Messages from the Fall Solstice Labyrinth Walk
On Sept 21 I was able to join my fellow seekers at what is most likely the final labyrinth walk at a beautiful farm east of Chatham, Ontario. It was a perfect evening, as the sun set in the west, the moon rose in the east. For those of you unfamiliar with the labyrinth and its purpose, there are many stories you can read on the internet, but this is my interpretation of its meaning.
The labyrinth is one of the oldest contemplative and transformational tools known, which has been used for hundreds of years for prayer, ritual, initiation, and spiritual growth. When the labyrinth is walked with purpose, the labyrinth becomes a metaphor for the journey of life. It is a single path to the centre, a slowing down and listening, then returning to the outer world renewed and rejuvenated.
Labyrinths, which were created prior to mazes, have just one path. They are about guidance, trust and reflection. There is only one way in, one way out and no dead ends.
At our Chatham labyrinth walk, all are cleansed by a sage smudging ceremony which helps to put us in the moment and clear the clutter and chatter of the mind.
Before I enter the labyrinth I ask for guidance or answers on areas of my life that are in upheaval or confused or for a message from my spirit guide to help me on my spiritual quest. This is not a speed walk for me, it is never rushed. Every step is taken with contemplation and purpose. The walk is done in sacred silence to enable me to hear my guides or receive my answers. As I reach every turn in the labyrinth, I stop for a moment and turn and ask spirit, 'okay, what's the next turn going to bring for me' and then I proceed again. This walk for me takes almost an hour to complete, in and out.
I have received profound messages on every walk. They are simple, to the point and so informative and full. I will start to hear the message as I walk on my journey into the centre of the labyrinth. When I reach the centre, I will take time to face each of the four directions and see which direction feels 'comfortable' or more of a pull towards my soul. At that point, I will stop and meditate. Sometimes a few moments but usually no longer than about 15 minutes. When I feel I have received the information I require, I turn and follow the same path out of the labyrinth and contemplate the message I was given. At the exit of the labyrinth, I thank Father God, Mother Gaia, my angels, and all my guides for joining me on my walk and then find a quiet place to sit and write the messages given to me.
The message I received on this solstice walk follows and if you can follow along, it is similar to a conversation that I would have with my spirit guides:
Every step I take, every turn I make is one foot closer to my path. What is that path? There is no right or wrong turn. All are placing you towards your ultimate purpose. What is my purpose? Where am I to travel from here? Am I focusing the right way? Take a chance, take a step. You can, you are, you have set your intention on a direction of growth and that is definitely your way. I have seen the growth. I have watched you change. Whether north, south, east or west, all are the right way with each choice providing a different result. We have enjoyed our time with you. We have watched growth, passion, success. Bask in your accomplishments. You have done excellent work. Continue. Do not be afraid to take the next step. Remember, one step at a time, one foot in front of the other. Don't look back. Don't turn around. What is behind you has no meaning at all. Your future is in front of you. Your future is going to be such a great adventure. Go. Be you and believe.
I feel at peace. Anyone who has accompanied me on this journey will tell you the same, the feeling is complete peace and they too have received messages or answers to questions that have been holding them back.
For anyone who has not had the opportunity to take this sacred walk, take a chance and try it. You will be amazed at the insight and lifting of spirit you receive.