What is a Labyrinth?
Labyrinths are ancient spiritual tools that have been part of human history for thousands of years and can be found all over the world. All labyrinths are unicursal, featuring a single path through intricately wound circuits, that leads into the center and back.
No one really knows their origins, nor are there clues as to how the same symbol came to flourish in cultures widely separated by time and space. There are myths and stories that have been passed down through generations which suggest that ancient cultures walked the labyrinth for good fortune, protection, connection with the sacred, pilgrimages, and healing.
In the Christian tradition, the Chartres Cathedral labyrinth in France (which dates to 1205) was used for contemplative moments. Likely the most well-known, the Chartres labyrinth has been reproduced all over the world.
Metaphor for Life
Walking a labyrinth can be a metaphor for life. Our lives are a journey in which our experiences, our sorrows and joys, our challenges, and our decisions influence how we live that journey. Symbolic of this journey, the labyrinth gives us a meditative tool to focus on and encounter the sacred in our evolving lives. The Worldwide Labyrinth Locator has recorded close to 6,000 labyrinths in 85 countries.
Labyrinth in the Bible
Although labyrinths and World Labyrinth Day are secular, many churches, including Episcopal churches, have permanent labyrinths installed on church grounds for parishioners to use for prayer and meditation.
The word "labyrinth" is not found in the Bible, but themes of following God's way, spiritual journeys, and enjoying God's presence—all central to labyrinth experiences - are found throughout Scripture. Two verses that can be used while praying the labyrinth are,
"You show me the path of life. In your presence there is fullness of joy." (Psalm 16:11) and Jesus' words, "I am the way, the truth and the life..." (John 14:16).
We are in a period of historic labyrinth revival. Churches, retreat centers and Christian camps are placing these prayer tools inside and outside. Christians all over the world are installing labyrinths in their yards and gardens. Many are using the labyrinth as a ministry tool, bringing portable versions to prisons, national Denominational conferences and church group meetings. It is conservatively estimated that there are over 5,000 labyrinths in the United States alone.
