HISTORY
For thousands of years people have constructed labyrinths, or sacred paths, as models of their life journey. The earliest labyrinth was first documented on a clay tablet from Pylos, Greece and dated to circa 1200 B.C.E. . The earliest Christian labyrinth dates back to 4th century, a basilica in Algeria. The construction of the Gothic cathedrals in the middle ages witnessed resurgence of labyrinths, used as models for, and in place of, religious pilgrimage. For many, it served as a symbolic pilgrimage to Jerusalem. The Seven Fountains labyrinth is based on the design of the labyrinth laid into the cathedral floor at Chartres, France, in 1201.

 

GUIDELINES FOR THE WALK
There is no “right” or “wrong” way to walk a labyrinth. The Labyrinth walk is a “body prayer” or walking meditation. It has only one path, so there are no tricks to it and no dead ends. The path winds throughout and reminds us of the twists and turns in our own lives. It touches our sorrows and releases our joys. Walk it with an open mind and an open heart. You will find a stone in the center. Our ancestors in the faith put up stone pillars to mark the places in their pilgrimage when they had encounter the Lord (Gen 12,7-8; 28,18), the Rock of their salvation (Ps 18,2). Before you begin, quiet your mind and become aware of your breath. Allow yourself to find the pace your body wants to go.

You may like to consider three stages of the walk:
•    Releasing: A letting go of the details of your life. This is the act of shedding thoughts and distractions, releasing old injuries, fears or defeats, and opening your heart trusting in God’s guidance. “You show me the path of life” (Ps 16,11).
•    Receiving: When you reach the center, stay there as long as you like. It is a time to quiet the mind and to listen. Receive what is there for you to receive. “For God alone my soul waits in silence, from him comes my salvation; he alone is my rock” (Ps 62,1-2)
•    Returning: As you leave, following the same path out of the center as you came in, you enter the third stage, which is joining God. Each time you walk the labyrinth, you become more empowered to walk with your God. “This is what God wants of you, to do justice, to love tenderly, and to walk humbly with your God” (Mic 6,8).
Those going in will encounter those coming out. Be respectful of their experience, and move to the side. As you come to the end of the walk, you may want to pause and reflect on your experience with gratitude.

You may like to use one of these mantras as you walk:
Ps 16,11: You will teach me the path of life, unbounded joy in your presence.
Ps 27,11: Yahweh, teach me your way, lead me on the path of integrity.
Ps 119,105: Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.
Mt 4,19: Jesus said: “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
Jn 14,6: Jesus said… “I am the way and the truth and the life.”