What is a Labyrinth?

The Labyrinth is an archetype, a divine imprint, found in all religious traditions in various forms around the world. By walking a replica of the Chartres Labyrinth, laid in the floor of Chartres Cathedral around 1220, we are rediscovering a long-forgotten mystical tradition.

The Labyrinth has only one path that winds in eleven concentric circles to the central rose design. Each petal of the rose symbolizes the stages of creation.

We use the Labyrinth as a prayer and meditative tool. The walk becomes a mirror for where we are in our lives; it touches our sorrows and releases our joys.

Walking the Labyrinth

The Labyrinth at Aurora United Church was painted on canvas by a dedicated group of volunteers.  It is a replica of the one at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco, California.

The 11 circuit Labyrinth was brought to North America by Lauren Artress, Canon of Grace Cathedral, from Chartres Cathedral in France.  The Chartres Labyrinth was laid in the floor of this great cathedral around 1220 and has been a destination of pilgrims since the medieval times.

As we walk the Labyrinth and journey to the Stillpoint we have the opportunity to rediscover a long-forgotten spiritual tool.

May God light your path.

"The Labyrinth is a path of prayer for all people.  It is an archetype, a divine imprint, found in all religious traditions."

The Labyrinth, unlike a maze, has one path to the centre and back out again.  “The path winds throughout and becomes a mirror for where we are in our lives; it touches our sorrows and releases our joys,” says Dr. Lauren Artress of Grace Cathedral.

There are many ways to walk the Labyrinth.  Every walk you take will be different.  The most important thing to remember is to find your own pace and walk with an open mind and heart.

The Path is two-way, so you will meet others on the path, just as you do in life.  You may pass people, or let others step around you when you meet.  Do what seems natural.  

Three Stages of the Labyrinth Walk

Purgation is a releasing, a letting go of the details of life. This is an act of shedding thoughts and emotions. It quiets and empties the mind.

Illumination is a place of meditation and prayer when you reach the centre. Receive what is there for you to receive.

Union is joining God, your Higher Power or the healing forces at work in the world. Each time you walk the Labyrinth you become more empowered to find and do the work you feel your soul reaching for.

The Labyrinth Design

According to Keith Critchlow the Labyrinth design is a precise geometrical form based on the thirteen pointed star which is hidden in the final design.

Robert Ferre has determined a different method of obtaining a more precise formula for the Labyrinth design found at Chartres.

The six petals of the central rose represent the six stages of creation: mineral, plant, animal, human angelic and divine.

Guidelines for Walking

 Before the Walk

• Please remove your shoes (unless you need them for support).

• Take time to prepare yourself.  Take a deep breath; say a prayer; do whatever feels appropriate.

• You can repeat to yourself a scripture sentence, an inspirational thought, a person’s name…

• After the Walk

• The peace of our sanctuary is there if you wish to sit for a time to reflect, pray or write.

• We have a Guest Book and we would be pleased if you would record your name and your comments about the Labyrinth in our book.

 **There is a collection Box for a free will offering, which will be used for the ongoing expenses of the Labyrinth.

The Labyrinth at Aurora United Church

The Labyrinth at Aurora United Church is a 25’ by 25’ canvas floor cloth with the Labyrinth painted on its surface. It was built in three sections that velcro together for easier handling and storage.

The Labyrinth can be built out of different materials such as stone, brick, wood, paint on wood, paint on canvas, tape on fabric, grass or other plant materials. It can be built indoors or outdoors. For more ideas on how to build a Labyrinth visit http://www.labyrinthproject.com/

Booking the Labyrinth for Your Group

In order for the Labyrinth to travel to a location the following specifications are required. The Labyrinth is a canvas floor cloth measuring 25 feet by 25 feet.

Specifications:

The minimum space required for the Labyrinth is 27 feet by 27 feet. This space must be clear and flat space with no encumbrances such as pillars or electrical boxes. The space also must not be carpeted as the Labyrinth starts to ‘travel’ as people walk it. This in turn ripples the Labyrinth and causes damage to it. It can only be placed on tile, ceramic, terrazzo or wood flooring. Also, it is best if the area is located in a quiet, private setting away from main entrances and hallways.

Timelines:

Load time from Aurora United Church is 30 minutes. Travel time to your location. Set up time for the Labyrinth is 1 ¼ hours. Workshop time is 1 ½ hours. Walking the Labyrinth allow 1 ½ hours (this depends on how many people are in attendance, also, the Labyrinth can only handle a maximum of 20 people at any one time). Tear down time is 1 ¼ hours. Return travel to Aurora. Unload time at Aurora United Church is 30 minutes. Total time: 6.5 hours plus travel time.

Cost:

Minimum of $200.00 plus travel expenses or $10.00 per person, whichever is greater. Please make cheques payable to Aurora United Church.

Group Size:

Maximum on Labyrinth at one time is 20 people.

Equipment required:

An Extension cord or outlet where CD player can be plugged in in a location close to the Labyrinth.

Other Requirements:

Please fax or mail a map with detailed instructions on your location.

Contact:

Aurora United Church at 905-727-1935 or by email.

Special Event Ideas:

Path of Prayer Workshop, Using the Labyrinth as a Tool for Forgiveness, Using the Labyrinth When We are Grieving, Children’s Workshops.

Booking Your Group to Walk the Labyrinth at Aurora United Church

Type of Workshop:

Path of Prayer
Using the Labyrinth as a Tool for Forgiveness
Using the Labyrinth when we are grieving
Children’s Advent Workshop
Workshop for Men

Cost:

$10.00 per person for 3 hours total.

Group Size:

20 people maximum.

Contact:

Aurora United Church at 905-727-1935 or by email.

Note:

Our Labyrinth workshops and walks require the Narthex and Sanctuary to be available. From time to time, due to circumstances beyond our control (illness or death), we may find it necessary to cancel a booking. We, therefore, reserve the right to cancel bookings 24 hours in advance of the planned walks and every effort will be made to re-book at a time mutually agreed upon.

Link to Grace Cathedral, San Francisco

Reverend Doctor Lauren Artress , Canon of Grace Cathedral in San Francisco and President of Veriditas has lead the way to reviving this ancient spiritual tool. We recommend reading her book ‘Walking a Sacred Path: Rediscovering the Labyrinth as a Spiritual Tool’ for historical background, explanations of the elements of design and insight into the use of the Labyrinth as a prayer and meditative tool.

www.gracecom.org

laurenartress@gracecathedral.org

Mailing Address: 1100 California Street • San Francisco • CA • 94108
Tel.: 415-749-6358 • Fax: 415-749-6537

"How to Build a 7 circuit Labyrinth" by Robert Ferre
"Constructing Labyrinths" by Robert Ferre
"The Enigma of the Labyrinth" by Jean Villette, translated by Robert Ferre