Labyrinths from the Outside In (2nd Edition)

The user-friendly, interfaith guide to making and using labyrinths—for meditation, prayer and celebration—updated, revised and expanded!

A labyrinth is a circuitous path that people have used as a form of prayer and meditation for thousands of years—a path that is being rediscovered as a spiritual tool in our own day. There are now thousands of labyrinths in North America, made of stone, cement, sunflowers, grass or canvas; indoors and outdoors; in Christian, Pagan and even nonreligious settings; and adaptable for use by people of all spiritual backgrounds. This guide explains how the labyrinth is a symbol that transcends traditions, and how walking its path brings us together.

Here is your entry to the fascinating history and philosophy of the labyrinth walk, with directions for making a labyrinth of your own or finding one in your area, and guidance on ways to use labyrinths creatively for:

Prayer • Stress reduction • Meditation • Commemorating personal or
family milestones • Faith rituals • Celebrations of all kinds

Labyrinths—a twenty-first century method of approaching the sacred—are a spiritual practice more ancient than Stonehenge or the ruins of Troy. This practical and inspiring guide will help you to explore them.

The user-friendly, interfaith guide to making and using labyrinths—for meditation, prayer and celebration—updated, revised and expanded!

A labyrinth is a circuitous path that people have used as a form of prayer and meditation for thousands of years—a path that is being rediscovered as a spiritual tool in our own day. There are now thousands of labyrinths in North America, made of stone, cement, sunflowers, grass or canvas; indoors and outdoors; in Christian, Pagan and even nonreligious settings; and adaptable for use by people of all spiritual backgrounds. This guide explains how the labyrinth is a symbol that transcends traditions, and how walking its path brings us together.

Here is your entry to the fascinating history and philosophy of the labyrinth walk, with directions for making a labyrinth of your own or finding one in your area, and guidance on ways to use labyrinths creatively for:

Prayer • Stress reduction • Meditation • Commemorating personal or
family milestones • Faith rituals • Celebrations of all kinds

Labyrinths—a twenty-first century method of approaching the sacred—are a spiritual practice more ancient than Stonehenge or the ruins of Troy. This practical and inspiring guide will help you to explore them.

Preface to the Second Edition: Walking a Labyrinth: Another Kind of Power vii
Introduction: Labyrinths from the Outside In 1

Part One
Approaching the Labyrinth
Donna Schaper

1. The Labyrinth Revival 17
2. The Absolute Meets the Ancient:What Labyrinths Do 29
3. What Is Spiritual about the Labyrinth? 39
4. Spiritual Authority in the Labyrinth 49

Part Two
Walking the Labyrinth
Carole Ann Camp

5. Hearing the Dark: Elements of the Labyrinth Walk 61
6. Walks for Rites of Passage 79
7. Walks for the four Seasons 97
8. Walking in Many Spiritual Traditions 109
9. Walks for the celtic year and the Zodiac 127

Epilogue: Labyrinths from the Inside Out 145
Appendix A: Making your Own Labyrinth 151
Appendix B: finding a Labyrinth in your Area 164

Notes 189
Photo credits 190