Background Information
Labyrinths are usually in the form of a circle with a meandering but
purposeful path, from the edge to the center and back out again, large enough to
be walked into. Each has only one path, and once we make the choice to enter it,
the path becomes a metaphor for our journey through life, sending us to the
center of the labyrinth and then back out to the edge on the same path. The
labyrinth is a spiritual tool meant to awaken us to the deep rhythm that unites
us to ourselves and to the Light that calls from within. In surrendering to the
winding path the soul finds healing and wholeness. (Walking A Sacred Path, by
Dr. Lauren Artress, pg. xii) There are many labyrinth designs; however,
the one used here at All Saints is a replica of the original one found at the
Chartres Cathedral in Chartres, France and the recent one installed at Grace
Cathedral in San Francisco. Painted on a large canvas, the eleven-circuit path
is based on a sacred geometry design that has 28 loops leading to a center
rosette.
Today, mysticism has found its way back into Christian spirituality. The
labyrinth, a medieval French mystical meditation tool, has become the center of
an international spiritual movement, thanks largely to Dr. Lauren Artress, Canon
Pastor of Grace Cathedral in San Francisco. In 1991, Lauren brought the
Labyrinth to Grace Cathedral. She had first heard about this ancient mystical
tool at a spiritual retreat that then led her to France where she walked the
long unused pilgrim’s path embedded in the floor of the Chartres Cathedral.
After studying the sacred geometry of the design with British architect, Keith
Critchlow, Lauren was able to create the first canvas labyrinth used at the
Cathedral in San Francisco. Later a permanent wool carpeting labyrinth was
installed at the back of the sanctuary where thousands have come to walk and
meditate. Lauren Artress has dedicated her ministry to bringing the labyrinth to
the world’s attention, through Veriditas – The World Wide Labyrinth Project.
She leads workshops, gives lectures and attends conferences on spiritual
renewal. All Saints is a member of Veriditas.
Walk the path slowly and with deliberation. Dance your way to the center and
back. You may want to use a traditional walking meditation, concentrating on
your breath or footsteps while letting go of the daily chatter in your mind. Or,
you may want to read scripture; recite a prayer or a poem. You can pray a
petition, an intercession, a praise, or a thanksgiving. When you reach the
center stop for a short prayer, or stay and meditate for a time. The choice is
yours. There is no right or wrong way. Let your heart lead you.
The classical Threefold Path is used by some to deepen their sense of union
with the Divine.
• Walking in: Purgation, to
cleanse, to let go, to empty.
• Time in the center: Illumination,
meditation, receive insight.
• Walking out: Union, communion
with God, integration of an insight, action in the world.