Walking a Sacred Path: Rediscovering the Labyrinth as a Spiritual Tool [Paperback]

Lauren Artress (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 1996

The author explores the history and significance of the image of the labyrinth and explains how readers can use the ancient imprint in the art of meditation, leading them to new sources of wisdom, change, and renewal. Reprint.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Psychotherapist and priest Dr. Lauren Artress says, "To walk a sacred path is to discover our inner sacred space: that core of feeling that is waiting to have life breathed back into it through symbols, archetypal forms like the labyrinth, rituals, stories, and myths." In her eloquent treatise, she champions the use of the labyrinth as a way of rediscovering one's spiritual center. In Walking a Sacred Path, written in 1995, Artress tells the story of her own spiritual seeking and how a labyrinth came to be built at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco. Sharing the vision of sacred geometry through the ages, she poetically recounts its wonderful effects. The author is deeply concerned about the environmental and spiritual crisis near the end of the millennium and offers illumination on the path to greater self-understanding, healing, and true spirituality. "Religion," she says, quoting an unknown source, "is for those scared to death of hell. Spirituality is for those who've been there." --P. Randall Cohan

From Booklist

This is a meditational account of the rediscovery of an ancient meditational technique, the labyrinth, a "spiritual tool" that predates Christianity and was widely used in Christian spirituality until the sixteenth century. Artress, canon of Grace Episcopal Cathedral in San Francisco, combines an interesting historical account of the labyrinth and its inclusion in medieval cathedrals--particularly the one at Chartres--with a devotional account of its re-creation and use at Grace Cathedral and elsewhere. The book--which is full of suggestive possibilities, from the transformation of tourists into pilgrims to the reclamation and celebration of sacred space--is an intriguing mixture of New Age spirituality and traditional Christian mysticism that will appeal to a broad range of spiritual seekers, mystics, and students of mysticism. Steve Schroeder --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Riverhead Trade (June 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1573225479
• ISBN-13: 978-1573225472
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 4.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #329,274 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

41 of 41 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must for anyone interested in the labyrinth., June 14, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Walking a Sacred Path: Rediscovering the Labyrinth as a Spiritual Tool (Paperback)

Lauren Artress has presented a very comprehensive treatment of the subject of labyrinths. Many people have absolutely no knowledge of labyrinths and feel it must be a New Age device. Artress gives a great deal of historical background and puts the use of the labyrinth in a modern perspective,as well. She also deals with the metaphors and symbolism inherent in the labyrinth.

In this broken and aching world,the labyrinth offers us all a chance to explore the path to healing and wholeness. Artress is an Episcopal priest and a Jungian Psychologist. She offers many reasons for walking the labyrinth, as well as possible approaches to the walk. She happens to work in a church but this meditational tool can be used by people of all cultures abd religions. It is a way to go on a personal pilgrimage to become better acquainted with oneself.

Lauren Artress is very involved with the technique of the labyrinth and she inspires others to experience it for themselves.

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent ideas..well written..resources available., July 29, 1998

By 

Emily B Wallace (Bethlehem, PA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Walking a Sacred Path: Rediscovering the Labyrinth as a Spiritual Tool (Paperback)

Just returned from walking the Labyrinth at Grace Cathedral. A graced space. A healing pace. A slowing down. A looking inward. A looking outward. An appropriate fit between ancient symbol and present reality. This book provides historical information as well as possible creation of a local labyrinth.

24 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Read this book!, January 27, 2000

By 

kalawrence (Ohio) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Walking a Sacred Path: Rediscovering the Labyrinth as a Spiritual Tool (Paperback)

This book has great depth and profound meaning for anyone on their own sacred path. It has helped me to begin to understand the mystery that is the labyrinth. If you've never walked a labyrinth, this book can introduce this ancient practice to you. If you have walked a labyrinth, consider yourself fortunate to have such wisdom and insight from the Rev. Artress. This book is a must-read for anyone wishing to have a deeper connection to God.