Labyrinth

The Labyrinth. The labyrinth is a feature of many mediaeval cathedrals, although it probably originates in pre-christian times. It is marked out on the floor, and unlike a maze, has only one path (so you can't get lost!). Christian versions are generally based on a cross shape. The idea was that a person would walk the labyrinth on the eve of their baptism, confirmation, or before Easter as an aid to contemplative prayer and reflection. As you wind your way round approaching the centre, you gradually offload the pressures of the day. You can view it as a centreing exercise to help you focus on God. You can also view it as an allegory of your life - sometimes appearing to be close to God, only to be suddenly thrown out to the edge, or perhaps to find yourself walking sometimes in sympathy with others and other times far distant, and so on. At the centre, you meet God and can sit and rest there for as long as you like. Then you walk the labyrinth outwards, carrying the light of Christ with you out into the world.

We like to ensure that the atmosphere of the space surrounding the labyrinth is conducive to contemplation - we lay ours in St Cuthbert's church, parts of which are late-mediaeval; we play plainchant over a small sound system; and we have a few `installations' of ikons or sculptures and candles nearby. It is a quiet, open space devoted to listening to God. Come and go when you please. There will usually be someone at the back if you want to talk over anything or ask for prayer. Also there will usually be a group of us across the road in the Black Swan if you want to join in with friendly chat.

The Visions labyrinth service used to take place every month, but now happens roughly quarterly on special occasions. Watch this website for future dates.