The Genesis and Geometry of the Labyrinth

MYTHOLOGY / ANCIENT CULTURE A groundbreaking look at the phenomenon of the labyrinth, connecting this ancient symbol to modern scientific principles - Illustrated with a multitude of labyrinths throughout human history - Demonstrates why the labyrinth goes beyond the maze and how it is a tool for interpreting ancient myths and religious beliefs - Draws parallels between the labyrinth and quantum physics, showing that through the secrets of the labyrinth we can unlock the mystery of life itself "Patrick Conty's fascinating study brings us face to face with the enigma of unity and reminds us that its most archaic expression--the labyrinth--begins and ends in ourselves." --David Appelbaum, editor, Parabola The powerful symbol of the labyrinth exists in countless cultures spanning the globe from Africa and ancient Greece to pre-Columbian North and South America. For centuries they have been used for religious meditation and spiritual and physical healing. In the labyrinth humanity finds a model of the quintessential sacred space that depicts the most profound levels of consciousness. For many cultures the center of the labyrinth exists simultaneously in this world and the invisible worlds, providing us with a doorway into other dimensions of reality. Conty explores not only physical labyrinths but also reveals how the same transcendent principles are at work in Celtic knot work, the designs of Pueblo pottery, geometric patterns in Islamic art, and contemporary painting. The author shows how the geometry of the ancient labyrinth corresponds exactly with known geometric principles, illustrating that today's most recent developments in math and physics parallel the discoveries of ancient civilizations. By looking at how these ancient and modern world views compliment each other, The Genesis and Geometry of the Labyrinth provides an axis for exploring the multidimensional truths of the labyrinth and shows us how the labyrinth is the ultimate map to guide us through the mystical nature of the universe. PATRICK CONTY is a painter who has been researching labyrinths for more than thirty years. He lives in France.