World Labyrinth Day set for Saturday, May 1
by Barbara Z. Kodlubanski
The second World Labyrinth Day will be observed this coming Saturday, May 1. The Labyrinth Society established the day to be held each year on the first Saturday of May as a way to promote the spiritual and health benefits of labyrinths. Last year, events were held at over 100 locations worldwide, including the United States, Canada, England, New Zealand, China South Africa, and Australia.
Unlike a maze with its dead ends and a confusion of right and wrong choices, labyrinths are a single, non-branching path leading to a center. They have been found all over the world dating from earliest antiquity. Particularly popular during the Middle Ages, labyrinths have been experiencing a resurgence of attention. Some of this new interest is a result of recent research indicating some wellness benefits from labyrinths. Labyrinths are thought to increase right brain activity and can be used for problem solving, conflict resolution, walking meditation, stress reduction and modern day pilgrimages.
In fact, a key event linking World Labyrinth celebrations is “Walk as One at 1,” an attempt to create a wave of peaceful energy movement around the planet. To that end, The Labyrinth Society has invited people across the globe to walk a labyrinth at 1:00 p.m. in their local time zones.
Anyone from Northern Illinois interested in participating in this activity can join other labyrinth walkers at St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church on 815 Wilmot Road in Deerfield, Illinois. No registration is required. The church has a large outdoor labyrinth, located at the north end of the church parking lot. For more information, call the parish office 847-945-1678, or visit their website.
In addition, to help get readers into the spirit of World Labyrinth Day, several articles will be published this week. Topics to be covered include the mystical and practical aspects of labyrinths, their history, as well as information on a variety of related websites, a list of local labyrinths to walk, and alternative labyrinth activities.
