Labyrinth

A labyrinth is a single path tool for personal, psychological and spiritual transformation. The path followed is contained within a circle or square, with one entrance and one path to the centre, which you retrace to leave.

Labyrinths and mazes are often confused with each other—but there is a difference. A maze has unexpected dead ends and is a puzzle to be solved, while a labyrinth has a continuous pathway leading to the centre and is a journey rather than a puzzle.

Our labyrinth design is based on a pattern taken from a twelfth century cathedral in France. Labyrinths were laid in the floor of cathedrals at that time as a way of going on a pilgrimage when it was unsafe to go on a long journey for fear of being robbed or worse. They were usually made of mosaic tiles set into the floor. Ours is outlined with river stones, and is both in and above the ground, outdoors.

Many traditions have used labyrinths for many reasons, for rites, rituals and ceremonies, for fun, and for meditation. Ours is used for all of those reasons and you can choose your own reason for walking it.

There is no right way to walk a labyrinth

just follow the paths

and allow yourself to be led

to the centre - to your centre

You leave the outside behind

as you enter this sacred space

It will wrap you in its spirals

and give you a feeling of peace.

Cast your eyes down

just follow.

The turns right and left are gentle

you can pause to follow your thoughts

to listen, or just move on.

You may carry a care or a burden

whisper a prayer or a hope

Just take it to into the centre

Trust it to God

Let it go

As you leave and retrace

your steps

notice how you are feeling

maybe lighter - freer

or maybe nothing has changed.

Then turn at the entrance and pause

offer a prayer of thanks

and walk away into your day.

Jo Russell, 21/04/05

When can I walk the labyrinth?

The labyrinth is open and can be walked at any time.

There are also organised Labyrinth days through out the year.

World Labyrinth Day Sat. May 5th 2012

Many people throughout the globe will be walking labyrinths "As One at 1.00pm" on May 5th. You are invited to join in at the St. Margaret's Labyrinth in peaceful prayer at 1.00pm or at any time during the day.

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