Labyrinths are one of our great Universal Symbols found throughout history and prehistory, spreading across many cultures and religions. They can quieten our minds, quicken our spirit, inspire our creativity, touch our joys or sorrows, remind us of what is important in our lives.

Labyrinths are 'unicursal', that is they only have one path leading into the centre and the same path leading out, so unlike mazes they are designed to guide, not trick you.

Ideas of rebirth, transformation and change are associated with labyrinths, and they are found in many folk traditions, myths and legends. They create a sacred space for us to experience ourselves on many different levels and they can be used for a unique form of Walking Meditation or Body Prayer as well as offering a joyful and profound connection with Earth energies.

They act as an amplifier so you can use your experience on the Labyrinth as a metaphor for our own life or a particular issue or situation you may be dealing with. You may want to think of

• the inward journey to the centre as a time of letting go and reflection,

• the time in the middle as a time of stillness and receptivity

• the outward journey as a time of integration as we return to the outside world.

Following the path can be a calming, enjoyable and relaxing experience. More simply Labyrinths can be playful and fun things to experience or to make which is why children also love them.

Google Earth photo of the Midsummer Labyrinth in the Hay Meadow at Nostell Priory, National Trust Property, WF4 1QE . Each Spring we mark out the paths in time for Worldwide Labyrinth Day, the first Saturday in May, the labyrinth is then open to the public throughout the growing season until the first Lammas hay cutting in late July or August.