretum, including the labyrinth, served our two defined purposes: it created an interactive destination point in the Arboretum and provided an enclosed area for private receptions/events in the Arboretum.
Meditative Benefits of Walking the Labyrinth
During a walk on the labyrinth, which typically takes about 20 minutes to complete, the mind quiets, the breath slows and time stretches out. Much like swinging in a swing, walking the labyrinth can provide a centering experience, just as it has in its various forms – Classical, Roman, Medieval (Chartres style), or Contemporary – for about 4000 years. The labyrinth can be used as a path for prayer and meditation. It can also be used as a tool of discernment by considering your experiences on the metaphorical level.
Walking the circular pathway can result in an increased sense of balance and well being. One reason may be that the path forces one to follow curves of varying length, interspersed with sharp, 180-degree turns. For example, you might walk to the right for a short distance, then turn and walk in the other direction perhaps for a longer distance. This repetition is thought to have effects comparable to a physical workout, and enhances meditation.
Another beneficial, physiological result of the many left-to-right and right-to-left turns experienced while walking the labyrinth is stimulation to the inner ear that can temporarily improve balance between the logical and artistic activities of the brain.
World Wide Labyrinth Locator
To find additional labyrinths in central Ohio or anywhere in the world, consult the World Wide Labyrinth Locator website.
White Blooming Garden
To provide a calming, quiet atmosphere, Chadwick Arboretum has created a white garden that encircles the labyrinth. White is both restful and restorative, while emphasizing a single color minimizes distractions and enhances meditation.
Cercis canadensis 'Alba’ – White Redbud
Cercis canadensis is a popular, small, ornamental tree. These beautiful white redbud trees ring the labyrinth with a profusion of small white flowers on leafless branches in early spring followed by heart-shaped green leaves which turn yellow in autumn. Redbud assets include youthful rapid growth and vased growth habit, somewhat ornamental bark, and picturesque branching character with age. These assets are contrasted with its tendency to have a short functional service life of about 15 years in many urban landscapes.
Cercidiphyllum japonicum – Katsura Tree
A graceful, elegant, though variable, species of shade trees, the katsura tree is characterized by blue-green foliage and, in the best of specimens, a yellow to scarlet color in autumn. When you approach is tree in the autumn, you might notice a more surprising attribute – the fragrance of cotton candy.
One of the most enchanting magical avenues of the urban labyrinth is the bookshop that seems to stretch on forever. Shelves upon shelves of books, ancient and new, fill every corner, waiting to be discovered. This is a place where the outside world fades away, and the only thing that matters is the story within the pages. In the heart of the urban labyrinth lies a hidden cafe, known only to a select few. This cafe is a sanctuary of creativity and inspiration, with its cozy corners, aromatic coffee, and book-filled walls. It is a place where artists, writers, and dreamers gather, exchanging ideas and finding solace in the company of like-minded souls. The magical avenues of the urban labyrinth remind us that even in the busiest of cities, there is still a touch of magic to be found. They are mystical portals that offer a brief escape from the mundane and transport us to a world where beauty and wonder are abundant. So, next time you find yourself lost in the urban labyrinth, keep your eyes open for these hidden gems and let the magic guide you..
Reviews for "Unveiling the urban enchantment: Exploring the mystic avenues of the city"
1. John - 2 stars - I was really excited to read "Magical avenues of the urban labyrinth" based on the description, but I was sorely disappointed. The writing felt disjointed and the characters lacked depth. The plot was convoluted and hard to follow, making it difficult to stay engaged in the story. Overall, it didn't live up to my expectations and I wouldn't recommend it to others.
2. Sarah - 1 star - I couldn't stand "Magical avenues of the urban labyrinth". The writing was pretentious and overwritten, making it hard to connect with the story or the characters. The magical elements felt forced and poorly integrated into the urban setting. The pacing was painfully slow and nothing of significance seemed to happen until the last few chapters. I found it to be a tedious read and regretted wasting my time on it.
3. Michaela - 2 stars - "Magical avenues of the urban labyrinth" had an interesting premise, but the execution fell flat. The world-building was confusing and lacked consistency, leaving me with more questions than answers. The characters were underdeveloped and lacked depth, making it difficult to feel invested in their journey. The writing style was verbose and repetitive, dragging the story down. Overall, it was a disappointing read that I struggled to finish.