Labyrinth

The Labyrinth is on the path leading to the Temple.

It is a five channel, left turning labyrinth, referencing back to the works of Hildegard of Bingen, and the Labyrinth at Chartres Cathedral.

“Based on the circle, the universal symbol for unity and wholeness, the labyrinth sparks the human imagination and introduces it to a ... patterning that builds a sense of relationship: one person to another, to another, to many people, to creation of the whole.

“It enlivens the intuitive part of our nature and stirs within the human heart the longing for connectedness and the remembrance of out purpose for living.

“The labyrinth is a sacred space and can give us first hand experiences of the Divine.” Artress L Walking a Sacred Path: Rediscovering the Labyrinth as a Spiritual Practice

On the other side of the path leading to the Temple is a Magdalene Trail, with images of Mary Magdalene from Russian Orthodox, Greek Orthodox and Oracle Card traditions.

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Labyrinth at St Luke's

This is a partially restored Medieval style labyrinth at the old St Luke’s Church site at 250 Manchester Street, Christchurch. It is made of bricks from a previous church. It is permanently open.

Check the Facebook page for guided walks, and full moon gong sound baths.

A labyrinth is a pattern marked on the ground or floor that is walked as an aid to reflection and meditation. While not specifically Christian in origin or in contemporary use, it has ancient roots as a tool for developing Christian spirituality. A labyrinth has only one path and is not a maze. You cannot get lost in a labyrinth. The journey generally consists of three parts – the journey in, being at the centre, and the journey out.

The labyrinth is viewed as a metaphor for life’s journey. It offers lessons as we walk the path. Walking the labyrinth assists us to address challenges, meditate, pray, and find peace and serenity.