Introduction to the Labyrinth
Across the world today there is a growing resurgence of interest in walking the labyrinth, a spiritual practice which became common across Europe during the Middle Ages. Now an increasing number of congregation use it in their ministry, both to members and communities they serve. It can be found in in hospitals, care homes and academic institutions because the experience of walking the labyrinth can often be peaceful, relaxing, reflective, insightful and meditative. It often provides a good way of pausing for refreshment in an often hectic life. Studies indicate that this practice often produces a calming effect which can last for several hours.
The earliest known labyrinth in Christian usage can be found at the basilica of San Reparatus at El Asnam (formerly Castellum Tingitanum) near Orleansville in Algeria and is believed to date from the fourth century. Although similar in style to Roman labyrinths of the time in its centre are the words Sancta Eclesia, or Holy Church, and this sets it apart as being Christian. Much information regarding the use of labyrinths over the next few centuries is now lost, but they show up as diagrams in ninth century manuscripts and the oldest extant manuscript labyrinth is the 7 circuit Jericho found in Monastery in Abruzzi, and dates from 822 AD. The second oldest is that of Otfrid of Weissenburg, Alsace, (which is now in France) and it dates from 871 AD. This is the basic 11 circuit pattern.
The zenith of the labyrinth was in the Middle Ages when they began to built into the floors of churches and cathedrals across Europe as part of the spirituality of pilgrimage and as a result of the dangers of actual travel to the Holy Land. The most well known of these is that of Notre-Dame de Chartes Cathedral which is about 80 km from Paris, a model of which Pr. Steve is shown with in the photo. Following the Reformation many European labyrinths were destroyed, and the Emperor Napoleon even had the metal in one melted down to make munitions during his war with the English. Labyrinths experienced a brief renewal of usage in the early 19th century with the construction of the one in Ely Cathedral, Cambridgeshire, England.
Today a further renewal of interest in the labyrinth is developing within the Christian Church and it is spreading across the world. Those who have walked the labyrinth are likely to have report that it can help to develop a sense of inner peace, assist in helping to gain insight into the theme that is being reflected on while following the path, and as an aid to meditation. Symbolically, the labyrinth is a journey through life and walking it can take us on a journey to the center of our own beings.
Click here for an article I wrote on the use of the labyrinth for spiritual growth.
The typical labyrinth workshop for a parish/congregation could be as little as an evening program of several hours duration that would include a brief explanation and orientation for participants with ample time for the experience and post-walk processing. Or it could be an entire day set aside for in-depth learning about the history and spirituality of the labyrinth, as well as several walks with processing. Pr. Steve can easily design a program that fits your needs.
NOTE: Local congregation/group is responsible for obtaining or constructing a labyrinth for workshop use. Don't be discouraged! It's not that difficult and can easily be adopted by a small group for a service project. If you are interested in talking more about this, just let us know!
The earliest known labyrinth in Christian usage can be found at the basilica of San Reparatus at El Asnam (formerly Castellum Tingitanum) near Orleansville in Algeria and is believed to date from the fourth century. Although similar in style to Roman labyrinths of the time in its centre are the words Sancta Eclesia, or Holy Church, and this sets it apart as being Christian. Much information regarding the use of labyrinths over the next few centuries is now lost, but they show up as diagrams in ninth century manuscripts and the oldest extant manuscript labyrinth is the 7 circuit Jericho found in Monastery in Abruzzi, and dates from 822 AD. The second oldest is that of Otfrid of Weissenburg, Alsace, (which is now in France) and it dates from 871 AD. This is the basic 11 circuit pattern.
The zenith of the labyrinth was in the Middle Ages when they began to built into the floors of churches and cathedrals across Europe as part of the spirituality of pilgrimage and as a result of the dangers of actual travel to the Holy Land. The most well known of these is that of Notre-Dame de Chartes Cathedral which is about 80 km from Paris, a model of which Pr. Steve is shown with in the photo. Following the Reformation many European labyrinths were destroyed, and the Emperor Napoleon even had the metal in one melted down to make munitions during his war with the English. Labyrinths experienced a brief renewal of usage in the early 19th century with the construction of the one in Ely Cathedral, Cambridgeshire, England.
Today a further renewal of interest in the labyrinth is developing within the Christian Church and it is spreading across the world. Those who have walked the labyrinth are likely to have report that it can help to develop a sense of inner peace, assist in helping to gain insight into the theme that is being reflected on while following the path, and as an aid to meditation. Symbolically, the labyrinth is a journey through life and walking it can take us on a journey to the center of our own beings.
Click here for an article I wrote on the use of the labyrinth for spiritual growth.
The typical labyrinth workshop for a parish/congregation could be as little as an evening program of several hours duration that would include a brief explanation and orientation for participants with ample time for the experience and post-walk processing. Or it could be an entire day set aside for in-depth learning about the history and spirituality of the labyrinth, as well as several walks with processing. Pr. Steve can easily design a program that fits your needs.
NOTE: Local congregation/group is responsible for obtaining or constructing a labyrinth for workshop use. Don't be discouraged! It's not that difficult and can easily be adopted by a small group for a service project. If you are interested in talking more about this, just let us know!
Steve is a member of the The Labyrinth Society.
