In ‘Psychology and Alchemy’ Jung writes: “…the right way to wholeness is made up, unfortunately, of fateful detours and wrong turnings. It is a longissima via, not straight but snakelike, a path that unites in the manner of a guiding caduceus, a path whose labyrinthine twists and turns are not lacking in terrors.” (CW12 §6)
The labyrinth is an ancient image best known from the Minotaur story. However unlike a maze, which has choices and dead ends, the labyrinth is unicursal with just one path to the centre, despite its twists and turns, and only one way out. In that sense it is a true symbol holding both positive and negative energies, and an appropriate archetype for the path to individuation.
Reading:
Jung C.G. Collected Works Vol 8, The Transcendent Function §§131-193
Kern H., Through the Labyrinth: designs and meanings over 5000 years, Prestel (2000)
Jasolski H., The Labyrinth, Symbol of Fear,Rebirth and Liberation, Shambala (1994)
LayardJohn, Maze-dances and the Ritual of the Labyrinth in Malekula (Folk-Lore Society June 1936)
Artress L., Walking a Sacred Path, Riverhead Books (2006)
Ayrton M., The Maze Maker, (1967)
