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What is a Labyrinth?

Labyrinths have appeared in cultures all across the planet since the earliest of times. They can be found in many religions and spiritual traditions around the world. Christian churches, for example, have used the labyrinth as a symbol for many centuries. The oldest church labyrinth is in the Basilica of Reparata in North Africa. In the 12 th century, many labyrinths were laid into the floors of churches to serve as a poor man’s pilgrimage to Jerusalem.

Walking the labyrinth has reemerged today as a cross-cultural metaphor for the spiritual journey and as a powerful tool for transformation.

A labyrinth is a pattern with a purpose, an ancient tool that speaks to a long forgotten part of us. Its many turns reflect the journey of life, which involves change and transition, rites of passage, cycles of nature. Different from a maze, which has a dead end and false passages, the labyrinth has a single path that leads unfailingly to the center. It shows us that no time or effort is ever wasted if we stay the course, every step taking us closer to our goal. Thinking is not required; we allow ourselves to relax and let go, to walk in faith and trust.

Walking the labyrinth is more about the journey than the destination, about being rather than doing, integrating body and mind, psyche and spirit, into one harmonious whole. Labyrinths in a community offer a special place for community to come together….for significant celebrations, to resolve a problem,to enjoy a meditative walk, or to simply take time out of a busy day.

The seven circuit labyrinth pictured here is the pattern for the Global Community Labyrinth coming soon to the village of Shelburne Falls, MA. This labyrinth will be located on the grounds of St Joseph’s Church at 34 Monroe Avenue. This is an outreach, interfaith labyrinth and all are invited to participate in honoring our labyrinth pilgrims whatever their path may be.

How Do I Become Part of the Global Community Labyrinth?

It’s easy! The project is being funded through the purchase of engraved granite cobblestones which will be placed flush with the ground to form the walls of the labyrinth paths. Each Legacy Stone will be engraved with the words describing the person, place, thing, business, or sentiment whose special qualities you wish to literally become part of the paths of this labyrinth to encourage and support the journey of all who walk here. What a lovely way to gift your love! Simply go back to the home page, click on the "PayPal Buy Now" button and pay for your stone or stones. After payment you'll be redirected to an order form for the inscriptions on each of your stones.

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