Labyrinths

Labyrinths have their origins in antiquity, probably ritualistic, possibly little different from our own meditative journeys, and are well recorded in Greek mythology. Simple labyrinths have been found dating back as far as 3 200 years; the Meis labyrinth [right], in Galicia, is an ancient seven circuit classical design. Similar labyrinths are depicted on ancient Cretan coins.

Labyrinths are sometimes confused with mazes, and we say the Minotaur was trapped in a labyrinth; actually, the Minotaur was trapped in the maze! A labyrinth IS the way through the maze! If you walk the borders of a labyrinth… you will be trapped in a maze and will never reach the centre! A labyrinth has a single path leading to a destination; labyrinths and mazes are each one side of the same coin. Theseus had Ariadne’s red thread to show him the way back out after his battle with the Minotaur, providing Theseus with the path in and out of the labyrinth, or through the maze.

As with many pagan festivals, Christianity adopted the labyrinth as a powerful symbolic representation. In lieu of pilgrimage to Jerusalem, fabled cathedrals such as Chartres became a destination in themselves, culminating in walking (often on one’s knees, in penance) the labyrinth. Labyrinths have become a focus for spirituality, for meditation, and, indeed, for fun. Modern Christian spirituality encompasses meditation, contemplative prayer and reflection. Certainly the labyrinth is a powerful tool, time for a precious moment beyond daily life; time with God.

There are so many different ways to walk a labyrinth! One can walk with a question? Or think about something you want to release as you walk in, receive something new at the centre, and integrate that information on the walk back out. One can recite a prayer, or a group can chant as they walk. Or one can just step into the labyrinth and follow the path and see what emerges in their thoughts and feelings as they walk and contemplate the path. On this day of retreat I would trust the labyrinth created a space to allow you to focus on the reasons you are here today.

The design relates to wholeness with the combined imagery of spirals and circles in a meandering but purposeful path. The twists and turns create the charm and symbolism of the labyrinth – but there is only one path, one way in and one way out.  Labyrinths can be thought of as symbolic forms of pilgrimage; walking among the turnings, one loses track of direction and of the outside world, and thus quiets the mind. Entering the labyrinth is to release oneself from the external pressures, to be able to focus within; changing direction, sometimes doubling back, represents life. Rest in the centre to receive inspiration, perhaps an answer to what you carried into the labyrinth – after all, the labyrinth is a healing and inspirational process.

BODY – physical: the labyrinth represents your physical body – in whole and in part.

HEART – emotional: manage stress; bring peace and balance, calmness.

MIND – mental: to problem-solve; brainstorm ideas; enhance creativity.

SOUL – spiritual: meditate, practice mindfulness; awareness of the present moment.

As we experience the resurgence of Christian spirituality, so the healing and meditative aspects become more relevant and real. And so we come to walk the labyrinth – there is no prescription; no dogma attached to this. The walk, the journey you take is your journey, your own choice.

The very act of stepping into the labyrinth is spiritual. It lies in the intent … for children this is play, which sometimes brings them closer to God. For adults it is the act of faith, of trusting the placing of one foot in front of the other, of surrendering to God’s will, and following one’s heart – beforehand for what you seek.

Entering the labyrinth is to release oneself from the external pressures, to be able to focus within; changing direction, sometimes doubling back, represents life. Rest in the centre to receive inspiration, perhaps an answer to what you carried into the labyrinth – after all, the labyrinth is a healing and inspirational process. The labyrinth has no tricks, no decisions … one surrenders to the path, the spiritual path – the only decision is to choose God. We may face different directions, but we are all on the same path.

The labyrinth has no tricks, no decisions … one surrenders to the path, the spiritual path – the only decision is to choose God. We may face different directions, but we are all on the same path.

The Path at St Martin’s in-the-Veld is the installation of the Santa Rosa Labyrinth in celebration of the centenary of this church. The labyrinth was Inaugurated and blessed by the clergy and congregation of St Martin’s on the occasion of the centenary Patronal festival on Sunday 11th November 2012.

This Path originated in a fund-raiser … a temporary labyrinth drawn on the parking area or a tarpaulin in the hall. The vision and scope changed and grew to the possibility of a permanent feature as an acknowledgement of the one hundred years of St Martin’s – perhaps even a legacy project for the next one hundred years. And so it became. From a simple fund-raiser, this has captured the imagination of the congregation: the costs of The Path have been covered by donations, with some excess for the Centenary Fund.

Of course the medieval Chartres Cathedral labyrinth design [left] was considered, but the eleven-circuits were just too large for our space. Ancient classical designs would fit, but were too small, too simple and too archaic. A seven circuit labyrinth would be ideal – the Lambertus labyrinth [right] in Mingolsheim, Germany was seemingly the choice. We then found (we were called to) the Santa Rosa Labyrinth, designed by Lea Goode-Harris; this labyrinth is a neo-medieval four-quadrant seven-circuit design.

The Path is built with cast stone pavers in the memorial garden; on unused ground near the Chapel. There is a bench at the entrance and a central seat (the seat faces the cross atop the steeple) so as to reflect and enjoy the beauty of the Memorial garden.

The St Benedict’s labyrinth is the installation of a neo-medieval seven-circuit, four-quadrant design with similarities to labyrinths in the grand cathedrals of Europe. The labyrinth is both past celebration and future legacy; more importantly is the support and participation of, and the benefit to, the congregation and community. Indeed, thanks to the parish of St Stephen’s for the part they played in the creation of the labyrinth and the welfare of St Benedict’s.

James will offer advice and consultation around the concept, design and construction of labyrinths, as well as guiding retreats and workshops.