Walking the Labyrinth: A Metaphor for Life

(Edgar Cayce Hospital of Enlightenment before renovations)

A labyrinth is a metaphor for life's journey.  So  many twists and turns along the way. A winding maze in and out always moving toward the center.  There are no dead ends.  Eventually we arrive at our destination.

Labyrinths have been around for over 3,000 years. What a wonderful tool for meditation, dealing with stress and grief.  A pathway to inner peace.

Before taking the first step on the path, I always like to take a deep breath and ask the Holy Spirit for help with an issue I need guidance about.

As I begin the walk, I find that answers always come along the way.  Sometimes a particular bird may fly over.  Or I might catch a word from a passerby.  A thought could come out of the blue as I look down to keep my feet within the lines.

 Every walk is different.

I remember one time walking the labyrinth on the hill at the Association for Research and Enlightenment in Virginia Beach, I asked, What's my purpose?

Along the way an unexpected object appeared at my feet. The old white hospital building (Edgar Cayce's dream) was getting a new roof.  A piece of tile had blown off the roof.  I picked it up. 

That little bit of shingle was shaped like a heart! A message to add love to whatever you do.

 Farther down the winding path, another surprise.

A  small green/white rock from the labyrinth stone had loosened and lay waiting on the path.

"Building blocks".  I smiled, thankful for the two reminders.  I was working as a greeter part-time at the A.R.E. Visitor Center, and a volunteer lecturer on angels every month. In gratitude, I walked on, silently thanking Edgar Cayce for his selfless dedication to this important work that makes it possible for seekers like me to find answers here. 

Before long, I had made my way to the center.

(Two dolphin in center of new labyrinth)

 I took a deep breath, happy to have made the journey within. I looked out at the ocean, taking in the expansiveness and soft breeze.  Then, I greeted the four cardinal directions and welcomed the Archangels.

I closed my eyes to reflect on the messages about my purpose.  The heart seemed symbolic of all the love that keeps the A.R.E. going. So many donate their time and energy.  I could see how each of us together are part of the roof as we help to support the work. And the green/white chip of stone was  a sign of the healing that takes place when we seek within to find the truth.  Sometimes the path rises up to meet us where we are. We are exactly where we need to be at the time.

I was also reminded that the journey to our center is not the end. It's the beginning. Because what we have learned inwardly along the way is meant to be shared outwardly with others, so they may grow and learn from our experiences, too.

An interesting thing happened before updating this blog yesterday (written in 2009).  An angel thought came to me, Check your old God Box.  Maybe those keepsakes you found are still there.  And they were!  Lately, Elliot and I have felt a pull to visit Virginia Beach, a place we called home for eleven years. 

(Keepsake treasures on the walk)

And so the journey is always about going deep within the heart and returning out in the physical world again.  On our way, we can listen for the whisper of angels.  They encourage us to keep on  following the winding road home, step by step.  We are always closer to the Truth than we know.

What lies behind us

and what lies before us

are tiny matters

compared to what lies

within us.

          --RALPH WALDO EMERSON

(View of the Visitor Center from Labyrinth )

Enjoy your day with the Angels.

Love and joyful blessings,


Rae Karen