To: john bailey From: james January 18, 2002 Subject: Re: Globe as the solution to a vexing puzzle. john bailey wrote: I ran across your website (http://www.greavesandthomas.co.uk/) and was immediately reminded that the solution to Manson's Maze is (quote)The World, Earth, or Globe (end quote) If you are unaware of the Maze/Globe connection, have a look at http://www.frontiernet.net/~jmb184/maze/ I would be delighted if you cared to comment. John > > Hello there, it looks very interesting, but I have to keep working on my own maze of life! you visited my globe website, can I ask you to revisit Holbeins globe (http://www.greavesandthomas.co.uk/facsimile/globe_holbein.html) and scroll down, it may interest you. Also I include below further info not on the web site. Best James & co THE COSMIC FLOOR Q: When is a floor never bored? A: When its stoned. Historians have studied the floor in ŒThe Ambassadors¹ and commented that it is very similar to the mosaic floor, known as the ŒOdericus of Rome¹, situated in Westminster Abbey. If this is the visual inspiration for including it in ŒThe Ambassadors¹, then, there are several deliberate changes, the main is the inclusion of the Seal of Solomn the central roundel (see chapter titled Seal of Solomn). Other differences are more subtle, and Hervey clearly lists the differences between the two designs in her book. Historians also state that the mosaic design is thought to depict the cosmos and its never ending cycle. This certainly is correct, however, there is a very plausible reason as to why Dinteville wanted a mosaic floor to be included in ŒThe Ambassadors¹. Through out France, there are still to be found in many churches floor mosaics which are known as ŒWalls of Troyes¹. Though they are not as complex as the ŒOdericus of Rome¹ which Dinteville has used, they were used by the church in a ritualised event to celebrate the new year. What is of significant importance is that in the middle ages, the new year did not start until March/April of each year. April it should be noted, is the time of year recorded on the shepherds dial. The ritual which was performed by members of the church, who would stand along the mosaic path, passing a Œsphere¹ in relay to the centre. This Œpagan¹ tradition is recorded being continued right up to the 17th century (presumably decline of this practice was due to Copernicus) . It perhaps comes as no surprise that the one detailed description of this event, which has survived*, is recorded for the cathedral of Auxerre. Jean de Dinteville¹s brother Françoise II was the bishop of Auxerre. It therefore does seem plausible that Dinteville has included the mosaic in his painting not only because of its strong cosmic significance, but also because it could well be a tradition which he would have participated in had he been at home. It might also be interesting to note that these labyrinths or Œwalls of Troyes¹ are virtually identical to the Greek and Roman illustrations of the famous Cretan Labyrinth which holds the Minotaur, a legendary half man - half beast character. What is interesting is that these labyrinths only ever have one path, the one that leads to the beast, therefore, even if blind folded, you cannot get lost! This is in itself interesting, as myth records that Theseus was given a length of cord to help him find his way home, why then was this necessary? It surely can be for but one reason: The labyrinth symbolises life itself, if you become immersed in it you will forget why you entered it, and by becoming immersed with it you will ultimately become the beast as well! And what of the cord, the vital link that Theseus needed, are we offered the same chance. Sadly yes but no! We are all given a cord, it is literally our life line, but it is cut upon entering this cleverly constructed puzzle that surrounds us, thus severing any link to our past as well as any knowledge that we might have had before we came. Please if you list any of the above state that it is copyright. Greaves & Thomas. London. Best james & co