Labyrinth - A Sacred Journey
At the turn of the millennium you may have become aware of invitations to join groups who would be walking the labyrinth on New Year's Eve. Just what were people invited to do? Walk a sacred journey.
The labyrinth is an ancient spiritual tool used in many cultures. During the MiddleAges, many Christians walked the labyrinth as substitute for their pilgrimage to the Holy Land. It has a variety of forms. The Cretan is an ancient and simple one. A more popular one at this time is known as the Chartres labyrinth. This one is embedded in the floor of the cathedral in Chartres, France.
The labyrinth is a metaphor of our spiritual life. It is a long and winding path which invites us to be present to our own life journey. The design is not a maze, so there is no trickery in the walk. "The way in is the way out." For some the labyrinth can reflect the three stages of prayer: the purgative (moving into the center), the illuminative (center), and the unitive (moving out from the center). Today, many seekers find it helpful to utilize a holistic tool on their spiritual journey. Each person's experience is so different as she or he walks.
Experiences vary in depth and breadth. Sometimes a person has a profound experience, which challenges her to reshape her life or to enter into her inner being in a new way. Others may hear God speak in a very simple and quiet way or recognize the patterns of life, which are healthy or not so helpful.
You might be want to avail yourself of this opportunity to experience your own spiritual journey in another way. We have a Cretan labyrinth here at Pathways. A number of people from the surrounding area come to take this spiritual walk. Their experiences include the following:
"God is at every turn." "Going out is easier than going in." "Wanted to cry at the center." "I came to the labyrinth today seeking peace in the midst of chaos within and outside of me. I leave knowing the enfolding of myself by God's wings." "A time of relaxation and increased awareness of God's presence about me and within me." "A lovely sense of body peace."
Resources: "Labyrinth - A Pathway to God" published by the Archdiocese of Detroit (Jubilee Year 2000/Year Four), Walking A Sacred Path by Lauren Artress.