Grace Cathedral
Our Labyrinths
Grace Cathedral is home to two Chartres-style labyrinths — and to the Modern Labyrinth Movement that began in 1991.
Walking the labyrinth has become a spiritual practice for Christians as well as those in other religious traditions. It is a path of prayer, a walking meditation, and supports the practice of mindfulness. The act of walking quiets the mind and offers an inner spaciousness where we can more easily reflect upon our lives. We welcome you to our labyrinths.
Grace Cathedral has an indoor and an outdoor labyrinth. The indoor one is available to you during cathedral visitor services hours, and the latter is available to you 24/7! If you want to keep up-to-date on labyrinth events and news, please join our Mind, Body, and Spirit monthly newsletter.
Stages of the Walk
How to Walk the Labyrinth
Unlike a maze, a labyrinth has just one path, so there are no tricks to it and no dead ends. It is a two-way path, so you may meet others coming or going on the path. The are three main stages of the walk:
Purgation (Releasing)
A releasing, a letting go of the details of your life. This is the act of shedding thoughts and distractions. A time to open the heart and quiet the mind.
Illumination (Receiving)
When you reach the center, stay there as long as you like. It is a place of meditation and prayer. Receive what is there for you to receive.
Union (Returning)
As you leave, following the same path out of the center as you came in, you enter the third stage, which is joining God, your Higher Power, or the healing forces at work in the world. Each time you walk the labyrinth you become more empowered to find and do the work for which you feel your soul is reaching.
Guidelines for the Walk
How to Walk the Labyrinth
Quiet your mind and become aware of your breath. Allow yourself to find the pace your body wants to go. Since the path is two-way, those going in will meet those coming out. You may “pass” people or let others step around you. Do what feels natural. Walk the labyrinth with an open mind and an open heart.
Walk the Labyrinth
World Wide Labyrinth Day
More to come.
World-Wide Labyrinth Locator
The Modern Labyrinth Movement was founded at Grace Cathedral! Today there are over 6000 labyrinths registered with the Worldwide Labyrinth Location.
These are located around the world in private properties, libraries, gardens, temples, and cathedrals.