The one located at St Paul's in Put-in-Bay is a replica of the Chartres Cathedral labyrinth in France. This labyrinth was placed in the floor of the cathedral about 1220. It was brought back into use and incorporated into the spiritual life of Grace Episcopal Cathedral in San Francisco in the 1980s. They have helped others rediscover this long-forgotten tradition of walking the labyrinth. It is said to be one of the greatest "calmers of the mind, spirit, and soul."
The labyrinth has only one path so there are no tricks to it and no dead ends. The path winds throughout and has been described as a mirror or a metaphor for where we are in our lives. For many, the labyrinth touches our sorrows and releases our joys. St Paul's invites you to walk with an open mind and an open heart.
Three stages of the walk
- Purgation (Releasing) ~ A releasing, a letting go of the details of your life. This is the act of shedding thoughts and distractions. A time to open the heart and quiet the mind.
- Illumination (Receiving) ~ When you reach the center, stay there as long as you like. It is a place of meditation and prayer. Receive what is there for you to receive.
- Union (Returning) ~ As you leave, following the same path out of the center as you came in, you enter the third stage, which 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 for which you feel your soul is reaching.
A gentle guide for the walk
- Quiet your mind and become aware of your breath.
- Allow yourself to find the pace your body wants to go.
- The path is two ways. Those going in will meet those coming out. You may "pass" people or let others step around you. Do what feels natural.
