A Tale of Two Labyrinths

Walking.... the labyrinth at the Shrine of St. Therese – Juneau, Alaska –May 13, 2022.

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.