Labyrinth of Birth A3 Meditation Tool

Follow in the footsteps of our ancestors and join in the timeless tradition of meditating on the labyrinth, which offers a wonderful holistic alternative to the common explanations of the medical model of the stages of labour. Instead of linear graphs and clinical measurements, the labyrinth invites us to use it as a 'map' of the hero's journey through pregnancy, birth and postpartum.

When using the labyrinth as a meditation and birth preparation tool, it beautifully illustrates that birth can take many twists and turns - and we don't always know how close we are to the 'end', we don't know what's ahead - but we can trust that we are always moving forward. We can trust that every step on our journey, every breath, every surge - brings us forward in our quest.

The labyrinth can represent the mythological hero's journey which has three phases - Preparation, the Ordeal, and the Return. In my picture I have used the symbol of a fairy door to symbolise the Threshold passing from the Ordinary World. Our quest doesn't end with the birth of our baby - as we are reborn as Mother. The journey back through the same twists and turns symbolises our return back to the Ordinary World as we navigate the transition and adjustments during postpartum.

"The first path a human being ever travels is the path that leads out of the maternal womb. Every human being's first labyrinth is that of woman" - Jacques Attali, The Labyrinth in Culture and Society

For guidance on how to use the labyrinth as a meditation for pregnancy and birth, I highly recommend reading Pam England's book 'Labyrinth of Birth'.

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Copyright and Limited Use Commercial License

The limited use commercial license that comes with this download means that birth workers, doulas, hypnobirthing teachers, prenatal yoga teachers, antenatal educators and midwives can print to share and use with pregnant women, birth partners and clients. By buying this download you are agreeing to the following terms:

The license means you - as an individual - can:

• Print the downloads on paper or card at the size specified
• Give the printouts as handouts to your clients, or use as teaching tools or posters for your business
• You may use use a professional print service or print at home
• Add the images to a Powerpoint presentation to use with clients in person or remotely, as long as the presentation file itself isn't shared digitally
• Share the content using photos or videos of your printed materials on social media

The license DOES NOT allow you to:

• Print the images for any other reason than above or on any other material e.g. on a notebook or mug to give away
• Use the images as part of a product you will sell
• Share the digital files with anyone by email or another method
• Add the digital files to your website or use on social media
• Edit the images or remove my brand name
• Share with other professionals in your organisation

Thank you for respecting the time that has gone into creating this artwork. If you have any questions about the license agreement, please contact me.

Copyright

These handmade images, text and files are copyright of Hannah Thomas of Womb to World Art and sole copyright is retained by them.

Disclaimer: Please note my images are stylised visual representations, and the information is accurate to the best of my knowledge, but I am not a medical professional and therefore there may be words or parts of the drawings that aren't 100% anatomically and medically accurate. My materials are not intended to replace any medical caregiver advice.