Twylla Alexander
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A Tale of Two Labyrinths

6/25/2022

8 Comments

 
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Walking.... the labyrinth at the Shrine of St. Therese – Juneau, Alaska –May 13, 2022.
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Walking... the labyrinth at Chartres Cathedral – Chartres, France – June 17, 2022

The labyrinth in Juneau is a Chartres labyrinth, meaning it is designed after the one in Chartres Cathedral, built almost 1000 years ago.  I knew none of this when I walked a labyrinth for the first time with my friend Margie in 2004. We were simply spending a sunny Juneau day together, circling the labyrinth at the Shrine of St. Thèrese, then sharing a picnic lunch on the beach. But, in hindsight, I clearly see how that centering, peaceful walk was a beginning – a step toward a new direction in my life.  A direction which would ultimately lead to Chartres and years of labyrinth connections.

Drew and I are in Chartres to attend Walking a Sacred Path Pilgrimage, sponsored by Veriditas, a non-profit, which "promotes further understanding of the labyrinth as a tool for personal and community transformation." We will be here in retreat for a week, with our days spent  learning, sharing, reflecting and walking with forty other participants.

Every time I step on the ancient path this week surrounded by stained glass and gothic pillars, I will remember its "sister" in Juneau, bordered by evergreens and sparkling water... and offer deep gratitude to both. 

8 Comments
Vanda link
6/25/2022 08:57:28 am

So happy I was a piece of your labyrinth journey and wishing you and Drew more memories as you share this journey with others.

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Marian
6/25/2022 11:23:07 am

Stunning photos of both labyrinths

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Ellie Smith
6/25/2022 02:06:00 pm

I hope sometimes you think of my sun drenched labyrinth in Missouri with its world rocks. I think of you when I walk it. The rock from Juneau is still connecting us.

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Karen
6/25/2022 02:51:17 pm

I’m sorry I missed you in Juneau. I always look forward to your blog. Wonderful to hear of your journey. Makes it possible for all of us. Blessings

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Twylla Alexander
6/26/2022 10:57:35 am

Thank you, Karen! We had a wonderful stay in Juneau, even though Drew tested positive for Covid while we were there. 😕 I love walking that labyrinth, and it looks so beautiful with all the new landscaping!

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Cristine Crooks
6/26/2022 06:09:51 pm

Twylla, your posts are always so interesting. I too have walked both, but didn’t realize they were so closely related. I think I’ll go again to the shrine—Chartre is too far. I have much to ponder

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Twylla Alexander
6/27/2022 12:44:01 am

I'm so glad to know that you've walked the Chartres labyrinth, as well! I'll think of you as you walk the beautiful Merciful Love Labyrinth at the Shrine. May your pondering provide insights.

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robert francis mudman smith/johnson link
11/9/2022 04:01:36 pm

beautiful my Labyrinth In santa fe is a Hopi earthmother.entitled An Earthprayer for World Peace.
Time is running out there is a World class holocaust
happening because of globle warming.

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    ​After writing my books, Labyrinth Journeys ~ 50 States, 51 Stories and The Power of Bread, I knew I wasn't finished writing, or journeying. 
    Please join me as I continue both and see where they lead me (and you!)

    ~Twylla Alexander

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