The Labyrinth: Walking Your Way To Spiritual Health

What is the Labyrinth?
The labyrinth is a single path arranged in a pattern. Unlike a maze, which aims to confuse and disorient those who walk it, a labyrinth offers only one possible route; the same path leads inward to the center, then outward again. The journey ends where it began.

Labyrinths come in many forms. Some are permanent works of art, inlaid in marble or tile on the floors of cathedrals; others are marked out more simply, by stones on the beach, masking tape on a floor, chalk on pavement, or paint on canvas. Living labyrinths are sculpted from low hedges in the midst of gardens. Finger labyrinths, which are usually carved from wood or stone, enable those who cannot see or walk to travel the labyrinth by tracing the path with their fingers.

What is the history of the Labyrinth?
The labyrinth is ancient. Thousands of years ago, people carved the pattern of the labyrinth in stone, marked it out with rocks in the desert, or cut it into the turf in village greens. The spiral motif was imprinted on coins, and woven into fabric and baskets. From Iceland to India, Mexico to the Mediterranean, Scandinavia to Spain, there is evidence for the use of labyrinths.

During the Middle Ages, the Christian Church adapted the basic form of the labyrinth and made it less linear. Instead of simply spiralling inward, the path was newly designed to twist and turn, creating a complex pattern which resembled a cross. Although evidence is scarce, it has been suggested that the path of the labyrinth was meant to represent the road to and from Jerusalem. In an age when pilgrimage to holy places was cherished as a sacred act, the inward and outward movement of the labyrinth may have offered to those unable to leave home a way of imitating that pilgrimage.

What is the purpose of the Labyrinth?
Many people find that the gentle and rhythmic act of walking drives away distractions and creates a welcome space for prayer and meditation. Some people choose to repeat a brief prayer over and over as they focus on each step; others prefer to allow their thoughts to roam freely. Those burdened by worry, confusion or uncertainty may use the labyrinth as a place of prayer for divine guidance and the gift of discernment.

However you choose to use it, remember that the labyrinth is simply a tool for prayer and contemplation. In and of itself it possesses no special powers. Walking the path can indeed relieve anxiety, clear the mind and calm the spirit, but it is not the labyrinth itself which is the source of peace, clarity or discernment. Rather, the labyrinth can serve as one means by which the spirit offers gifts to those who seek them.

How do I use the Labyrinth?
Here are some suggestions for walking the labyrinth:

• Take off your shoes

This simple act recalls the biblical story of Moses who, when confronted by the presence of God, took off his shoes in acknowledgment that the place where he stood was holy ground. Entering the labyrinth barefoot or in sock feet is a sign of recognition that the labyrinth is a place where surprising encounters with God may occur. Taking off your shoes also helps to preserve and care for the labyrinth.

• Maintain the Quiet

The labyrinth is intended to be a place of peace. Complete silence is not necessary; sometimes soothing background music can enhance the experience of the walk. However, humming, talking or singing may be distracting to others. If you wish to ask questions about the labyrinth, or to have a conversation about your experience, please do so outside.

• Walk Slowly and Follow the Path

Our world can be loud and hurried, chaotic and confusing. The labyrinth offers an opportunity to step outside the noise and haste. Savour the silence and and the slowness. Take your time. There is no need to rush. Concentrate on each step rather than racing toward the centre. Remember that there is only one path; you do not have to worry about choosing a direction and you cannot get lost. Enjoy the freedom and trust the path to lead you to the centre.

• At the Centre

When you reach the centre of the labyrinth, find a posture that is comfortable for you and take some time to rest. Remember, though, there is still a long path ahead of you. You may feel you want to remain in this special place, but you cannot stay here. The outward journey is as significant as the inward journey. When you are ready, continue along the path.

• Remember that you share the path

As you walk, you will encounter other people. When you meet someone on the path, simply acknowledge one another with a nod or eye contact, then step aside slightly to make room so that you can pass each other. If someone behind you is moving more quickly than you are, pause and make room for that person to pass by. Likewise, feel free to walk around those ahead of you who are travelling the path more slowly. Because of the pattern of the labyrinth, you may find that you walk side by side with someone for a while, then your paths diverge. Perhaps you will meet again further along; perhaps not. In either case, you may wish to offer thanks to God for the people whom you meet along the way; it is good to know we do not walk alone.

Afterward: The Mystery of the Labyrinth
After you have completed your journey on the labyrinth, you may find it helpful to spend some time reflecting on the experience. You might ask yourself a few questions:
Did I perceive my own life reflected in the twists and turns of the path?
Have I found clarification or help with a decision with which I have been struggling?
Did I feel close to God along the path, or far away? What might I learn from this?
Do I have new insight into what it means to walk the Way in the company of others?
Writing notes in a journal may help you become more aware of your thoughts, feelings, questions and observations. Or, if you prefer, you may wish to paint, draw or sculpt a symbol which expresses something about your experience.

Walking the labyrinth can be a one-time event, or it can become part of a regular spiritual practice. Be aware that your experience of the labyrinth will likely be quite different each time, so every journey on the labyrinth offers a brand new opportunity to encounter the your spirit. Trust the Spirit of God to guide you in the way you need to go.

Learn More about Labyrinths:

The classical labyrinth
The Chartres labyrinth
Walking a labyrinth
The threefold path
Draw a labyrinth
Build your own labyrinth
Ways to use a labyrinth. Labyrinth Rituals.
The labyrinth and the ocean
Walk a labyrinth with your finger
The Labyrinth Stereogram. Find the hidden image.
Youth and the labyrinth
How I learned about the labyrinth
The labyrinth and the Millennial Celebration
Local labyrinths
Labyrinth poem
Story of the “Labyrinth Map”
Rose Park Labyrinth
Labyrinth links and resources