The Way of the Labyrinth: A Powerful Meditation for Everyday Life

by Helen Curry

The first time Helen Curry walked a labyrinth she was moved to tears and then "was filled with peace and possibilities." Here, she shares her years of experience with labyrinth meditation and shows how others can find serenity and guidance by adopting this increasingly popular practice. Unlike mazes, which force choices and can create fear and confusion, labyrinths are designed to "embrace" and guide individuals through a calming, meditative walk on a single circular path. The Way of the Labyrinth includes meditations, prayers, questions for enhancing labyrinth walks, guidelines for ceremonies, instructions for finger meditations, and extensive resources. This enchanting, practical, and exquisitely packaged guide helps both novice and experienced readers enjoy the benefits of labyrinth meditation, from problem-solving to stress reduction to personal transformation. Includes a foreword by Jean Houston , the renowned author and leader in the field of humanistic psychology, who is considered the grandmother of the current labyrinth revival.

Genres: Spirituality, Nonfiction, Health, Religion

272 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2000

Reviews

[Green Heart Guidance · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Way of the Labyrinth by Helen Curry is a fabulous resource. While the book wasn’t what I was expecting, I still enjoyed reading it. Among its multitude of information, the book contains a great deal of history about labyrinths and the labyrinth revival movement. Also included are instructions for creating finger labyrinths and walking labyrinths. There are suggested prayers and meditations for various meditation walks through the year. Curry also describes using labyrinths for rites around various life issues such as menarche and weddings, a possibility I had never considered. The organizational structure of the book was a bit awkward for me, but the content within that structure is fabulous. I’d highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to begin a labyrinth walking practice.

[Eli · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mostly geared toward labyrinth new-comers, but still has plenty of good tips for us "old-timers." However, she plays awfully fast and loose with her "history" of both labyrinths themselves and with Goddess-worship culture - and without a single citation anywhere. I give it 5 stars for the meditations, exercises, building tips and other practical advice, and 2 for its attempts at history.

[Hope · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It's more of a spiritual than a historical text, of course. I find I'm seeing a lot of things in terms of labyrinths now, and it's let to some really good insights. This is a book I plan to come back to at some point.

[Barbara Page · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book for understanding how to use the labyrinth - going in, center, and going out. also resources for making finger labyrinths as well listing of where ones are in the United States and resources of books, music and prayers.

[Laurel]

I particularly like the labyrinth liturgies, walking questions, and directions for drawing or building a labyrinth that this book provides. The finger labyrinth on the cover is also a plus.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good manual to introduce people to walking the labyrinth. Has a good description of how to draw 3,5,7, and 11 circuit labyrinths as well as a list of resources and locations of labyrinths by state.

[Cyneman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful and heartfelt words of wisdom! I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to lead a spiritual life!

[Sonya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another beautiful labyrinth resource.

[Maggie Brown · Rating 2 out of 5]

Valuable for recommended resources appendix and directions for drawing various left or right handed circuits. I don't care much for her perspectives and rituals. She relies heavily on Jeff Saward's material for basic facts. I prefer and recommend him.

[Martha · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've been researching labyrinths for the history and how to build one for a project in my town. Good resource!

[Thepaganpuzzler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this little book; such an excellent primer!