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Labyrinth
WELCOME TO THE HORSES TO HUMANS LABYRINTH
For thousands of years, people of all cultures and traditions have used a labyrinth design as a symbol of their search for meaning and guidance. The Abingdon Labyrinth design dates from the 11th century when found as an illustration in a book produced in Abingdon near Oxford, England. Although well known by labyrinth enthusiasts, this design had never before existing in physical form in the town of it's origin.
As part of a major refurbishment project, The Labyrinth Builders (www.labyrinthbuilders.co.uk) recreated this ancient design for St. Michaels And All Angels Church in the town of Abingdon (www.stmichaels-abingdon.org.uk). The labyrinth was dedicated by the Rt. Reverend Stephen Cottrell, Bishop of Reading on 25th January, 2009. The Horses to Humans Labyrinth is modeled from the Abingdon design. It is a single path design. There are no tricks or decisions to be made in walking this labyrinth. Similar to the surrender of walking a sacred spiritual path in life, our only decision is to choose our own personal spiritual guidance ... and surrender. The labyrinth is non-denominational. People of all spiritualities and beliefs and people longing to re-connect to faith come to walk labyrinths. Many walkers are able to experience a peace and a sense of spiritual presence.
Some of the earliest forms of labyrinths are found in Greece, dating back to 2500-2000 BCE. So much a part of the fabric of this early society, symbols of labyrinths have been found embossed on coins and pottery among many other mediums and artifacts. Early Christian labyrinths date back to the 4th century AD.
There is no 'right' or 'wrong' way to walk the Horses to Humans labyrinth. The suggested way is to ask walkers to consider 'quieting the mind and opening the heart'. Because you are walking, the mind is quieted. Labyrinth walks are sometimes referred to as 'body prayer' or walking meditation.
It is suggested that people may want to see the walk as three parts to a whole experience. Many go through the walk considering these parts as different stages:
The entrance can be a place to stop, reflect, and make prayer or intention for the spiritual walk you are about to take. The walk around the design to the center can be a 'letting go' - a quieting of thoughts, worries, and lists of tasks to do. One lets go and gives in to the experience of being present in the body.
Arrival at the center of the labyrinth can be a place of prayer and/or meditation - 'letting in' of spiritual guidance, the divine into our lives. When ready, the walk out 'letting out' takes us back into our lives, empowered by spirit to transform our lives and actions.
In many ways, a labyrinth is a call to action - a spiritual transformation tool. It can aid in healing, help in releasing grief, (people often shed tears during the 'letting go'), help guide through troubled times, aid in decision making, illuminate our purpose in life, or act as a tool of celebration and thanks. It can be many things for many people. It is important to recognize, however, that it is not magic but more of a spiritual practice. One might consider the labyrinth as a commitment to enter in the sacred spiritual walk, not merely once, but to use it as part of an ongoing spiritual practice. Consider the intention of walking the labyrinth to celebrates times of joy, to process times of sorrow and when seeking hope.
The Horses to Humans labyrinth is available for individuals to walk alone. Others may choose to walk as part of a group. Some may choose to ride their horses through the labyrinth. And still others may choose to utilize an Equine Assisted process to move through the walk. For those wishing to utilize the labyrinth, the H2H staff will provide aid and assistance as well as inspirational and meditative direction or suggestion. We encourage you to use our labyrinth, we are available to schedule appointments and answer questions.
We offer services for individual or group use.
With or without a facilitator.
Please contact H2H for more info. regarding services & fees.
SERVICES & FEES
The Horses to Humans Labyrinth has been submitted to be included on the World Wide Labyrinth Project
HORSES HELPING TO IMPROVE THE LIVES OF HUMANS
HORSESTOHUMANS
Horses to Humans is pleased to announce the new labyrinth is complete at Selby Stables. The labyrinth is non-denominational and open for those interested in a meditative journey. Additionally the labyrinth is used in conjunction with equine assisted services activities. We welcome you to come check it out and experience it for yourself!
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