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The Labyrinth
Centering Prayer
Labyrinth Spirit
Symbolism of the Labyrinth
Walking the Labyrinth
Processing the Labyrinth
Throughout history, in many
places and cultures, the labyrinth has appeared as a form of sacred wisdom.
Its patterns are said to express an archetypal in the shape of a mandala.
Although its origins are unknown, the labyrinth was used in Europe by
medieval Christians and pilgrims to replace the longer journey to Jerusalem
and the Holy Land. Historically Christian pilgrims walked a symbolic spiritual
journey to and through Jerusalem, following the footsteps of Jesus. By
walking the labyrinth they experienced that journey metaphorically.
Placed in the floors of churches and cathedrals, in gardens, and on cloistered
grounds, labyrinths were used to replicate the journey of spirit that
one experienced as the pilgrim went to the center of Christian faith.
Encoded in this complex geometric pattern are forms of ancient wisdom
that take one to deeper spiritual realities, but lead also to the prayerful
inner depths of the heart.
Encoded in the Labyrinth are
twelve circles quartered by a cross. The classic eleven circuit labyrinth
leading to an inner circle has been built into the floor of the Spirtual
Formation Center of the All Saints' Episcopal Church in Corpus Christi,
Texas, by Dave Darce. This unique construction, made of maple and walnut,
is a unicursal path, which means it has a single, winding passage that
leads to a central space at the center. It is not a maze. You cannot get
lost walking it, though you may not know exactly where you are at any
given point in your journey to the center.
Centering
Prayer
Many people who walk the labyrinth today say that it provides a space
that guides their focus inward. The effortless concentration of walking
benefits the body as well as the soul and spirit. Its calming effects
on the body are deepened by the rhythmic pattern of walking and breathing.
The simple act of walking also allows the individual to "go within"
the soul and in the inner place of the heart, find peace. Others say that
they use it as a form of centering prayer and meditation leading to an
experience of union with God. Some find in it a release from tension.
Others use it as a way of solving some problem they are carrying, as a
means of gaining inspiration, or as a focusing mechanism to help them
face the complexities of life.
Labyrinth
Spirit
Like so much else we experience in life, what you get out of the labyrinth
depends a lot on what you bring to it. Let us suggest that as you walk
the labyrinth you set aside any pre conceived notions or skepticism and
simply be open to what happens at that particular moment.
The environment surrounding the labyrinth at All Saints' parish is the
larger sacred space of the church. This space includes two altars (centers
of worship) at each end of the building -- the Nave of the church above
the labyrinth, and the Kiva in the Oratory of the Good Shepherd adjacent
to it. The sense of being in "sacred space and time" is set
by that environment. This can be very helpful in your walk. Allow the
labyrinth spirit of openness to fill your inner space.
Symbolism
of the Labyrinth
The labyrinth is a three-fold Path.
- The path to the center
is the Path of Purgation. (The path of shedding or letting go.)
- The center is the Path
of Illumination. (The Path of Light or Presence of the Divine.)
- The path returning from
the center is the Path of Union. (The path of bringing the inner presence
of God into the world.)
The labyrinth is divided horizontally
and vertically, reflecting a cross.
It was created using 12 concentric circles, reminding us of 12 months
in a year and 12 apostles.
An invisible 13 point star was used to determine the correct placement
of the paths and turns, as well as the position of the center -- reflecting
there are 13 full moons a year and Christ plus 12 apostles equals 13.
The center is a rosette, the Christian symbol for Christ. The center metaphorically
draws us to our own center. This symbol of love and beauty is a place
of safety and peace.
Beginning at the lower left and moving clockwise around the center, the
petals represent states of The Great Chain of Being.
- The mineral world-- The
State of Being
- The vegetable world --
The State of Growing
- The animal world -- The
State of Feeling
- The human world --The State
of Thinking
- The angelic world -- The
State of Knowing
- The world of divine mystery
-- The State of Unknowing
The labyrinth is a nonverbal
symbol and people of all traditions will find embedded in it metaphors
of their own faith.
Additional Information
Walking a Sacred Path by Dr. Lauren Artress
laurenartress@gracecathedral.org
www.gracecom.org
The Labyrinth Society
www.labyrinthsociety.org
The World Wide Labyrinth Locator
http://wwll.veriditas.labyrinthsociety.org/
Walking
the Labyrinth
To begin, be seated a few
moments to quiet your heart and mind.
Please walk in soft shoes,
socks or bare feet.
Quietly, without speaking,
begin at the entry point when you do not feel rushed.
Walk on the light colored
path, not the lines.
Set your own pace and listen
to your breath.
Pass others if you feel you
need to move at a faster pace and allow others to do the same.
Remember the path is a two-lane
passage. Just step to the side if you meet someone going the opposite
direction.
When you come to the center,
sit or stand quietly in one of the petals of the rosette. Honor the sacred
sense within yourself.
When you are ready, return
by walking the path back out.
Processing
the Walk
Journaling, drawing, painting,
writing prose or poetry may enhance and preserve the experience.
Talk to someone you trust and share the experience.
The labyrinth is sacred space and is a safe place to process emotions
and be open to new insight.
Trust yourself and the process.
If intense emotions surface and you need assistance, request what you
need.
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