The labyrinth is an archetype, an ancient spiritual symbol that dates back over 4000 years. It is a spiral, a symbol of wholeness and a metaphor of the pilgrimage of our spiritual life journey. In ancient times, the labyrinth symbol was carved into rock and woven or painted on cloth and other artifacts. It also was embedded in the ground in a large enough dimension that its circular pattern could be walked.

In recent years, this practice of walking the labyrinth has been revived and has become a way for a spiritual seeker to bring balance into his/her life. The labyrinth is a singular path of prayer that leads us into and out of a center circle. It is not a maze; there are no dead ends or confusing and frustrating twists and turns, no mistakes you can make. So you meet people coming and going as you walk the labyrinth. And everything that happens to you as you walk the labyrinth is a message.

The process of walking the labyrinth as a prayer and tool for spiritual growth is simple …

First, set an intention for your walk. Why are you walking? What are you seeking? What do you need/want to release? Then step onto the path and walk mindfully to the center with your intention in mind. When you reach the center, the space of enlightenment, open yourself up to whatever messages you receive. Stay as long as you want or need. There is no right or wrong. When you are ready, retrace your steps along the path. As you walk, you are stepping forward into manifesting your intention and creating your new future. Journaling your experience is especially helpful.

Walking the labyrinth can have meaning for any aspect of your life. You don’t have to study anything about the labyrinth to benefit from walking it. All you have to do is listen deeply and maintain awareness.

Helpful resources:

Lauren Artress, Walking A Sacred Path: Rediscovering the Labyrinth as a Spiritual Tool. New York, NY: Riverhead Books, 1995

Helen Curry, The Way of the Labyrinth: A Powerful Meditation for Everyday Life. Newark, NJ: Penguin Putnam, 2000