St. Peter’s Labyrinth

Dedicated November 1, 2007

The labyrinth is seen as a sacred pattern that leads the seeker on a path to its center. It is not a maze; there is only one way in and one way out. Labyrinths have been documented throughout history and even as far back as the Bronze Age. There are similar designs in many different cultures. People as different as the Aztec, American Indian, Egyptian, and Ancient Greece all have various kind of labyrinth type designs.
Labyrinths became identified with the Christian Church in Europe around 350 A.D. St. Peter’s labyrinth is an 11 circuit Chartres style, so named because it is modeled after the labyrinth set in the stone floor in the name of Chartres Cathedral in France. It was built and dedicated in the early 1200’s.
The path consists of 11 concentric circles that have a path to the center. Walking the path in symbolizes “Releasing” or “Purgation”; a releasing of all trouble in our life and letting go, calming our mind and heart. The center symbolizes “Receiving” or “Illumination”; a time to be relaxed and allow your inner soul (God) to come into your mind, body and soul. The 6-petal rosette in the center can symbolize Creation; starting with the first petal to the left representing “mineral”, then “vegetable” “animal”, “humanity”, “angelic”, and “God”. Leaving the center and following the same path out symbolizes “Returning” or “Union”. You take back out into the world what you have received in the center. Use every step and incident that happens to you on the labyrinth as a metaphor for your life and your spiritual journey. The outer edge of the labyrinth consists of “lunations” which represents the lunar calendar of which our Church calendar is also based.

St. Peter’s labyrinth is available for groups within St. Peter’s and the Community through prior arrangements with Carolyn Hewitt, at 972-542-3605, email: c-t.hewitt@tx.rr.com or during the Open Walks on the 1st Thursday, 7 – 9 p.m. and the 3rd Saturday, 10 – noon, of each month.