The Labyrinth

The labyrinth is an ancient symbol, a pathway that brings healing and transformation. We have at First Church a replica of the medieval Chartres labyrinth, a sacred space where one can experience a "walking prayer".

The labyrinth is an ancient aid to Christian meditation. A journey into and out of the Labyrinth is said to be a pilgrimage into the self.

During the Middle Ages, the Labyrinth was used to show the connection between earth and spirit. In the 12th century, a beautiful Mandala-like version of the ancient pattern was laid in the stone floor of the great cathedral at Chartres, France. Pilgrims came from all over the Western World to tread the Labyrinth asking for both physical healing and birth into the spirit filled life.

My first labyrinth "walk" was via a "finger" labyrinth purchased
during a visit to Grace Cathedral in San Francisco in 2005. That small
finger labyrinth has been a wonderful prayer and meditation tool. 

While on vacation in France in 2009 I travelled to Chartres to visit
the world famous Gothic cathedral there. Miraculously the great
labyrinth inside the cathedral was open that day and I had opportunity
to walk the ancient sacred pathway. My life was transformed with the
experience.

Since then I have found illumination and comfort on my many labyrinth
walks at First Church. I invite you to a walk on the labyrinth to
feel God's presence in your life. 

Dr. Linda Fitts, Member of First Church

Types of Labyrinths at First Church

	The Outdoor Labyrinth The Labyrinth is located at the south west corner of the Music Center buildings and Trotter Chapel. Going up to the upper parking area you will see a curved wall. The Labyrinth is on the opposite side. The Labyrinth is available for groups or individuals to walk any day of the week. The lights at the Labyrinth and the parking area however, are turned off at 10 PM.
	The Portable Labyrinth The portable Labyrinth pictured here was created by lay members of First Church as an aid to prayer, meditation and spiritual renewal. It can also be used to just walk and reflect on your life Journey. The Labyrinth is portable and can be brought to your church by our group. See Labyrinth Opportunities below.
	The Finger Labyrinth This Labyrinth measures 18" by 18" and allows you to experience the graceful path of the eleven circuit labyrinth through the touch of your finger. It is for use as a personal meditation tool, for people that are home bound or while you are waiting for someone that is in the hospital having an operation. It is more relaxing than reading a book or watching television.

Labyrinth Opportunities

The Portable Labyrinth can be brought to your church by our group. Your church/group will need a place inside that will accommodate a 23 foot square cloth and an area to sit quietly before and after the walk. If your church doesn't have a place large enough, why not arrange a pilgrimage to First Church San Diego? Please contact Gary Krueger , for information about arranging a labyrinth walk or about the sign-out procedure for the finger labyrinth.

Visit Labyrinths in other places

Grace Cathedral, San Francisco
www.gracecathedral.org/labyrinth

St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral, 2728 Sixth Ave. San Diego (near Balboa Park)
Call 619-298-7261) for availability and open hours.

For more information:

Rev. Molly Vetter Justice and Outreach 619-297-4366, x131

Gary Krueger Labyrinth Committee