Labyrinth – Find out more
A beautiful installation encouraging peaceful reflection in memory of lives shared and lives lost.
Supporting the work of St John’s Hospice
An illuminated Labyrinth is located within the historic grounds of Lancaster Castle. The Labyrinth comprises a path around seven concentric circles to a central point and out again through a single entrance/exit.
The labyrinth motif was used by civilisations from all over the world, from India to Europe and to the Americas. It appears in cave paintings in the Alps , is carved on Ancient Greek coins and inscribed on monolithic stones from Galicia to Britain and Iceland.
It engages with Greek mythology in the Minotaur legend and the spiralling Crane dance performed by Theseus on Naxos to celebrate his victory over the Minotaur.
In the Middle Ages it was used as a symbolic substitute for the pilgrimage to the holy land, and also as in Chartres cathedral for the quest for the holy grail.
At the same time it was also associated with fertility rites marking the start of spring and the passing of winter, it is echoed in the English maypole dances in which young dancers spin towards the centre.
“When the path is walked inward, we carry our burdens with us.
When we meditate at the centre, we ask for grace, forgiveness, and understanding. As we walk the path outward, we are lighter, more joyful, and ready again to take on life’s challenges.”
More than 200 participants at the Light Up Lancaster EXPLORE week, in October half term, helped to make the Labyrinth lanterns.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Shane Johnstone
British Street Artist
A multi-award winning muralist, sculptor & educator, sculptor, renowned for producing large scale works that celebrate the unique working class vernacular of North West England, its expression, flamboyance and significance to our shared culture and heritage.
Shane remains at his core an old school sign painter & seaside fairground artist, rooted in and championing his local community with an unbounded passion for the magic that can be conjured with just paint and a brush.
www.instagram.com/shane.johnstone
ABOUT ST JOHN’S HOSPICE
St John’s Hospice is delighted to partner our Light Up A Life appeal with Light Up Lancaster and Shane Johnstone’s Labyrinth.
Our annual Light Up A Life appeal is a chance for everyone to pause and remember those they have loved and lost, whether or not they received care and support from St John’s Hospice. Labyrinth provides another wonderful opportunity amongst the busy winter and Christmas season to take a moment and remember those special to us.
We invite everyone to dedicate a light on our Christmas tree to those special to us as a way to celebrate them and the impact they have on our lives. These dedications support the vital work of St John’s Hospice, providing palliative care across the communities of North Lancashire and the South Lakes, in the hospice and in patient’s homes 365 days a year.
To explore Light Up A Life and make a dedication please visit: www.sjhospice.org.uk/lightupalife
To find out about our care please visit: www.sjhospice.org.uk/hospice-care
With thanks to Filbert’s Bakery for the supply of paper bags