Labyrinths, in various forms, are found in religious traditions around the world. By walking the St. Giles’ labyrinth (a replica of the Chartres labyrinth, laid in the floor of Chartres Cathedral in France around 1220), we are rediscovering a long-forgotten mystical tradition.

The labyrinth has only one path so there are no tricks to it and no dead ends.

To prepare, you may sit quietly to reflect before walking the labyrinth. Some people come with questions while others just come to slow down and take time out from a busy life. Some come to find strength to take the next step in their life journey. Many come during times of grief and loss.

Adults are often serious in the labyrinth. Children most often run in and out as fast as they can, as part of their play. Both are the right way.

When you walk a labyrinth, consider choosing your attitude, stating your intention, be it spiritual or reflective, playful or creative. From time to time, choose a different outlook or manner. Play music or sing. Pray out loud. Walk alone or with a crowd. Notice your surroundings. Listen to the surrounding sounds. Most of all, pay attention to your experience.

The path is two ways. Those going in will meet those coming out being respectful of others walking. You may “pass” people or let others step around you. Do what feels natural.

Three Stages to Walking the Labyrinth

• RELEASING ~ On the way in, let go of the details of your life. This is the act of shedding thoughts and distractions. A time to open the heart and quiet the mind.
• RECEIVING ~ 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.
• RETURNING ~ As you leave, following the same path out as you came in, you enter the third stage, which is joining God, your Higher Power. Symbolically, and sometimes actually, you are taking back out into the world that which you have received. Each time you walk the labyrinth you become more empowered by the Spirit to find and do the work for which you feel your soul is reaching.

There are many ways to describe a labyrinth. It is a path of prayer, a walking meditation, a crucible of change, a watering hole for the spirit and a mirror of the soul.