What is a labyrinth?

A labyrinth is one single pathway from the outside to the inside (often of a circle), that contains many twists and turns, often turning back on itself. It is different from a maze in that there is only one path to follow, with no choices. They exist in different cultures across the world, including Christianity. A labyrinth is walked, either physically on a labyrinth mapped out on the floor, or by following the path with your finger on a smaller handheld labyrinth.

I think I first walked a labyrinth at a youth worker conference in the early 2000s, but it is only in recent years that I have found them to be a blessing. I have walked the labyrinths I’ve found at the retreat centres I have visited, finding them to be powerful experiences of prayer. There is usually something significant that I choose to pray about whilst I walk the labyrinth. As I take the inward journey, I talk to God about what is on my heart. As I find myself in the centre, I often pause to be still with God, before I begin the outward journey as I look towards the future and my next step.

In 2020, I created three different finger labyrinths for myself. This was as much about exploring different types of finger labyrinth as it was creating one for myself to use. I’ve found that using a finger labyrinth is a great tool for slowing down your mind. The texture allows your finger to follow the path with your eyes closed, which is very calming. My favourite type of finger labyrinth is the one pictured above. It uses the Cretan pattern, and is made with string. Other versions I’ve also made have used clay, raised PVA glue, or gem stickers. I now offer a workshop that enables others to make their own finger labyrinth, including a simplified option for children.

If you’d like to try using a labyrinth for meditation or prayer, then I’d encourage you to search online to see if there is one near you. You may also like to consider buying one of my finger labyrinths that can be found here.