The labyrinth is an ancient pattern found in many cultures around the world. Labyrinth designs were found on pottery, tablets and tiles date as far back as 4000 years. Many patterns are based on spirals from nature. In Native American culture it is called the Medicine Wheel and Man in the Maze. The Celts described it as the Never Ending Circle. It is also called the Kabala in mystical Judaism. One feature they all share is that they have one path which winds in a circuitous way to the center.

Labyrinths are currently being used world-wide as a way to quiet the mind, find balance,and encourage meditation, insight and celebration. They are open to all people as a non-denominational, cross-cultural tool of well-being. They can be found in medical centers, parks, churches, schools, prisons, memorial parks and retreat centers as well as in people's backyards.

The labyrinth is not a maze. There are no tricks to it and no dead ends. It has a single circuitous path that winds into the center. The person walking it uses the same path to return and the entrance then becomes the exit. The path is in full view, which allows a person to be quiet and focus internally. Generally there are three stages to the walk: releasing on the way in, receiving in the center and returning; that is, taking back out into the world that which you have received. There is no right way or wrong way to walk a labyrinth. Use the labyrinth in any way that meets what you need.

There are many ways to describe a labyrinth. It is a path of prayer, a walking meditation, a crucible of change, a watering hole for the spirit and a mirror of the soul. May you be nourished.*

* With gratitude to Veriditas™

As part of the Trinity Garden a full scale replica of the Chartres Cathedral Labyrinth will be constructed by Spring, 2004. Measuring over 40 feet in diameter, the Trinity Labryinth will be open to all who may wish to experience its unique, meditative nature.

For a virtual Labyrinth walk click on the above interactive link.

Note: The interactive experience is not recommended for internet users with slow connection speeds. Your computer must also be equipped with a sound card and speakers and you must be running either Microsoft Internet Explorer or Netscape Communicator version 4.5 or newer. You must also have Macromedia's Flash Player - available for Free by clicking on the Flash Player icon below.

Most computers installed after 1999 are adequately equipped.