Saint Anne’s Labyrinth

                                                     

St. Anne’s labyrinth is located on the north lawn of the church.  It is 70 feet in diameter, a classic “7-circuit” or “Cretan” design.  It was built on September 25, 2005, as a community project, by about 45 members of St. Anne’s and friends from the surrounding community.  Its 3-foot wide paths are outlined by stones placed on turf.

 

The stones were given by members of the community.  Most were collected before the project began.  Some parishioners brought rocks back from summer vacations, while others gave special stones from rock collections.  Stones continue to be added by anonymous walkers, making our labyrinth almost organic as it continues to grow and change.  The addition of new stones also contributes to make each walk a completely new experience.

 

St. Anne’s invites neighbors and friends to use the labyrinth anytime for prayer and meditation.  Its availability is part of our mission to be “a house of prayer for all people.”

 

 

Photo by Lisa Gidlow Moriarty. Used with permission

What is a Labyrinth?

 

The Labyrinth is an archetype, a divine imprint found in religious traditions in various forms around the world. The classical or seven circuit labyrinth dates back more than 4000 years, and is found on ancient Cretan coins.  Its later association with Christianity focuses on the cross that can be seen at the center.

 

During the middle ages, labyrinths became more complex.  The famous 11-circuit labyrinth in the floor of Chartres Cathedral was built around 1200 C.E. European Christian pilgrims who could not journey to Jerusalem would walk this labyrinth as a symbolic pilgrimage.

 

The labyrinth is a metaphor for our spiritual journey.  The winding path looks like a maze, but, while a maze is designed to confuse, the labyrinth is designed to enlighten.  It is impossible to get lost in a labyrinth.  The winding path takes the traveler ever forward, ever closer to the center – even when at times it appears that you are moving farther away from the center.

 

By walking the labyrinth, we are participating in an ancient mystical tradition of prayer and meditation.    Entering, we release the cares and concerns that separate us from God.  In the center, we receive peace and clarity. Walking back out, we are empowered and strengthened to act.

 

The labyrinth unites body and spirit in walking meditation.  It engages the whole self in prayer, and unites us with others who walk with us or who have walked, through the ages, on their own pilgrimages of faith.

 

How to Walk the Labyrinth

 

1.  Before you enter, reflect on where you are in your life.  Be still, pause, conscious of your first step.

 

2.  Honor the sacred space with a gesture as you enter.  Press your palms together and bow your head slightly.

 

3. Walk at a pace that feels right for you. Carry a phrase or short prayer in your heart. Whatever you need to deal with will become the metaphor for this particular walk.

 

4.  Pray for others, and ask for your own needs.  You may be surprised by tears of joy or sorrow, deep peace, perhaps a sense of coming Home. 

 

5.  You may meet another person, or need to pass them, on the walk.  Do this quietly and respectfully.  Many will pause, press their palms together and bow to the other, saying “Namaste” – “that which is sacred in me honors that which is sacred in you.”

6. When you reach the Center, stay there a while. Be present to the energy, strength, and wisdom. Leave when it seems appropriate.

 

7.  Be attentive on the way out. You may feel a sense of renewed energy.  Sometimes walkers sing or chant with a deep joy.  Many have said they feel safe and protected, in quiet and peace.

 

8.  As you leave, again honor the sacred space with a bow, or an “Amen.”

 

9.  Reflect on your experience.  Use journaling or drawing to capture your insights and feelings.  Be attentive to dreams and attitudes in the days to come.

 

10.  Walk often.  The experience of the labyrinth will be different each time.

  

 

The Labyrinth and Christianity

 

Although the labyrinth as a prayer tool predates Christianity, early Christians adapted and used it in the practice of their faith.  A cross can be seen at the center of most labyrinths.  The earliest known Christian labyrinth was built in the early 4^th century C.E., embedded in the floor of a church in Algiers. 

 

The early Christians spoke of their faith, following Jesus, as “The Way.”  The Christian Bible, both Old and New Testaments, is full of imagery of the life of faith as a journey.  These Bible verses may be helpful to your meditation:

You show me the path of life.

In your presence there is fullness of joy.

 Psalm 16:11

Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.”

John 14:6

 

 

 

This information was written by Lydia Huttar Brown, with material from:

v     A brochure written by Elizabeth Tompkins, Diocesan Consultant for Christian Formation, Diocese of Western Michigan

v     Website: www.lessons4living.com/labyrinth.htm

v     Website: http://www.crystalinks.com/labyrinths.html

v     Website: www.jillkhg.com

 

August 2006