The Labyrinth at Englesea Brook
Labyrinths have existed in the British Isles for around 2000 years. The first discovered were floor mosaics in Roman villas. Examples also appear in medieval manuscripts, in church floors and cut into village greens and hillsides.
England has one of the oldest turf labyrinths in the world, found in Lincolnshire, known as ‘Julian’s Bower’ which dates back to medieval times. Medieval people might walk labyrinths as a safe “mini‑pilgrimage” when travelling far was too dangerous.
In Victorian times there was a revival of interest and many were laid in the floors of churches, chapels and cathedrals.
Today, there continues a growing interest in labyrinths and in ancient prayer practice.
Further down the page there are some prayer suggestions to use as you follow the labyrinth. A simple finger labyrinth can also be used as a prayer device wherever you are.
It is important to remember that a labyrinth is not a maze – there are no dead ends. The path leads to and from the central point. You cannot get lost. A labyrinth is a place you find yourself.
Although labyrinths are used in Christian practices, they can be used by anyone for reflection. Indeed, there are many examples of labyrinths being used by different cultures for fertility rites, as symbols of Mother Earth, and in Scandinavia, stone labyrinths were used as magic traps for trolls!
We are fairly confident we have no trolls in Englesea Brook so that is not the reason we created our labyrinth. Rather, we recognise that we are blessed with beautiful, tranquil surroundings that evoke a deep sense of peace. That, coupled with the Primitive Methodist spirituality which expressed a profound reliance on the Holy Spirit for decision-making, protection and providence, convinced us that a place of prayer and reflection available to all would be a valuable addition to our site.
Below are some suggestions as to how to use the labyrinth at Englesea Brook. These are in a Christian context, but use the words as a basis for your own practice, omitting reference to God if this makes you more comfortable.
- As you enter the labyrinth on the left side looking down the slope, ask God a question. Walk slowly (known as a ‘monk’s pace’) along the path as you listen for an answer. Walk in silence at a steady pace, noting the feel of your steps on the grass and listening to the sounds around. Invite the presence and guidance of God to accompany you.
- Make your journey to the centre of the labyrinth one of confession, naming mistakes, hurts and thoughtlessness on your part with each step. As you take a next step, imagine what you just named is left behind. Once you reach the centre, take a moment to look back over the path you have travelled and imagine all that you have left behind is now forgiven by God. As you journey from the centre out of the labyrinth, imagine this a path of grace and affirmation. Imagine God smiling on you, holding you, carrying you with every step. With each step you pick up a ‘well-done’, ‘you are enough’, etc. As you leave the labyrinth thank God for the rubbish you have sloughed off, and for the good things you have put on.
- You could use a ‘breath prayer’ as you walk along the path:
Pause before your begin and listen to your breathing.
As you move towards the centre, use this as a period of letting go of what hinders your life and interferes with your relationships with family, friends and with creation. Be aware of your breathing with every step, but don’t labour it. To help regulate your breath as you breathe in whisper ‘Je’ and as you breathe out whisper ‘sus’. You can use a different two-syllable name or word, if you prefer.
When you reach the centre of the labyrinth, stop and take in all around you. Take the opportunity to pray, giving thanks for all you see, hear, smell and touch. Remain aware of your body and how it responds to the sounds, feel of the grass, the air; note your breathing and your heartbeat.
As you move out of the labyrinth, reflect on what you have let go, but do not dwell on this, rather use your breath to plot where you now want to go.