Labyrinth History & Walking

The world’s preeminent labyrinth historian, Jeff Saward, talks about the appearance of labyrinths over 4000 years ago and their ancient use in Europe, Africa, the Far East, the Northern Isles and the Americas. The Rev. Dr. Cheryl F. Dudley, a pastor of the American Baptist Churches, comments on the nature of walking labyrinths as a group, joining together with others in community as a joyous experience. The labyrinth archetype is prevalent in many cultures as an expression of the soul’s path and as a symbolic tool for life’s mythic events. From the classical labyrinth found on the Minoan coins of Knossos to the elaborate 11 circuit medieval labyrinth in the floor of Chartres Cathedral in France, those that have survived hold a certain aura, drawing us in as we gaze at a photo, trace with our fingers or reverentially walk them. We owe these ancient artists a debt of gratitude for the flowering of labyrinths we see around the world today - in all their myriad permutations. Labyrinth walking can be as simple as stepping onto the path, or it can be a highly structured exercise in mindfulness, peacemaking, conflict resolution, chakra alignment, or healing. Walking alone is a different experience from walking in a group, just as a candlelit canvas labyrinth experienced indoors is different from a moss covered one out in the woods. Among seasoned labyrinth walkers there is a saying, “Each time is different because you are different each time. You are walking for a reason even you might not understand in the moment. Let go and let be.” This is an excerpt from the Labyrinth Society DVD ’Labyrinths for Our Time’ which is available for purchase in hard copy or in the near future as a digital download. For the full video see: