Labyrinth walking is an ancient practice used by many different cultures for spiritual centering, contemplation, and prayer. In the Christian tradition, the earliest labyrinths were constructed in the floors of medieval cathedrals throughout Europe. The faithful who were unable to make a pilgrimage to the Holy Land traveled to these cathedrals to walk their labyrinths.
During the past thirty years, there has been a resurgence of interest in labyrinths. They are now found in churches, parks, hospitals, schools, and backyards. People walk them to calm their minds, to heal, to meditate, to pray, to grieve, and to ask for guidance. Walking into a labyrinth can be a metaphor for going inside oneself and seeking the presence of the Divine.
Unlike a maze, the single circuitous path of a labyrinth from the outside to the center and back again is not meant to confuse or trick the walker. Rather, the labyrinth is meant to calm the mind and provide focus.
Although there is no set ritual for walking a labyrinth, here are some guidelines:
- It helps to enter the labyrinth slowly and calmly, clearing your mind, opening your senses and focusing on the process.
- When reaching the center, pause to reflect, pray, and listen for any guidance your walk may offer you.
- When you are ready, begin the return journey back on the same path.
- Upon exiting, absorb the experience with continued reflection, prayer, or journaling.
St. Christopher’s was recently gifted a six-circuit canvas labyrinth which is used during retreats and other parish events.
Contact parishioner Marilyn Zimmerman, a Veriditas-trained labyrinth facilitator, via office@stchristophersnorthportmi.org, for more information about the labyrinth or to schedule a guided walk.
Read about how Marilyn found the labyrinth here.
What if you can’t physically walk a labyrinth?
Download and print one of these labyrinths, then trace the circuitous path with prayerful intention.
- 7-circuit Chartres-style labyrinth – ideal for starting out
- Cretan Classical 7-circuit labyrinth
- 11-circuit Chartres-style labyrinth
May you find what you need on your walk.