Ancient labyrinths have existed since more than one thousand years B.C. The Classical Seven Circuit Labyrinth is most commonly associated with Greece and Crete. The Eleventh Circuit Labyrinth first appeared in the Thirteenth Century A.D, as is evidenced by the design still inlaid in the floor of Chartres Cathedral in France. Several European cathedrals had labyrinths as an alternative pilgrimage for Christians unable to make the long and dangerous journey to the Holy Land. By walking a replica of the labyrinth laid in the floor of Chartres Cathedral around 1220, we are rediscovering a long-forgotten mystical tradition. The beautiful circular design has been painted according to sacred geometry: the mysterious design of a thirteen-point invisible star.

A labyrinth differs from a maze: in a labyrinth there are no wrong turns or dead ends, just one path that leads slowly but inevitably to the center. The walker frequently approaches the center, only to have the path turn away to continue the journey. Upon leaving the center, the walker returns by the same path, walking in the opposite direction. The path winds throughout and becomes a mirror for where we are in our lives; it touches our sorrows and releases our joys with gentleness and safety.

The labyrinth is a “free space”, a place for spiritual transformation, healing, and recovery. During a labyrinth walk, time often slows down so the present moment can be captured in its fullness. Walking the labyrinth may clear the mind and give insight to both the spiritual journey and the life journey.

The Redeemer Labyrinth [ back to top ]

The Redeemer labyrinth is painted on the floor in the basement of the parish hall. It is a classical eleven-circuit labyrinth in the style found in Chartres Cathedral. The labyrinth is available for walking any time the parish hall is open. Please be aware that other groups may also use this space for other activities. At certain times of the year, labyrinth walks may be scheduled with candles and music.

Using The Labyrinth For Healing [ back to top ]

The labyrinth works on all levels, body, mind, emotions, and spirit, and can help to heal both acute medical problems and chronic illnesses. Faster recovery from surgery and fewer problems with cancer treatments have been reported. Children may concentrate better on their homework. If you are experiencing a difficult feeling such as anger or grief, walk with your intention on its healing and release. If you are struggling with any type of problem, ask for insight and guidance on what you may need to release, feel, acknowledge or forgive. Walking the labyrinth one step at a time quiets the mind and slows the body, easing stress and anxiety, providing clarity and energy, accessing buried insights and facilitating a return to balance with your self and life.

Guidelines For The Walk [ back to top ]

There are three stages of the walk, as described by the Rev. Canon Lauren Artess of Grace Cathedral in San Francisco:

Purgation is a releasing, a letting go of the details of your life. This is an act of shedding thoughts and emotions. It quiets and empties the mind.

Illumunation is when you reach the center. Stay there as long as you like. It is a place of meditation and prayer. Receive what is there for you to receive.

Union as you walk out you join God, your Higher Power or the healing forces at work in the world, to focus your new insights and continue your journey.

Before you begin the walk, clear your mind and become aware of your breath. It is often best not to have an agenda, as this may cause oyu to miss whatever message the labyrinth may have for you. Or, you may take a pressing question into the labyrinth with you.

As you walk, allow yourself to find the pace your body wants to go. You may pass people or let others step around you. The path is two ways, those going in will meet those coming out. Do what feels natural. It’s OK to step outside the lines to pass!

Walk with an open mind an an open heart.

After each walk you may wish to write down your feelings and impressions. You may walk the labyrinth as many times as you wish.

Recommended Web Sites
The Labyrinth Society
Labyrinth Enterprises
Labyrinth Guild of New England
Veriditas
Grace Cathedral Church

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“It is solved by walking”
Latin proverb

“Everything the Power of the World does is done in a circle”
Black Elk

Please come and walk
with us
on this winding pathway
of healing
and
transformation