What is a labyrinth?

A labyrinth is not a maze- a maze has choices, dead ends. A maze requires you to make choices as to where you should go, and you cannot see where all the paths can go.

A labyrinth offers you one single path which you must follow to the center, and then back out again. You can easily see where the labyrinth’s path is going, and where you are relative to the beginning and the center. You will cover the entire circular path during the walk. Simply following a path which is designed to heal and help you is a comforting ritual.

Why walk a labyrinth?

Pilgrimages have long been a popular spiritual discipline, as people retraced the footsteps of Jesus, pondering his hardships and temptations. It would be lifetime dream to make a pilgrimage to Jerusalem, to walk where Jesus once walked, and stand where he once stood. During the time of the Crusades, it was not safe to travel to the Holy Land. As a result, pilgrimage sites were set up across Europe, where the faithful could fulfill their quest. The Cathedral at Chartres, and its Labyrinth, was one of these pilgrimage sites. For this reason, the center of the Labyrinth is often referred to as Jerusalem, the Holy City where God’s presence can be most vividly experienced.

As a spiritual tool, walking a labyrinth follows a classical three fold path. The first is the walking in on the path. This is a time of purgation, emptying or letting go. Second is the time in the center. Take as long as you need. This is a time of seeking clarity, illumination, and insight. Third is the walking out. Follow the path once more to the mouth. Don’t rush it. This is a time for integration, union, action.

Where do labyrinths come from?

Labyrinths have been known for over 3500 years. The earliest mention of them comes from the Greek legend of Theseus and the Minotaur from the island of Crete. The earliest designs of labyrinths are found on Crete from this time period.

The American Hopi and Aztec peoples developed labyrinths which featured many complex designs. Christians have used the labyrinth as a spiritual tool since the 4th century. In the middle ages, there were hundreds of labyrinths in Europe, and most of the major cathedrals had them. The most famous Christian labyrinth which survived is in the Chartres Cathedral near Paris. Chartres was built in the 12th century. It is famous for its wonderful architecture and its windows.

How long does it take?

It depends on you- there are no rules. This is a tool for a personal experience of the divine. How much time do you need? It can take ten to fifteen minutes to reach the center, and you can spend as much time as you need there in meditation. You then retrace your steps along the path on the return journey.

Who is this for?

The labyrinth is a spiritual tool which escapes all labels. The labyrinth is a place of divine presence. The labyrinth invites you to spend some time walking with God, who shares our burdens, hopes and fears.

As you carry your burden/concern/dream into the labyrinth, what does it feel like to carry it?

When you reach the center, what does it feel like to lay your concern down?

Can you entrust it to God?

What does it feel like to leave it behind?

How do you move forward from here?

Our labyrinth

We are located in San Gabriel, near Pasadena in Los Angeles County, California.  Our labyrinth is located outside in our back parking lot so it is available at all times.  We have lights in the parking lot so it should be visible whenever you want to see it.

Feel free to listen to some meditative music on your iPod or play music softly on a portable boom box or in your car.

God’s love is a lamp for our feet, and light for our path.