FAITH · HISTORICAL MARKER
St. James Episcopal Church Labyrinth
Faith
5
A labyrinth is an ancient spiritual tool for meditative prayer that has been used throughout the world in many cultural traditions as a symbolic pilgrimage, a walk with God. It is a prayer and a walking meditation, reflecting the twists and turns of life’s journey. The labyrinth at Saint James is rectangular rather than one of the better known circular forms, such as the eleven-circuit labyrinth at Chartres Cathedral in France dating to 1210 A.D. or the simpler seven-circuit labyrinth, but like them it is based on sacred geometry rich in spiritual symbolism that creates a path toward inner awareness and spiritual growth. This one has five circuits, with a winding path to the center and the same path back out again, either by retracing one’s steps or by using a quick exit. People are invited to walk, pray, stop as they feel led, and remain at the center as long as they wish before returning to daily life, carrying insights, peace, or a relaxed and reflective feeling. The walk has no single right or wrong way and may bring new insights in the days that follow, though walkers are asked to move in silence and make way for others. The practice begins at the threshold by quieting the mind with a breath, a question, a prayer, or attention to breathing, continues inward by releasing burdens and walking conscious of God’s presence, reaches the center as a resting place to receive calm, strength, perspective, hope, and peace with God, and then turns outward again to return to daily life aware of inner transformation and new commitments.
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