Ignatius Jesuit Centre
Concentric lines, carefully sculpted from native turf grasses measure 484 meters in length from “mouth” to the labyrinth's “goal”. A single pathway, formed by turf ridges and shallow trenches leads to the labyrinth's centre — an inviting weathered chair partially enclosed by a ring of Calamagrostis acutiflora (Feather Reed Grass).
Smooth black oval pebbles define the Labyrinth's centre, with a granite boulder carefully placed to provide a quiet strength. Symbolic of the arduous path of the disciple seeking redemption, and the pattern of Christ's own preordained life and inevitable fate, our labyrinth serves a contemplative purpose — a unicursal tool for personal, psychological and spiritual transformation.
Labyrinths have been around for over 4000 years and are found in just about every major religious tradition in the world. They have been an integral part of many cultures such as Native American, Greek, Celtic and Mayan. In recent years there has been a revival of the labyrinth’s popularity in North America. It began with the work of Rev. Lauren Artress, Canon at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco in the 1990s.
There is no right way or wrong way to walk our labyrinth. Before entering the labyrinth, we encourage you to sit quietly and clear your mind. Some walk the labyrinth to inspire divine guidance through difficult times, others just to slow down and take time out from a hectic world.
The simple act of walking the labyrinth invites us back into the center of our being. No matter where we are in our own life’s journey, no matter what tradition sparks the creative imagination, we may glimpse the Divine.
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Sacred Geometry
The transformative powers of the labyrinth are thought to stem from their geometric design — or “sacred geometry”.
“By studying nature, we find that the basic building blocks of creation are geometric. Since a divine hand is responsible for originating the numbers and proportions of the manifest universe, that geometry is sacred. Studying sacred geometry leads us to truth and self-understanding. All societies use sacred geometry to construct their temples, sacred places, and art. Chartres Cathedral, for example. And its labyrinth. Numbers aren't just for counting, nor are they just symbolic. They are the actual essence of everything that exists.”
“Sacred geometry is the contemplation and utilization of the archetypal geometric patterns of nature for the purposes of spiritual communion and healing.”
Illustration © Charles Gilchrist
Testimonials
“Over the last 10 years I have been coming to the Ignatius Jesuit Centre for retreat work, women’s circles, and offering Labyrinth workshops. Each time that I spend there, I come away with a sense of being prayerfully held and guided in my life’s work. In my mind and heart, the Centre holds space for the sacred to make itself known to those who come into this loving and well–grounded environment.”
— D. Brown
Markham, Ontario
“You’re right, Mom. It does make you feel happy,” my daughter said as we left the labyrinth. I’m still at a loss to explain why it works. For me it has a similar effect of collective or small group prayer.
I think when you walk a labyrinth; the structure becomes just that — a structure that you can hang your fears on for a time. And the resulting lightening of the load is where some of the happiness comes from.”
— L. D. McKenzie
Georgetown, Ontario
“Asking to be shown my spiritual path — as soon as I got to the center, a very clear voice said, “Be now”, which was interesting as I realized that while I was walking the labyrinth, I was paying more attention to where the path was going than to where it was. Also found it symbolic of life. Sometimes the road is straight and easy, and other times it is filled with turns and twists.”
— Anonymous Pilgrim