Using the Chartres Labyrinth

One Method

There are a number of different ways to use the Chartres Labyrinth that have been suggested in recent years - everything from walking the labyrinth with a completely neutral mind to very complicated possibilities - like one I suggested in my book, Labyrinth: Ancient Myths & Modern Uses.

The Four Quadrants - Physical, Emotional, Mental and Spiritual

Any issue can be productively looked at from these four points of view. Go to the mouth of the labyrinth, and state clearly the issue you want to work with. Then set off. As you begin in the Physical Quadrant, ask questions about how this issue effects your physical health, how it hits your wallet and the other physical aspects. Suddenly you find yourself almost at the goal - so near and yet so far, and then you jump in to your feelings. How do you Feel about all of this? And then back into the Physical, and so on.

The Dance Between the Four Worlds

Continue your way going back and forth between these four points of reference as you examine multiple aspects of the issue you are working on.

When you reach the outermost turn on the right hand side, you know that you don't have far to go. Review the Mental aspects of your concern and then the Spiritual ones, for one last time.
"What should I do about all of this?"	When you reach this point, right next to the mouth where you began, there is the final pressure of a leap of faith. Let go and let God/dess. The question at this point is, "What should I do about all of this?" Then walk with an open mind ready to perceive in any way that works for you. You might see the answer, or hear it, or just gnow it, it doesn't make any difference. Remember, ALWAYS go with your first "answer."
When you reach this point, right next to the mouth where you began, there is the final pressure of a leap of faith. Let go and let God/dess. The question at this point is, "What should I do about all of this?" Then walk with an open mind ready to perceive in any way that works for you. You might see the answer, or hear it, or just gnow it, it doesn't make any difference. Remember, ALWAYS go with your first "answer." This last step asks about the first, "What is the first thing I have to do to manifest this answer I just received?" Again, go with the first thing that comes to you. This is not the time for, "No, I don't like that one, give me another way." Every journey begins with the first step, so this one is important - so you can gnow where it begins.

When you are in the center, breath, relax, or do any of the multitude of other things that people do in the center of the Chartres. When ready, walk out, working it opposite direction. See that first step, then review the answer/solution, and then Then, as you walk back and forth through the four levels/quadrants - spiritual, mental, emotional, physical - you turn on what I call your "crap detector." Actively and consciously judge and check out your vision and first step to achieve that vision. How will this scenario effect you on these four levels? Check it all out. If it resonates with you and survived all of the different ways you can look at this solution on your way out, when you get to the mouth, turn, and give thanks, and get on with it!

Rather than confusing, I found the going back and forth between these four levels is quite useful - yielding different perspectives depending upon where you just were.

You can print a Crib Sheet to use when Walking a Chartres Type Labyrinth here.