The Importance of Experiencing the Meditative Nature of Labyrinths

Many people confuse mazes and labyrinths, but they are distinct. A maze challenges you to get lost and find your way back, while a labyrinth invites you to pause, take deep breaths, and contemplate a question as you begin your walk.

Typically, a labyrinth is a spiraling path that guides you to a center before leading you back to where you started. It can be made from various materials like earth, stone, turf, or pavement and features numerous twists without dead ends. Historical evidence suggests that labyrinths originated in ancient Greece and became popular in the Middle Ages among Christians for meditation and prayer.

In modern times, labyrinths serve as tools for reflection, mindfulness, spiritual growth, prayer, meditation, renewal, stress relief, or simply enjoyment.

Navigating a Labyrinth: A Guide

Last summer, I had a conversation with Chris Harrell, an educator conducting a course on labyrinths. Intrigued by what I learned and the presence of trained labyrinth facilitators who guide others through the experience, I eagerly participated in the “Relationship Labyrinth” located near my home in Santa Fe, New Mexico. My facilitator, Barbara King, handed me a red key and gently spoke about the meditative tranquility offered by a well-designed labyrinth, suggesting, “It might open doors for you.”

And indeed, it did. While traversing another labyrinth in Santa Fe that summer, I came to understand the significance of a dying friend's final words to me. Upon completing the walk, my guide, Julie Bastine, encouraged me to share my experience. I expressed that having a facilitator felt akin to participating in a guided meditation rather than attempting it alone.

Now, I rely on labyrinths for various decision-making processes. Whenever I'm uncertain about work or relationships, I visit one of the over two dozen labyrinths in Santa Fe. When my mind races like a congested freeway, I draw myself back to the present and concentrate on the path. By the time I finish the walk, I've often discovered answers to my questions, even after being initially distracted by wandering thoughts.

Each person's labyrinth experience is unique. A musician I know walks them to seek inspiration. An artist appreciates the sacred geometry of the designs. A mother brings her children for labyrinth walks and leaves them gifts in the center to celebrate their birthdays.

Incorporating one or more of the remarkable labyrinth walks around the globe can personalize your travels. Each walk offers a unique experience that can influence and even transform the essence of your journey.

Global Locations of Labyrinths

Chartres Cathedral

• Location: Chartres, France
• Explore: The Labyrinth of Chartres Cathedral

The most renowned labyrinth in the world, situated within Chartres Cathedral in France, dates back to the year 1200 C.E. Its intricate design features 11 concentric circles and has inspired the creation of many other labyrinths. Visitors frequently refer to their experience at Chartres as a pilgrimage. However, throughout most of the week, the labyrinth is covered with chairs during church services, so it's advisable to check its availability for walkers beforehand.

Grace Cathedral

• Location: San Francisco
• Explore: Grace Cathedral

At Grace Cathedral in San Francisco, Episcopal priest and psychotherapist Lauren Artress introduced both an indoor and outdoor labyrinth, which are replicas of the Chartres design. She hosts candlelight labyrinth evenings on the second Friday of every month. While the indoor labyrinth is accessible during cathedral hours, the outdoor labyrinth is open for walking at any time.

Artress, author of Walking the Sacred Path: Rediscovering the Labyrinth as a Spiritual Practice, shares insights on why individuals seek out this meditative tool: "They are searching for answers of the heart rather than the mind, and within the labyrinth, one can listen deeply with self-compassion nurtured by the gentle experience of walking. The labyrinth supports seekers during life transitions, encouraging them to proceed one step at a time with courage, curiosity, and a willingness to explore."

Labyrinths of Gotland

• Location: Gotland, Sweden

On the Swedish island of Gotland, situated in the Baltic Sea, over 40 labyrinths exist, some dating back more than a century. Visit towns like Visby, a UNESCO World Heritage site that was once a bustling medieval trading center, and Fröjel, where labyrinths can be found that predate the famed Chartres.

Lavender Labyrinth

• Location: Kastellaun, Germany
• Explore: Lavendel Labyrinth

A visually stunning labyrinth that has gained popularity on social media is the Lavender Labyrinth located in Kastellaun, Germany, just west of Frankfurt. Its beauty peaks during the brief season from mid-June to July, when the lavender blooms in vibrant shades of purple, enveloping the structure. The labyrinth features 1,200 lavender plants with an apple tree at its center.