There are times when you need to take a moment to remember that you are walking on earth. There are times when it helps to know that the One walking with you is always present. The ground everywhere is holy-whether out in the wilderness and close to its elemental beginning or in the city paved and re-paved. God's verdant earth beneath that pavement is connected to the dry land of Jerusalem and watered by the same water that flowed through Eden.

The labyrinth at St. James is located behind the red barn across the street from the main sanctuary. Nestled between two stands of trees, the labyrinth enjoys both quiet and seclusion while at the same time being open to breezes, bird song and the sounds that are made in schoolyards and active parishes.

First developed during the ninth and tenth centuries CE, the Chartres Cathedral labyrinth design is the one adopted for use by the Center for Spiritual Development.

The Chartres Labyrinth was inlaid into the floor of the sanctuary in the thirteenth century. The labyrinth was used to represent the great pilgrimage to Jerusalem. For many Christians it was not possible to undertake such a strenuous and expensive journey. Walking the labyrinth in reverence and contemplation became a way of participating in pilgrimage.

The labyrinth walk is a pilgrimage meant for renewal, transformation and deepening of our heart's surrender to God. As we move into the circle we are invited to let go of all that we are carrying within. This stage in the journey is known as purgation or letting go.

As we travel deeper into the heart of the labyrinth we may become more open to God's wisdom. Our sense of God's presence may come to us as a gentle whisper, a lifting of our spirits or a word to ponder. This stage in the journey is known as illumination or a beginning of understanding.

The closer we come to the heart of God as we move in and out of the labyrinthine pathway; we are drawn to silence or resting within the heart of God. This is known as union and may be experienced as a quiet stillness within.

These three movements in the contemplative walk upon the labyrinth, purgation, illumination and union are also know as the three-fold mystical path-the journey into the mystery of God.

For more information about visiting the labyrinth contact .

© 2010 The Center for Spiritual Development at Saint James Monkton