Revitalizing UU Women's Groups

Questions and Answers about the Labyrinth

by Barbara Kellett

Chalice Labyrinth
Modification by Dick Shelton
of a design by Bob Peach

What is a labyrinth? A labyrinth is a pattern design with one path to follow to the center and back out again. A labyrinth is different from a maze because it does not have any dead ends. And, unlike a maze, it is not designed to trick the walker.

How is the labyrinth a metaphor, mirror, or hologram of the walker’s life? Everything that happens on and around the labyrinth may remind walkers of their own life journeys, their psychological or spiritual issues, their goals, or their hopes and fears. According to Reverend Dr. Lauren Artress, author of Walking the Sacred Path, “The labyrinth is a place where we can profoundly, yet playfully, experience our soul’s longing and intention.” The labyrinth is like a mirror, reflecting for the walker his or her current life, or one with new possibilities. With the dying and shedding of the old, comes birth of the new. Often, resistance and grief are our first reactions to new awareness and change.

Is the labyrinth a “New Age” symbol? No, labyrinth images have been found all over the world, dating back as far as 5,000 BCE.

Can the labyrinth heal a person? No, the twists and turns of the labyrinth pattern may assist the walker to quiet the mind and body. It is through this coming into the quiet that the walker’s body, mind, and spirit may be activated toward its own healing. The labyrinth is a spiritual tool—one among many forms of meditation.

What should I think about as I walk? Ask yourself, “What do I seek?”

Can the labyrinth be walked more than once? Yes, each time you walk the labyrinth you are likely to have a different experience. Experiences may be vastly different—even within the same day. This is because, at any given moment, we are different from the moment before. When the labyrinth design includes “lunations” on its outer edge, it is helpful to complete one’s walk by walking around them. Walking the labyrinth on a regular basis provides the walker with a deeply rooted spiritual practice.

At what pace should I walk the labyrinth? Strive for your most natural, inner pace. This may change as you walk. Those who need to walk faster than others should feel free to pass others. However, remember this walk is not a competition.

What if I meet someone going the other way? The labyrinth is like a two-way street. When one person is going into the center and another is exiting from the center, they will meet somewhere on the winding path of the labyrinth. It is helpful to know this ahead of time so that you are not startled.

What if I walk outside of the lines? It’s okay to walk across or outside of the lines—or to dance, sit, lie, somersault, etc. at any time. The labyrinth is the walker’s spiritual tool.

Is reaching the center of the labyrinth like reaching a goal? No, not necessarily. The center is a touchstone, an anchor, and a place for illumination. Sometimes labyrinth trustees place natural items such as rocks, and shells at the center for walkers to handle. Many walkers enjoy sitting and reflecting after arriving at the center.

How long does it take to walk the labyrinth? This varies greatly but it takes most people a minimum of twenty minutes. This is highly dependent upon the size of the labyrinth you are walking and upon your natural pace. It’s important to give yourself ample time so that you can experience the labyrinth in a leisurely way.

What if I get lost? Walkers do sometimes get disoriented, especially in the center, where people are coming and going. Getting lost may unnecessarily arouse shame, anxiety, or fear. Be assured that you can resume your walk anywhere. Simply find a spot on the path and begin again. The path always takes you to center and guides you back out again. The path is not designed to frustrate you. Think of getting lost as a metaphor for the times you get lost on life’s journey. Hop back on the path and keep moving.

What if nothing “spiritual” happens? There is no right or wrong way to walk the labyrinth. Your experience is your experience. Instead of worrying about this, ask yourself the following questions: What were my expectations? Did I try to control the outcome of my walk? Why? Did I listen to my own thoughts and to my body?

What if I cry while walking the labyrinth? Tears are a common response to emotions that are sometimes activated while walking the labyrinth. If you are able, it is best to allow your tears to flow. Even when sobbing, crying usually subsides after about fifteen minutes. The labyrinth trustee may let you know that he/she is available to be with you if you need comfort. However, trustees and other walkers are advised not to touch you while you’re crying unless you give an indication that you want that kind of comfort.

What should I do after I complete my walk? Many people enjoy journaling, drawing, or sitting and reflecting while watching others in the labyrinth.

Note: Labyrinth trustees sometimes place colorful scarves around the edges of the labyrinth. Scarves may be used by walkers as aids for their journey. Some enjoy fashioning costumes from scarves or may simply wear a favorite scarf. Some like to partially or fully cover their heads in order to have more privacy while walking.

This Q & A handout was derived from a handout used in training labyrinth trustees at the First Universalist Church in Minneapolis. Before training First Universalist trustees, Barbara Kellett studied under Lauren Artress who was the source of much of the information provided here. With grateful appreciation we acknowledge Artress’s extensive study of the labyrinth and the many ways in which her work has touched others. The Association of Universalist Women extends heartfelt thanks to Barbara Kellett for her contributions of time and talent in developing the Labyrinth Project at First Universalist and also for her generosity in sharing her writings about the labyrinth.

The original design for the Chalice Labyrinth is from Bob Peach, who maintains the Georgia Labyrinths website. Bob offers the original design (© 2000) freely to anyone who wants to reproduce it. Turning the chalice of the original into a flaming chalice seemed a natural idea to us. Bob has blessed this changed version, which is also available for free reproduction.