What Is A Labyrinth?

labryinth



A labyrinth is one of the oldest contemplative and transformational tools known to humankind.



Amazing, but not a maze.

It is pathway and a course. There is only one route to the center and back out again: no traps, no tricks. 

Once you set foot upon its path, the labyrinth gently and faultlessly leads to the center of it and yourself.  No matter how many twists and turns you negotiate in the process, the destination is sure. There are no obstacles to overcome, no muddles to figure out, no dead ends to retrace. 

What comes to the labyrinth walker is simply the deep meditation and symbolic discipline of setting one foot in front of the other, of knowing the journey itself and what it has to teach. The mind can be stilled and attention paid to the presence of the body, the wisdom of the soul, and the graces of being rather than doing.  

Walking the labyrinth, either individually or in a group walk, fulfills six important contemporary needs:
  • deeper spirituality;
  • oneness with the soul;
  • quite contemplation;
  • simplicity;
  • joining body and spirit; 
  • intimacy with God
The Huron labyrinth is based on the labyrinth at Chartres Cathedral near Paris, France. It was built around 1200 and is laid into the floor in a pavement maze with an eleven-circuit design divided into quadrants. The labyrinth is a pilgrimage. It is a searching journey with the hope of becoming closer to God.

In walking our labyrinth one meanders through each of the quadrants several times before reaching the goal. An expectancy is created as to when the center will be reached. At the center is a rosette design which has a rich feeling of peace. The four arms of the cross are readily visible and provide the source and hope of our journey, Jesus Christ.