Labyrinths
Labyrinths have been used in Christian worship for over 700 years. They help to centre the mind and give the body a physical expression for prayer, for you pray as you walk. Probably the most well-known one is at the Chartes Cathedral in France; I've only heard of 2 in Joburg - one in Honeydew and another at a garden in Hartebeespoort. Here's an interactive online one.
The Veriditas site gives more information about a labyrinth:
The labyrinth is not a maze. There are no tricks to it and no dead ends. It has a single circuitous path that winds into the center. The person walking it uses the same path to return and the entrance then becomes the exit. The path is in full view, which allows a person to be quiet and focus internally. Generally there are three stages to the walk: releasing on the way in, receiving in the center and returning; that is, taking back out into the world that which you have received. There is no right way or wrong way to walk a labyrinth. Use the labyrinth in any way that meets what you need.
There are many ways to describe a labyrinth. It is a path of prayer, a walking meditation, a crucible of change, a watering hole for the spirit and a mirror of the soul. May you be nourished.
We're hoping to set up a labyrinth at Change Agents - to provide a different means of praying and experiencing God. We haven't quite settled on a design yet, as it will be set up outside, but there are several possibilities. It would be great to mow one, like this:
...or like this, but I don't think the grass will be long enough, it being winter and all. Our options are to either use candles or rope or stones or lime or paint to mark the ground...with this design:
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Here are some "Rules for
Here are some "Rules for walking the labyrinth" taken from a school in New Mexico; we may duplicate them...
Bring a good thought - maybe something you are thankful for or something you would like to change in your life.
No pushing, kicking, tripping.
No talking.
Pick up trash.
It's getting more and more
It's getting more and more difficult to stick with our round design due to not finding the right ways to mark the ground. Looks like we're going to be using string and nails! Which means no more round lines - luckily there are a few designs which use straight lines, like this one from the Amiens Cathedral:
via Jonny Baker: THE
via Jonny Baker:
THE LABYRINTH
A labyrinth is a walking meditation with three stages – the journey in; the centre; and the journey out. It is not like a maze with a choice of turns – it
has one path. Walking a labyrinth is a chance to pause, slow down, pray, encounter the divine and be re-energised for the next stage in life’s journey. You can trace the path of the labyrinth on the card with your finger as an aid to prayer and meditation or imagine the journey.
Entering the labyrinth
Find a quiet place where you can sit and relax. Take a moment to quiet yourself and to breathe deeply. You may find it helpful to light a candle to remind you of the presence of God.
You are on a journey towards the centre of the labyrinth and back out again. As you walk reflect on your life’s journey and relationship with God; walk slowly.
Use the journey into the centre to slow down, to let go of busyness and stress, and to prepare to meet with God.
Sometimes you will be close to the centre and sometimes close to the edge – are you close or far from God in your journey?
At the centre this is holy space - a space to be with God in prayer. Listen – is there something God might be saying to you?
When you are ready begin the journey out - as you do, take your encounter with God with you back into the world.
Pray for the presence of God in the situations you are facing in everyday life.
As you finish the journey offer yourself afresh to God.
Here's an online Labyrinth
Here's an online Labyrinth which draws in the participant (which I've bought the meditation soundtrack to). Use it to take some time out and be still, pray.