“Go take a walk.” These are the words my mother would use whenever I was confused or anxious. Mom knew that walking had the potential to clear my mind and calm me down. St. Augustine of Hippo, who was born on November 13, 354, would agree with my mother. He is believed to have said, Solvitur ambulando,—it is solved by walking. These sentiments are realized in a form of meditative prayer offered by walking a labyrinth.

A labyrinth is a curved pathway that is drawn on the floor or carved into the ground. Many liken a labyrinth to a maze, but unlike a maze which typically has many pathways, a labyrinth includes only one pathway to the center and back to the entrance. This single pathway makes the labyrinth a welcome tool for prayer and reflection. Walking the narrow pathway of a labyrinth is believed to bring focus and clarity to the mind. Those who use a labyrinth on a daily basis claim that it is a spiritual tool that offers inner peace.

Many believe that the labyrinth is a new invention, but the labyrinth is actually very old, having roots in Greek Mythology. Ancient Romans used tile or mosaic to decorate walls and floors in the shape of a labyrinth. The Church adopted the labyrinth from Roman culture, and during the Middle Ages, labyrinths could be seen in churches and cathedrals throughout Europe.

The most famous of these labyrinths can still be seen at Chartres Cathedral near Paris, France. A cross lies in the center of this eleven-circuit design. This labyrinth was used by the faithful as a pilgrimage, often serving as a substitute for pilgrims who could not make a trip to Jerusalem. Some pilgrims would travel the labyrinth on their knees to show repentance.

As using the labyrinth, for prayer and meditation has increased in popularity in recent years, so too has the number of labyrinths around the world. While there is no way to know the exact number of labyrinths that exist, there is a way to find out if there is one nearby. This website, http://labyrinthlocator.com/, guides visitors to the labyrinths that exist in specific locations. The Episcopal Cathedral of St. Philip in Atlanta has an outdoor labyrinth that is modeled on the one at Chartres. Wouldn’t it be nice if we had one at St. Thomas Aquinas? Any Scouts looking for a project?

For more information, visit https://labyrinthsociety.org/

Thus says the Lord: Stand by the earliest roads, ask the pathways of old, “Which is the way to good?” and walk it; thus you will find rest for yourselves.  Jeremiah 6:16