Labyrinth Walk

What is a Labyrinth?

A labyrinth is a spiral path that guides you to its centre and back out again. Labyrinths have been utilized for centuries as tools for prayer, ritual, and personal development, making them one of the oldest methods for contemplation and transformation in human history. They embody a “sacred geometry” that matches patterns found in nature, such as the flow of water, the arrangement of flowers, the structure of pine cones, and even the spiral of DNA.

Labyrinths were integrated into churches during the middle Ages and provided a meaningful pilgrimage experience for those unable to undertake longer journeys.

There are no tricks or dead ends in a labyrinth. A striking example of a labyrinth can be found in the eleven-circuit design on the floor of Chartres Cathedral in France, which dates back to the thirteenth century. The labyrinth at All Saints’ is designed in a classical or Cretan style, and features seven circuits and seven turns. This makes it the most common layout found in such structures. You can observe a cross and a circle at its centre, which add to its symbolic significance.

A revival of this ancient tool of meditation has been recently recovered by Christians of all denominations. The practice of walking, rooted in the traditions of the early Church, is now being joyfully embraced by diverse and spiritual communities.