his "Little Miracles" story appeared a few years ago in our monthly edition. I felt that it fit the theme of "sole to soul" so I'm publishing it again for you. Penny Morrow is a facilitator at an Episcopal Church just off the boardwalk in Ocean City Maryland.

Blessings on the path,
Linda Mikell, edlinmik@optonline.net

Walking to the Light Photo by Tina Margason

Circle Of Light
I asked my husband to put a small spotlight in the ceiling just above the center of the 11 circuit, Chartres style labyrinth at our church. A prayer group from out of town was coming to walk it the following evening and I really, really wanted it installed before they came. He did, and it was perfect; the spotlight illuminated the centre of the Labyrinth, an invitation of light to all those who would soon walk towards it.

The next night the prayer group came. I gave them a quick talk on walking the labyrinth, after which we opened the space with a prayer, and they began their walk. I remained near the entrance. After a while I noticed a gentleman walking who had not entered the labyrinth via the entrance. I watched him walk for a while, and when I looked for him again, he was sitting quietly in a chair across the room; I was pretty sure he had not reached the center. Some time later, he got up and came to the entrance, lit several votive candles that I have available for walkers, and then walked directly to the center where he remained for a long while.

Later that night he spoke with me, and wrote in the Labyrinth Journal, that:

"From the age of 19 to 55 (now) I have never felt worthy of God's love, and consequently have always travelled outside of His light. Tonight I realized while meditating that I was who was keeping me away, that I had always been invited into His light. Tonight I was embraced by it."

I went home that night to tell my husband how he was used in a not so small miracle. Had he not put that light up the day before, that man may have been walking in darkness for a long time to come!

his ceremony created by Cheryl Andre for her 24ft petit Chartres style labyrinth, with help from Jana Batey and Pamela Bowles. It was originally presented for International Earth Day, celebrated globally on the Spring Equinox.

Preparation
Start by collecting various pictures of the Earth; the Earth in crisis, the Earth at rest, animals and plants and images of people from different cultures. You will also need a world map, symbols for each of the four directions, symbols of the Earth's various terrains (water, rocks, leaves, etc.), tea candles and appropriate interfaith Earth-themed prayers. All of the prayers used during the ceremony are from Earth Prayers From Around the World edited by Roberts and Amidon and published by HarperSanFrancisco, ISBN 006250746X.

On a table at the side of the room arrange the pictures of the Earth in crisis. On another table arrange the images of the animals and plants as well as the symbols of the four elements.

The Walk
Begin the ceremony with all the participants assembled around the center of the labyrinth with the world map placed in the middle. Recite in unison, "We have forgotten who we are." Everyone then walks straight off the labyrinth in single file in silence.

Gather around the table with the images and symbols where each person chooses one or two "Earth in crisis" pictures. Participants then stand in a circle around the outside of the labyrinth holding their chosen images. Encourage a discussion of why each person chose their particular picture(s).

Participants then walk the Labyrinth carrying their images, which are left in the center on top of the world map. Everyone then walks out of the labyrinth following the path.

Next the participants choose one or two pictures of the "Earth at rest". In a circle around the labyrinth, recite How wonderful, O Lord. Participants walk the labyrinth again, this time carrying the "Earth at rest" images and when they reach the centre they cover the crisis pictures with the peaceful ones.

When the participants have exited the labyrinth everyone gathers around the side table where the animal pictures and the symbols for the four directions are displayed. Each person picks an animal and shares what it means to them and to the Earth. They also can light a tea candle and say a short blessing or prayer. In unison everyone recites Mary de La Valette's prayer, Blessed are the animals then Daniel Martin's We are the Earth, honoring the four basic elements.

At this stage you can offer a PowerPoint presentation of the various topographies of the Earth; you could also use books, video, etc. and pass around the rocks and leaves used to symbolise the Earth to encourage dialogue of how each of us can aid in the Earth's healing.

Finally everyone assembles around the labyrinth's outermost circuit. After each stanza of Tom Rhodes' "You desert, whose ever-shifting sands reflect," everyone moves in unison a circuit or two inwards toward the center. Once at the center the facilitator distributes the images of people from around the world; discuss how each can connect to and "adopt" a fellow soul. Together everyone recites May God bless us not with clean air alone by Daniel J. McGill and/or As no one desires the slightest suffering by Shantideva. These prayers can be spoken on behalf of both the participant and the fellow soul they have connected with during the ritual. This is the end of the ceremony.

This ceremony moves from the negative to the positive. It also proceeds from the general—the Earth, to the specific—fellow humans, encouraging our soles via the labyrinth to holistically connect with all of creation.

Bio
Cheryl Andre lives in Pittsburgh, PA. She completed training with Lauren in 2002. Cheryl is a cancer survivor and credits the labyrinth as a tremendous aid during and after her operations, as well as a source for continued healing and balance. She is a part-time professional English tutor. Ten years of Toastmaster training and practice helps her enormously in her labyrinth work. Cheryl is especially grateful for the ongoing advice and support of both Jana Batey and Pamela Bowles, who shared wonderful ideas for this ceremony.

Sole to Soul in a Community Setting Photo: © Cindy A. Pavlinac, sacred-land-photography.com

• Sole to Soul: Exploring physical and spiritual journeys brought about by the labyrinth experience...main.

• Sole to Soul as Medicine: How can the labyrinth be a part of the medical world? by Kay Sandor...page 2.

• The Art of Pilgrimage: An excerpt from Phil Cousineau's book...page 2.

• Sole to Soul in Jail: What can inmates find in the labyrinth? by Ellen Meuch...page 3.

• Little Miracles on the Path: Walking to the light—of the soul...page 4.

• Sole to Soul: Ceremonies and Rituals Using the labyrinth to heal and connect with Mother Earth...page 4.

• Sole to Soul: a poem by Tom Elder...page 5.

• Return to the Land of the Soul: Dream Questing for your soul, by Judith Tripp...page 5.

Journal Navigation: Main - p. 2 - p. 3 - p. 4 - p. 5