Labyrinth of the Episcopal Chruch of Reconciliation - San Antonio, TX
N 29° 31.346 W 098° 25.273
14R E 556088 N 3266008
A labyrinth is found outdoors in the northeast area of the Episcopal Church of Reconciliation property, which is located at 8900 Starcrest, San Antonio, TX 78217. The labyrinth is along the Barrington Street side of the church campus.
Waymark Code: WM139HP
Location: Texas, United States
Date Posted: 10/19/2020
Views: 1
Although this labyrinth is on property owned by the Episcopal Church of Reconciliation, the stated purpose of the labyrinth is for people who discover the solace in God during times of sorrow or troubles by walking this labyrinth to find peace, comfort, and spiritual insight. It is private property but people are welcomed to come use the labyrinth. It is expected that those who do come on the church's property to walk the labyrinth will be reverential and respectful of the church property. The posted coordinates are where the entrance into the labyrinth is located..
The labyrinth is about 40 feet in diameter and replicates the most famous pattern for a spiritual labyrinth which is found at the Charters Cathedral in France. This pattern of pathways begins near an information board that explains how to walk through the labyrinth. The three panels of the information board reads as follows:
"Rediscovering the Art of Pilgrimage
Traveling to the sacred places on the Earth is a universal activity found in many religious traditions. As a symbol, the labyrinth has been found in many spiritual traditions from the beginning of time. Some early Christians made a once-in-a-lifetime commitment to journey to Jerusalem. During the Middle Ages the Crusades made travel to the Holy Land dangerous and the labyrinth served as a central symbol for Christian pilgrims. When the pilgrims reached the appointed cathedrals, they walked the labyrinth as completion of this commitment. The center of the labyrinth in the pilgrimage tradition is called The New Jerusalem and the path The Road to Jerusalem. The center has many meanings, including the symbolism of God within. Labyrinths can be found today all over the world. They offer a refuge for people seeking deeper spiritual awareness. Those who walk the labyrinth find healing, peace, and a way to open oneself to the sacred in the present moment.
How To Walk The Labyrinth
This is Sacred Space
The labyrinth has only one path. It differs from a maze in that there are no tricks or dead-ends to it. As you follow the winding path to the center and back again, surrender to the journey with an open heart and an open mind.
There are Three Stages to the Walk
RELEASE begins when you enter the labyrinth. There is a releasing, a letting go of the details of your life. The art of walking quiets and empties the mind.
ILLUMINATION, in the center, is the place you allow yourself to receive guidance. It is a place of prayer and meditation. Sit or stand there as long as you wish.
UNION begins as you follow the path out. Each time you walk the labyrinth you can become healed and strengthened for your walk in the world.
Guidelines For The Walk
1. Clear your mind and become aware of your breathing.
2. Allow yourself to find the pace your body wants to go. Your pace may change throughout the walk. You may "pass" people or let others step around you.
3. The path is one way in and the same way out. Those entering will meet those coming out.
4. Parents: While we wish children to experience the labyrinth with joy, please be mindful of others walking the sacred path."
[The rest of the text was attribution and instruction on getting church information.]
Availability: Public
Status: Permanent
Indoor/Outdoor: Outdoor
Location:
8900 Starcrest Drive
San Antonio, TX USA
78217
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Visit Instructions:
Pictures desired but not required. Please post your thoughts and feelings inspired by the labyrinth.