Pattern Analysis

Pattern analysis can consider a variety of aspects of a labyrinth's underlying topology.

Select a topic or scroll down for more information.

Circuit and Level Sequence

Level Changes

Bands and Bandedness

Component Sequence

Movement Sequence

Segment Sequence

Turn Sequence

Examples Used in This Section

Classical 7 McM labyrinth (7-circuit equal layered meanders, Simple Alternating Transit)

Left-hand 7-circuit Classical labyrinth with equal layered meanders (Classical 7 McM) in Classical hybrid seed style

Classical 7 MCM labyrinth in rounded square analysis style with main axis configuration

Classical 7 MCM thread diagram showing the pattern of movement and components

Chartres labyrinth (11-circuit cascading serpentines, Complex Alternating Transit)

Left-hand 11-circuit Chartres labyrinth in Chartres style

(Ssolbergj, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons)

Chartres labyrinth in rounded square analysis style with main axis configuration and sector crossings

Chartres thread diagram showing the pattern of movement and components

Type: Name and Code (work in progress)

I am experimenting with naming conventions, incorporating relevant series, and developing a labyrinth type code which provides a quick snapshot of various aspects of the pattern. Terms that are used in multiple ways, such as Classical, and names that have been used for more than one type can cause confusion. For example, Heart of Chartres has been used to refer to at least three different labyrinth patterns. Using the circuit or level sequence helps to pinpoint a specific pattern, but name adjustments and a code may also be useful.

Classical 7 McM: 1.7 (3o.5) 1.7.4.4 SATBsd [3]

7-circuit Classical with equal layered meanders
1-axis 7-circuit labyrinth
Entrance to third circuit and then outward, center from fifth circuit
One opening, seven segments, four 180° turns, four multi-level changes
Self-dual, 3-band, simple, alternating, transit labyrinth

You may also see:

1.7 (3o.5) or 1.7 (3o.5) 3n.5n which includes the main axis configuration
OM 7.16 or OM 7.16 (3.2 + 1.1 + 3.2) which indicates the corresponding open meander (7.16) and, since it is a banded labyrinth, the smaller component open meanders (3.2 and 1.1)

Chartres: 4.11 (5i.7) 1.31.28.4 CATUsd [1]

4-axis 11-circuit labyrinth
Entrance to fifth circuit then inward, center from seventh circuit
One opening, 31 segments, 28 180° turns, four multi-level changes
Self-dual, unique (1-band), complex, alternating, transit labyrinth

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