Monthly Archives: April 2010

We have set up a page of our site with all our Chartres style labyrinths, and started gathering more historical information about this beautiful and legend- rich labyrinth.  The best article  was written by Jeff  Saward  and is posted on Labyrinthos.

With its history, inspiring architecture and beautiful stained-glass windows, it is no wonder that Chartres Cathedral is one of the most popular tourist attractions in France along with the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe.

"Walking the Labyrinth"  has emerged today as a metaphor for the spiritual journey and a powerful tool for transformation. This walking meditation is an archetype, a mystical ritual found in all religious traditions. It quiets the mind and opens the soul.

Walking a Sacred Path explores the historical origins of this divine imprint and shares the discoveries of modern day seekers. It shows us the potential of the Labyrinth to inspire change and renewal, and serves as a guide to help us develop the higher level of human awareness we need to survive in the twenty-first century.

We have partnered with Dr. Artress and Veriditas to serve as their e-commerce  partner. You can purchase the book and view all the Veriditas products on the  iSpiritual website.

Labyrinths only became popular as meditation devices in the past 20 years, according to  Dr. Lauren Artress, author of “Walking a Sacred Path” and a priest at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco. Artress started promoting labyrinths in 1991, founding the organization Veriditas with the goal of “peppering the planet with labyrinths.”

Artress said she started promoting the use of labyrinths when she noticed people needed something to give them sustenance and solace that was not exclusive to Christianity. She said her first experience with a labyrinth captured her imagination.

“It was such a wonderful way of being able to quiet the mind and focus, so I had control over my thoughts rather than my thoughts had control over me,” Artress said.

While labyrinths are used for walking meditations now, it is still uncertain what the original creators of labyrinths had in mind. Labyrinths appeared in pre-history in a variety of cultures around the world, said Kristin Doll, a doctoral candidate in religious studies at NU who wrote a master’s thesis on the labyrinth at Chartres Cathedral in France.

“The way they actually used and conceived of the labyrinths is still mysterious,” Doll said.
Despite its mysterious origins, there are many labyrinths around the country. According to Veriditas’ website, there are 2,660 portable and permanent labyrinths in the U.S.

Cloth Labyrinth at Northwestern U

Students and faculty at Northwestern University looking for a spiritual experience or calming environment can visit Parkes Hall, Room 122 and follow a winding, circular path to the center of a labyrinth.
The labyrinth is not a permanent fixture but a piece of fabric laid on the floor with a printed maze-like pattern. Candles are placed around the cloth, which is the size of an average classroom. It is open for anyone to visit every Wednesday throughout Spring Quarter.

This article was excerpted from The Daily Northwestern.

The OMG (Open Meditative Gift) is a wonderful assortment of labyrinth products It contains a great book, a finger labyrinth, and set of mini labyrinth cards.

NEW Heart of Peace labyrinth. A heart shaped labyrinth design engraved with a powerful message of love.

Check out our scarves and sarongs and new jewelry. Many meaningful and lovely gifts at affordable prices.

We are offering a 10% off coupon for all orders placed in April and May. Type  HOLIDAY in the coupon field when placing your order.