Labyrinths of West County Part 2

 Our second stop on our St. Mark Presbyterian Women's Labyrinth Tour was at Shaare-Emeth near Ballas and Ladue.  Theirs is called Chai Labyrinth and is "the first Jewish Labyrinth in St. Louis.  A Labyrinth, unlike a maze, offers one path.  We are all on a sacred journey, a path.  A Labyrinth is an ancient symbol that relates to wholeness, which is a model of that path.  It combines the imagery of the circle with a meandering but purposeful path.  The Labyrinth serves as a metaphor for one's spiritual journey.

 A Labyrinth is an archetype, a divine imprint found in various forms around the world.  Its twists and turns weave in and out throughout the circuit.  The Labyrinth can quiet the mind, calm the body, stir the spirit and lead one to peace and illumination at the center of one's being.  Walking the Labyrinth guides one to healing, deepening self-knowledge, and empowering creativity and action.  It clears the mind and gives insight into one's spiritual journey.



There are layers upon layers of meaning in the ancient tool of the Labyrinth, but the best way to learn about it is to walk it with an open mind and heart.  Then allow the experience to guide you."

 The rocks in the center are "chai" and the tree has been used by children to add leaves of prayer.