Spiritual books

SPIRITUAL BOOKS

Walking a Sacred Path: Rediscovering the Labyrinth as a Spiritual Tool, by The Rev. Dr. Lauren Artress
This book has been the "bible" for the use of labyrinths for many years. One of the pioneers of the labyrinth revival and one of its most identified and articulate spokespersons, Artress describes the labyrinth in poetic and metaphorical ways as no one else can. A few of the descriptions of the labyrinth have some technical errors, but these are not the emphasis or strength of this book. Artress has taught hundreds of facilitators the skills of using labyrinths as a spiritual tool. In fact, she coined that phrase. This book is a must for any serious labyrinth user. Website: www.veriditas.net

The Sacred Path Companion: A Guide to Walking the Labyrinth to Heal and Transform, by The Rev. Dr. Lauren Artress
This is a very practical guide by the most experienced labyrinth presenter. Anyone serious about working with labyrinths will want to get this book.

Labyrinths from the Outside In: Walking to Spiritual Insight, A Beginner's Guide, by Donna Schaper and Carole Ann Camp
The first half of this book is an extremely cogent discussion of labyrinths and their use in church settings. I quote from this book frequently. Donna Schaper points out the use of the labyrinth as a generic spiritual tool could be a danger, even a threat, to the denominational traditions that have been passed down through the centuries. Paradoxically, the second half of the book describes dozens of ways to use the labyrinth in exactly such generic ways, from celebrating full moon or solstice events to various ceremonies and rituals.

Living the Labyrinth: 101 Paths to a Deep Connection to the Sacred

Praying the Labyrinth: A Journal for Spiritual Exploration

Pondering the Labyrinth: Questions to Pray on the Path

Labyrinth and the Song of Songs

The Labyrinth and the Enneagram: Circling into Prayer (with Elizabeth Nagel)

Christian Prayer and Labyrinths: Pathways to Faith, Hope, and Love

Praying the Chartres Labyrinth: A journal for spiritual exploration
All of the above books by Jill Kimberly Hartwell Geoffrion are succinct and poetic statements by the most mystical person I know. Jill loves the labyrinth, and she loves Chartres Cathedral, which comes through very clearly in her writing. Best of all, she has eliminated one of the most formidable barriers readers face: words. She makes her statement and then leaves space for us to take it in and absorb its importance. In that way, the books are really as much poetry as prose. Website: www.jillkhg.com

The Lenten Labyrinth: Daily Reflections for the Journey of Lent, by Edward Hays
This is not really about labyrinths, although they are mentioned a few times. It is about Lent. that's a good connection, however, because the labyrinth is strongly associated with Easter and springtime.

Sacred Rituals: Connecting with Spirit through Labyrinths, Sand Paintings & Other Traditional Arts, by Eileen London and Belinda Recio
A beautiful presentation in full color, this book presents a concise description of sacred rituals including such activities as smudging, burning candles, creating altars, using incense, drumming, and more. Eileen London has spent time with the Navajo, Lakota, Q'ero, and Mayan peoples, studying their traditional ceremonies, myths, and tribal wisdom.

The Mystic Spiral: Journey of the Soul, by Jill Purce
I've had this book, which was first published more than 30 years ago, on my shelf a long time. Reviewing it for this bibliography, I was surprised to see how it is both up to date modern and yet ancient. The labyrinth, of course, is a fitting symbol for the soul's journey that the author describes.

Labyrinth Walking: Patterns of Power, by Patricia Telesco
Of course all the books on labyrinths contain spiritually relevant material, and could be under this "Spiritual" category. Similar, most books, including this one, could be listed under the "Popular" category. I include it here for purposes of diversity, as its orientation is from Wicca and witchcraft. Its message is still metaphysical, of course. Only part of the book is dedicated to labyrinths, with the rest about mandalas and mazes. I found the labyrinth instructions to be quite helpful and practical, much more organized and specific than the vague generalities in so many books.
Website: www.loresinger.com

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