Enjoy our new Labyrinth

“The labyrinth is perhaps one of the oldest, and certainly one of the most mysterious symbols known to mankind. It has been looked upon as an object of fear and hope.

Even as the designs became more elaborate, visual depictions of the Labyrinth from Roman times until the Renaissance are almost invariably ‘one-way in and out’. In medieval times, labyrinths began to appear on church walls and floors around 1000 AD. The most famous medieval labyrinth, with great influence on later practice, was created in Chartres Cathedral. It has been perceived as a representation of hell and redemption and it has even been used to symbolise far off lands and cities.

We have now built one at the Retreat House, which you are welcome to come and walk. Please telephone beforehand to check availability.

The practice is simple: you start at the entrance and follow the path. There is no right way to walk a labyrinth (but we have provided some suggested guidelines) – you can walk slowly, quickly, pause as you like, it is entirely up to you.

The key is to be mindful of the experience, to pay attention to your thoughts, feelings, and sensations as you move along the path.”