About the Labyrinth

In today's society, we live in a state of spiritual hunger, with people of all ages, races, and classes looking for spiritual nurture in many different ways. Much of these spiritual explorations, which are thought of as being "New Age," are in fact, very "Old Age."

Labyrinths appear on every continent, transcending culture, language, and geographic boundaries. They are as ancient as the Greek myths, yet are experiencing a resurgence in popularity today. Unlike a maze, labyrinths are unicursal--they have only one way into the center, and one way out.

Throughout Europe during the Middle Ages, labyrinths were built in churches and cathedrals as part of the sacred space used by worshipers. It was a common spiritual practice for Christians to walk church or cathedral labyrinths in lieu of making a pilgrimage to Jerusalem.

The St. Anselm's Labyrinth replicates one found on the floor of the Chartres Cathedral, located in Chartres, France. Built around 1200 AD, the Chartres Labyrinth is the most famous of the cathedral labyrinths.

Regardless of your faith, the St. Anselm's Labyrinth is designed to provide a walkable pathway to spiritual healing and enlightenment. We welcome you to, in the words of Isaiah "Walk in it."

Approaching the Labyrinth

Being in the Labyrinth is like:

• Taking a thoughtful walk.
• Going on a sacred journey.
• Taking part in a spiritual dance.

There are many ways to walk the Labyrinth:

• With one prayer or mantra in mind.
• Asking one question repeatedly.
• Preparing to just listen.

It may be helpful to think of the walk as having three "movements" or stages:

• Moving Inward - a time to cast off, discard, let go, or unwind.
• Centering - a time to be open, expectant, empty, naked, receptive as to a gift.
• Moving Outward - a time to gain direction, satisfaction, comfort and new energy.

Some like to stop at various points of the labyrinth for prayer or reflection. Others focus on walking as slowly as possible, concentrating on their breathing.

There is no singular, "right" way to walk the Labyrinth. Just do what feels comfortable to you.

Walking Guidelines

1. Stay on the path. Proceed at your own pace.
2. Feel free to pause along the way, and to pass someone who may have paused ahead of you.
3. Upon reaching the center, remain there as long as you like. Some like to sit in the center to reflect.
4. When walking the path out from the center, give the right of way to those making their way towards the center. Simply step to your right, and let them pass. You may then step back onto the path, and resume your walk.

Visitors to the Garden

Please feel free to use the garden surrounding the Labyrinth as a place for meditation, contemplative prayer, or simply relaxing.

When moving from one side of the garden to another, however, Please do not walk across the labyrinth. Instead, walk along its edge. Doing so will honor this sacred space, and will minimize disruption to those who may be walking the Labyrinth at the time.

The St. Anselm's Labyrinth is generally available for walking from 9:00 am. to 6:00 p.m. daily. One weekend each quarter, however, the labyrinth is closed for routine maintenance.

Other Labyrinth Links

Labyrinth: Ancient Mystical Tool for Tending of Soul

PAXworks--Works of Peace

Yahoo links on Labyrinths

For More Information

The St. Anselm Labyrinth Ministry sponsors occasional workshops and activities involving the Labyrinth. For more information about these and other church programs, please contact:

The Rev. Wilfredo Benítez
St. Anselm of Canterbury Episcopal Church
13091 Galway Street
Garden Grove, CA 92844
(714) 537-0604