The origin of the Labyrinth is obscure but they have existed in many faith traditions dating back some 4,000 years. For Christians, during the Middle Ages, the Labyrinth became a popular spiritual exercise, a journey metaphor, for those unable to make a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. The labyrinth, however, is less a religious tool than a spiritual one.
The Labyrinth can best be defined as a geometric form that defines sacred space.
In her book, Exploring the Labyrinth, Melissa Gayle West writes: "The labyrinth is one of the oldest contemplative and transformational tools known to humankind, used for centuries for prayer, ritual, initiation, and personal and spiritual growth. This ancient and powerful tool is unicursal, offering only one route to the center and back out again: no blind alleys, dead ends, or tricks, as in a maze. No matter where you are in the labyrinth's coherent circuits you can always see the center. Once you set your foot upon its path, the labyrinth gently and faultlessly leads you to the center of both the labyrinth and yourself, no matter how many twist and turns you negotiate in the process.
Since the destination is assured, there are no obstacles to overcome, no muddles to figure out, no dead ends to retrace. What remains for the labyrinth walker is simply the deeply meditative and symbolic discipline of setting one foot in front of the other, of honoring the journey itself and what it has to teach. The mind can be stilled and attention paid to the body, the wisdom of the heart, and the graces of being rather than doing…The labyrinth's ancient power derives from the fact that it is an archetypal map of the healing journey. The walk itself is a potent physical metaphor for the journey of healing, spiritual and emotional growth, and transformation. The Chartres labyrinth (the pattern found at St. A's), named after the stone labyrinth set into the floor of Chartres Cathedral in France during the 13th century, has eleven concentric paths that wind through four quadrants of a circle. It is a distinctly Christian pattern, an equally armed cross visible in its elegant layout. Set in the center is a rosette, a six-pedaled design representing a rose, traditional symbol of the Virgin Mary."
The labyrinth has three phases:
While in the labyrinth arena, silence is essential. Visitors will be asked to turn off all pagers and cell phones. We ask that walkers remove their shoes, as this is holy ground (you may walk barefoot or in stockings). Children who can maintain a respectful silence are welcome to walk. The average time to complete the labyrinth walk is about one hour.
Before each walk, a brief orientation is given. Please plan to arrive on time. Once you have completed your walk, you may either depart for home or remain in silence while other walkers complete their journeys.
All members of the community, from any or no faith tradition, are welcome to join us for the labyrinth experience. Sint Augustine's labyrinth is located in the church basement (enter via the metal doors on 4th Street located just north of the main entrance to the church.)
Labyrinth walks are scheduled throughout the year.
Please contact the church office for more information.
