A labyrinth is viewed as a metaphor for life's journeys, offering lessons as we walk its path.  Walking, or tracing the path of a labyrinth is known to assist us with addressing life's challenges, finding peace through meditation and prayer.

The labyrinth is seen as a sacred pattern that leads the seeker on a path to its center.  A labyrinth is not a maze, there is only one way in and one way out, and there are no dead ends that would make the seeker choose directions.  Labyrinths have been documented throughout history as far back as the Bronze Age, and there are as many designs as there are cultures.

Chartres-style labyrinth - this labyrinth became identified with the Christian Church in Europe around 350 AD.  The 11-circuit Chartres labyrinth is so named because it is modeled after the labyrinth set in the stone floor in the nave of Chartres Cathedral in France.  It was dedicated in the Cathedral around 1260 AD, and many other forms in this style can be found throughout Europe.  The 11 circuits of this labyrinth can be traced on our pieces with the included stylus as one mediates and prays.

Cretan-style labyrinth - this labyrinth is a 7-circuit labyrinth originally found on a coin from around the 2nd Century BC on the Isle of Crete.   It is considered a Classical labyrinth design, and appears to have always been made as an outdoor labyrinth.  The seven circuits refer to the seven paths that lead to the center, which on our pieces are traced with a finger as one mediates and prays.

Algiers-style labyrinth - this labyrinth is the first known example of a Christian labyrinth and dates from the 4th century AD.  It is a mosaic in Roman style with four quadrants, and is different from other Italian style labyrinths in that its center contains a "word labyrinth", consisting of 13 x 13 letters.  The letters spell out "SANTA ECLESIA", meaning, Sacred Church.  Additionally, the word SANCTA forms a cross in the center, and you can read the word ECLESIA in all directions but diagonally.  This type of labyrinth was typically created in homes, and is believed to be the oldest known church labyrinth in existence to date.  The paths of this labyrinth can be traced on our pieces with the included stylus as one mediates and prays.