What is a labyrinth?
Labyrinths were a feature of many medieval cathedrals. One of the best remaining examples is found in Chartres Cathedral in Northern France. They are marked out on the floor, but unlike a maze have only one path—there are no dead ends. People walked the labyrinth slowly, as an aid to contemplative prayer and reflection, as a spiritual exercise, or as a form of pilgrimage.
This labyrinth is a contemporary version that includes music, meditations, art, media, and activities at stations along the path. These explore a number of themes.
1. Journey: We are all journeying in our relationships. The labyrinth gives us the space to explore the highs and lows of our journeys and to commit ourselves to journey onward.
2. Letting Go: Many of us live lives that are stressful and over-busy. The labyrinth is an opportunity to symbolically “let go” of the busyness that may spoil our relationships.
3. Centering: The journey around the labyrinth can symbolize a desire on our part to center and focus our lives on God. At the center, we are free to meet God and sit and rest for a while.
4. Incarnation: In the original incarnation, God came as Christ to share our experience of human existence. As we journey back out of the labyrinth, carrying something of our encounter with God, we are encouraged to be God’s “incarnation” in our own lives and world.
How to Walk the Labyrinth
You will be given an MP3 player and headphones. (You can use our app on your phone, but the purpose of this is to be distraction free - if you use your phone, please put it in focus mode so you wont get calls, messages or notifications while in the labyrinth) Each track on the player relates to one station of the labyrinth, as shown on this map. When you reach each station of the labyrinth, play the track of the same number, and listen to the lyrics and instructions. Each booklet has a map to show you where you should be in the labyrinth.
If a track ends before you have finished that station of the labyrinth, either press “pause” and enjoy the silence or replay the track. Use it as musical background to what you are doing.
When you leave the labyrinth, please give the MP3 player back to the attendant. Please allow about an hour to walk the labyrinth. It is possible to do it in less time, but the experience may lose some of its value. The intention of the labyrinth is to give you space and time for spiritual and personal reflection in a world that crowds it out.
Please walk quietly. Remember that others on the labyrinth may be deep in thought or prayer. Give space to others—if you have to wait to use a particular installation, listen to the music a little longer and reflect on what you have done and what you are about to do. Watch the other people on the labyrinth. Remember that you are on the same path as they are, although they may seem to be moving in different directions. They have been where you are, and you will stand where they stand.
If you need any help or have any questions or comments that are not covered by the guide, or if you need assistance with any aspect of the labyrinth, please ask the labyrinth attendants who will do their best to help.
If you wish to discuss privately any personal or spiritual issues arising from your journey through the labyrinth, please ask the attendants.
Remember this is time with God: distraction free. Leave your phone, smart watch, or other such devises on silent at the table in the room, or with the attendant.