The Labyrinth
A labyrinth is a single path maze which takes one to a center place and back out again. Unlike most mazes it is not intended to confound or confuse. It is not a puzzle. Labyrinths have been made for thousands of years but little is known of their ancient origin. The earliest known form was found in the Ukraine dating to about 15,000 BC. But, ancient labyrinths have been built in such diverse places as Sumatra, Peru, India, Egypt and Scandinavia. Today labyrinths have also been built throughout America including Wisconsin, California and Massachusetts. They take the form of carved rock cliffs, sculptured turf or shrubbery, intricate stone and tile.
The Old Ship labyrinth is fashioned in the form of a terrazzo floor installed in August 1999. It is just one of many labyrinth designs commonly used throughout the world. The Old Ship labyrinth is based on one constructed at the 13th century Cathedral of Chartres in France as part of the tradition of religious pilgrimages taken by the faithful. The labyrinth can be understood as a path of prayer for people seeking the Divine, without regard to any particular religious tradition. The winding path leading to the center serves as a mirror to reflect the Spirit in our lives. You are cordially invited to walk the labyrinth alone or with companions. Each person's walk is a personal experience. One begins the walk from the entrance on the perimeter of Labyrinth following the path to the center, and then returning on the same path back to the entrance. We invite you to listen to the longing of your soul or process your experience in any way. How one walks and what one receives differs with each walk. You may experience a sense of healing or other profound experience or it may be just a pleasant walk.
Hours for Walking the Labyrinth
Public Hours are 2nd Tuesdays at 7:30PM
