What is a Labyrinth?

Many people think of mazes when they hear the word labyrinth. Mazes are meant to disorient and confuse us with multiple paths, dead ends, tricks and high walls. They are puzzles to be figured out, hence activating the left-brain. Labyrinths are ancient, archetypal patterns having one path to and from the center so one cannot get lost or disoriented. They literally support you in finding your center and becoming centered/focused. Currently many spiritual and secular settings are using them as walking mediation tools for personal and spiritual growth. It has been shown physiologocally that they balance the body's fluidi system as well as the right and left sides of the Brain. Most people who walk them or use 'finger' labyrinths report a sense of calm and peace making them a wonderful tool for stress reduction.

Why walk a labyrinth?

 There are as many reasons for walking labyrinths as there are people who walk them. Some first walk out of curiosity. Others find it enjoyable and a good way to slow down, to step aside briefly from noise, tension and rush. For some, the labyrinth may become a spiritual path, part of life's journey. Others find the walk a healing or calming experience. Children and adults like to run, skip or dance the labyrinth as well as walk it.

The History of Labyrinths

Given the wealth of content existing 'out there' in the labyrinth of labyrinths, that is the web, we provide you a collection of sites that can do it better than we could hope to do. Also are some of our favourite sites.

Edmonton Labyrinth Society
Our Mission is to promote the establishment and use of labyrinths as spiritual exercises. We encourage people to learn about the labyrinth and experience its powers for healing and spiritual growth. Through walking a labyrinth, we hope that you will experience the spiritual power of this rediscovered 12th Century mystical resource.

St Marks Angelican Church
The Rev. Margaret Tandy
51 King St., Port Hope, Ontario L1A 2R6
Always remember the labyrinth is a sacred space of reflection and meditation

The Labyrinth Society
supports "all those who create, maintain, and use labyrinths and to serve the global community by providing education, networking, and opportunities to experience transformation."
http://www.labyrinthsociety.org/
The Labyrinth On-Line
A site that aims to help you meditate while you 'walk' a virtual labyrinth - either classical or Chartres-style.
The graphics are excellent and the text helpful.
http://www.labyrinthonline.com/