<< 1 >>
Rating: 
Summary: Walk first, then read
Review: I feel fortunate that we have a Labyrinth locally and I can attest to the meditative properties of this tool. Every walk is different. As our labyrinth is outside, it offers such experiences as walking the labyrinth with an ant or being scolded by a wren. The pattern may seem chaotic sometimes, but "You need chaos in your soul to give birth to a dancing star"(Nietzsche). Dr. Artress is both a psychotherapist and a pastor at Grace Cathedral, and offers many personal stories from participants. Some of these seem fanciful and she leans toward Jung's psychology (and dismissed Freud in a single sentence "The scientific myth, helped along by Freud, has taught us to trust the outer world"). Her perspectives on the labyrinth as archetype are important. She also offers exposure to some mystics such as Julian of Norwich, Teresa of Avila and Hildegard of Bingen. Perhaps the discussion on the "Feminine" becomes decisive when she talks about Christ as part of the patriarchy. The chapter on basic approaches to walking the labyrinth provides useful methods and will broaden my experience. Reading the book is fine, but what is most important is the walking (check out the Grace Cathedral's labyrinth locator web site if you don't know where one is). For those who like a metaphoric view of Labyrinths, Jorge Borges's book Labyrinth offers some fascinating stories. Dr Artress should be thanks for initiating the Labyrinth Movement.
Rating:
Summary: Walk first, then read
Review: I feel fortunate that we have a Labyrinth locally and I can attest to the meditative properties of this tool. Every walk is different. As our labyrinth is outside, it offers such experiences as walking the labyrinth with an ant or being scolded by a wren. The pattern may seem chaotic sometimes, but "You need chaos in your soul to give birth to a dancing star"(Nietzsche). Dr. Artress is both a psychotherapist and a pastor at Grace Cathedral, and offers many personal stories from participants. Some of these seem fanciful and she leans toward Jung's psychology (and dismissed Freud in a single sentence "The scientific myth, helped along by Freud, has taught us to trust the outer world"). Her perspectives on the labyrinth as archetype are important. She also offers exposure to some mystics such as Julian of Norwich, Teresa of Avila and Hildegard of Bingen. Perhaps the discussion on the "Feminine" becomes decisive when she talks about Christ as part of the patriarchy. The chapter on basic approaches to walking the labyrinth provides useful methods and will broaden my experience. Reading the book is fine, but what is most important is the walking (check out the Grace Cathedral's labyrinth locator web site if you don't know where one is). For those who like a metaphoric view of Labyrinths, Jorge Borges's book Labyrinth offers some fascinating stories. Dr Artress should be thanks for initiating the Labyrinth Movement.
Rating: 
Summary: Excellent ideas..well written..resources available.
Review: Just returned from walking the Labyrinth at Grace Cathedral. A graced space. A healing pace. A slowing down. A looking inward. A looking outward. An appropriate fit between ancient symbol and present reality. This book provides historical information as well as possible creation of a local labyrinth.
Rating:
Summary: Read this book!
Review: This book has great depth and profound meaning for anyone on their own sacred path. It has helped me to begin to understand the mystery that is the labyrinth. If you've never walked a labyrinth, this book can introduce this ancient practice to you. If you have walked a labyrinth, consider yourself fortunate to have such wisdom and insight from the Rev. Artress. This book is a must-read for anyone wishing to have a deeper connection to God.
<< 1 >>
| 
