A labyrinth is a path of prayer, a walking meditation, a crucible of change, a watering hole for the spirit and a mirror of the soul. May you be nourished.

History of the Transfiguration labyrinth

A stone-lined labyrinth sits in the peaceful meadow by Bear Creek on the Transfiguration campus. It is part of the church's outreach to the community and all are invited to walk it or to simply enjoy the peaceful site where it rests on the church campus. The labyrinth was completed in 1999 after the new rector, Catherine Tran, convinced the congregation that the meadow on the campus was a perfect spot for this spiritual tool. A labyrinth, she concluded, would be a spiritual enhancement of the historical church campus, one that would serve not only the parishioners but the entire community.

Transfiguration's labyrinth is a replica of the 11-circuit Chartres labyrinth, laid in the floor of Chartres Cathedral in France around 1220 A.D. (circuit describes the number of times the path circles around the center.). A stone-lined path leads with twists and turns to the center of the 54-foot wide circle. Originally, eight tons of granite river rocks were laid on a base of crushed red clay to create the design. After almost a decade of use, new rocks, plus an occasional flower or other vegetation, have appeared along the walkways. There are no restrictions on use of the labyrinth.

Transfiguration, one of the oldest remaining establishments in Evergreen, is located south of the intersection of Highway 74 and Meadow Drive. The meadow and its labyrinth are east of the historic bell tower and the church parking lot.

What is a labyrinth?

A labyrinth is an ancient archetype used in numerous religions as a path of prayer, a way to quiet the mind, find balance, and encourage meditation, insight and celebration. Walking the labyrinth path is a symbolic journey of one's life, taking the traveler into the depth of the self and then back out into the world.

Use the labyrinth in any way that meets your need. If you are having a problem and seeking a solution, enter the labyrinth with that intention. Walk the path as a tool to go deeper into prayer and to receive insights that can help you, that may give you answers. Or use it to find peace and calm, to center yourself.

Guidelines for walking the labyrinth

There is no right way or wrong way to walk a labyrinth. Simply walk into the entrance and follow the footpath. Think about quieting your mind and become aware of your breath. Allow yourself to find the pace your body wants to go.

The labyrinth is one continuous path that, despite its twists and turns, leads you to the center and back out again. It may look like a maze, but there are no tricks to it, no dead ends. If you continue to walk the path, you get to the center. Use the same path to return and the entrance then becomes the exit. The path is in full view and there are no choices that need to be made while walking it, allowing you to be quiet and focus internally.