Threading the Labyrinth: History, Myth, and Meaning

The labyrinth has appeared across cultures and centuries as an image of mystery, transformation, and return. In this four-week course, we will explore the labyrinth not only as a symbol but as a living practice—a pattern that reflects how human beings find their way through complexity toward meaning. Each session will focus on a distinct dimension of the labyrinth’s story. We begin with labyrinthography—its design and historical evolution from ancient Crete to contemporary spiritual centers. We then turn to the Labyrinth in Story, tracing mythological and literary expressions from Ariadne’s thread to Dante’s descent. In The Labyrinth as Metaphor, we consider how this ancient design continues to mirror the turns of psyche and society. Finally, in Walking the Labyrinth, we integrate these insights through personal reflection and guided practice. Blending scholarship, storytelling, and experiential learning, Threading the Labyrinth: History, Myth, and Meaning invites participants to walk both intellectually and contemplatively—to discover how myth and movement together illuminate the paths we walk within. The course will meet on Thursdays, January 8–29, 2026 from 7:00–9:00 p.m. (EST) via Zoom (5 to 7pm PST). Enrollment is $150, with a discounted rate of $110 for ISM members.