Labyrinth
What is it?
The labyrinth at St. Paul’s Anglican Church is a replica of the labyrinth laid in stone in the floor of Chartres Cathedral in France.
The labyrinth is a spiritual form that is open to people of all faiths and spiritual disciplines as a resource for meditation, reflection, and prayer.
People come to walk its winding path for countless reasons. For many, it is a way of centering themselves or of seeking insight during times of transition in their lives. For others, it is a channel for relating to the Divine.
Many religious traditions have some form of walking meditation. Labyrinths have appeared in many cultures. One of the best known forms of labyrinth is the seven-circuit classical or “Cretan” labyrinth of Greek mythology.
Labyrinths are often confused with mazes. Mazes are games or puzzles intended to confuse and trick the mind. Labyrinths have only one path that leads into the centre and back out again. It will never try to trick you, never divide, and never present you with a dead end. The most basic advice for walking a labyrinth is
“Trust the Path.”
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Spring/Summer/Fall 2013 Programming
Last Fridays for Spring/Summer 2013 - line-up of musicians:
- May 31: Kira Vandeusen – “I improvise cello and vocal sounds in concert with the energy of the space and the walkers, listening and playing, watching and singing. What emerges is an expression of the present moment. Occasionally a classical piece sneaks in, and becomes part of the improvisation.”
- June 28: Jerry Desvoignes
- July 26: Judy Henry
- Aug 30: TBA
- Sept 27 : Sandra Dawn
- Oct 25 : Johanna Hauser – When I play music at St. Paul’s Labyrinth I drop into the sound and the sound guides me, moving my focus from ideas to feelings, from thought to sensation, and from the temporal to the eternal. I trust that whatever comes out of the clarinet will be what’s needed, perhaps lightening the step, easing the way, uplifting the spirit. My passion for making live, beautiful music available to people of all ages and walks of life is fulfilled at the Labyrinth as well as in my work with ‘Kits Classics+Worlds Beyond’, a concert series that presents Vancouver’s great professional musicians in free chamber music concerts at the Carnegie Centre and at St. James Community Square.
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2nd Fridays, 7:00 – 9:00pm Walking to recorded music
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Special 2nd Friday Event – Friday June 14, 7-9 PM.
Sounding in the labyrinth — with Kira Van Deusen
Using simple vocal play, our sounds harmonize with the world around us. Sounding is a great way to send healing to the world’s trouble spots, while giving to ourselves at the same time. The labyrinth inspires walkers to connect with landscapes both physical and spiritual. And it’s fun!
The workshop begins with breathing, vocal warm-ups and improvisational games. We move from there to focusing and sending energy outward for healing. We then walk the labyrinth, creating a moving tapestry of sound and silence that brings the labyrinth path even more present as sounds approach us and move away. Our attention turns in all directions, including those inside ourselves and those that are geographically far away.
Please come on time at 7PM for the workshop, or you may come at 8PM if you just want to walk.
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As always, we are open for walking
Tuesday – Friday (8:30 – 9;30) with no music,
Saturday mornings (10am to 12Noon) with recorded music,
and Sunday mornings (9:30am – 12:30pm) with recorded music.
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St. Paul’s Labyrinth officially launches its own dedicated YouTube channel.
Currently, they present two new videos for sharing:
1) Introduction to St. Paul’s Labyrinth
This short video introduces the history and community offerings available at St. Paul’s Labyrinth, since opening in 1997. Share a glimpse of this ancient practice of reflection, healing and celebration with your friends!
2) Music for the Labyrinth
Kira Van Deusen performs three improvisations for solo cello recorded at St. Paul’s Labyrinth. Kira is featured regularly at the labyrinth as a music performer and storyteller and is also a certified Veriditas labyrinth facilitator.
The Second Friday Evening of Every Month
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Our Portable Labyrinth
Labyrinth at St. Paul’s Rental Rates and Guidelines
Our portable labyrinth can be rented for use by your group for workshops, retreats, observing an important anniversary, or for many other occasions. We believe that the labyrinth is a powerful mediation tool that can enhance both team-building and community-building.
Our portable labyrinth is the classical design on a 28 ft. (8 metre) square canvas. The canvas is divided into three pieces, which are then fitted together with Velcro. It comes in two luggage cases with wheels and can be fitted into the trunk of most cars for transportation.
The rental fee is $100 for each day of use, plus a $100 deposit that will be returned to you when the labyrinth is brought back on time and in good condition. There is no fee charged for the day of pick-up and the day of return.
If you are interested in borrowing our portable labyrinth or would like more information, please phone the Labyrinth Office: 604-685-6832 (x17) or email Labyrinth at St. Paul’s Anglican Church.