A document modified by M. J. McGregor as part of her Ph.D. work relating to the labyrinth in Chartres Cathedral. The original document is posted occassionally in the Chartres cathedral and was prepared by the cathedral staff.
Contact MJ at mjmcgregor@visi.com with any questions about this document.

The labyrinth is a path. We come as a pilgrim on life’s journey. Walk it in the spirit of contemplation with awareness of your own reflections. Allow your walk to be a metaphor for the journey of life with many turns offering new insights and leading to peace. It is not magic nor an esoteric phenomena, but a walking meditation tool for renewal of the spirit.

The placement of the labyrinth in the nave encourages pilgrims to approach it upon entering the cathedral.Significantly, both the labyrinth and the altar are located equidistant from the center of the transept reminding us of heaven and earth.

At the entrance one crosses the threshold stone into the labyrinth following the path to the center. One may move at one’s own pace and upon meeting another pilgrim along the way, simply pass respectfully. The petals forming the center are characteristic of the Chartres labyrinth design and are symbolic of a number of interpretations. One may leave the labyrinth at the center or follow the same path outward.

For Christians the inner path leads to Christ. Walk in contemplation, in silence, respectfully with your whole being. With gratitude remember you are in Notre Dame de Chartres. Each walk on the labyrinth will be different. Walk in peace.

After the fire of 1194, the new Cathedral of Notre Dame de Chartres designed by the clergy, included the construction of the labyrinth (c 1200). During the medieval age, labyrinths were inlaid in stone in a number of cathedrals including Reims, Amiens, and St. Quentin. The medieval world view incorporated the seven liberal arts also integral to the architecture of the cathedral. Among these, geometry offered insight into the laws of God’s creation and construction of God’s home on earth. Sacred meaning was represented through symbolism which still presents us with deeper understandings.

Historically, labyrinths of different designs have existed in many places and cultures over an extensive period of time. It is ancient Greek mythology that tells the story of the labyrinth constructed in Crete by the architect, Daedelus to confine the monster, Minotaur, who fed upon the youth of Athens. Theseus enters the maze, vanquishes the monster, and returns with the aid of Ariadne and her ball of thread. This myth outlines the challenges of what is known today as the hero’s journey to wholeness.