Facilitating the Labyrinth is a Spiritual Path ...

The goal of this Veriditas Labyrinth Facilitator Training is to prepare people to introduce others to the labyrinth in an articulate, professional and effective way. The training addresses both meditative walking and ceremonial use. It is focused primarily on the Eleven Circuit Medieval Labyrinth but is inclusive of all forms.

Walking the labyrinth is being embraced as a spiritual practice throughout the Western world mostly because of Veriditas trained facilitators. The Veriditas Facilitator Training -- which began in 1997 -- remains the most rigorous and comprehensive training offered. Some people take this two-day course to deepen their knowledge of labyrinths. Others take it with the goal of becoming a Veriditas Certified Labyrinth Facilitator.

To date, Veriditas has trained more than 2,500 labyrinth facilitators -- therapists, clergy, hospital administrators, parish teams, doctors, artists and labyrinth enthusiasts -- who are introducing the labyrinth to their communities. About 1,000 people are certified.

Why Become a Trained Facilitator?

Our experience has taught us that if a person does not have a satisfying first experience, they do not easily return to walk again. Over the years a body of knowledge about labyrinths, their history and how to use them effectively has developed. The labyrinth seems deceptively easy to introduce to others. However, common mistakes have begun to appear: presenting a 'right way' to walk a labyrinth or interrupting someone's experience due to the presenter's discomfort with emotion are just two examples. Benefit from Lauren Artress' extensive experience and knowledge, through 14 hours face to face that is a behind-the-scenes conversation about using these powerful archetypal patterns as blue prints for transformation.

What Topics are Covered?

Different models i.e., workshops, conferences, open walks, retreats.

Communicating in the "language" of your audience.

Designing both the approach and content for presentations

History of labyrinths and their symbolic meaning

The difference between archetypal and contemporary designs


Application to various settings: healing centers, retreats, churches, hospices, schools, hospitals, prisons, corporate parks/offices, community parks, multicultural centers, spas, women's spirituality groups, special needs groups such as cancer support, co-dependency work, kids-at-risk and the physically challenged populations.

Meditative walking and ceremonial, or ritual use

Specific applications: as a path of prayer, in dream work, asking a question of discernment, and many more

How to "hold the space" before, during, and after the walk.

Unusual experiences in the labyrinth

Various patterns to provide space between participants

How to interact with the media, which the labyrinth attracts.

The business aspects of presenting the labyrinth: fees for your time, considering non-profit status,    distributing literature, brochures, copyright concerns.

The Benefits of the Facilitator's Network

The Veriditas Facilitator Network provides ongoing opportunities to share experiences and learn from one another though offering access to the Facilitator Listserv and the on-line Facilitator Portal.

The Veriditas Council, empowered by the Veriditas Board continues the connection with both trained and Certified Facilitators.

There are opportunities to assist Lauren Artress at events around the country as well as in Chartres, France.

What's Required?

1. An Application: Admission to the training program begins with a brief questionnaire available online https://www.veriditas.org/facilitator_application.php, by phoning 707-283-0373 or emailing contact@veriditas.org.

You will be asked

    to attach a 3 X 5 or larger digital photograph that is less than 5MB

    and a resume or biographical statement in standard word processing format,

    To acknowledge that you have read and agree to the terms of the Facilitator agreement

    To indicate what workshop and training you plan to take (training applications are transferrable within one           year, if a one-month notice of the change is given)

    To answer five questions about (a)your experience with the labyrinth as a personal spiritual tool,
         (b) your experience in participating in small groups, (c) how you became aquainted with the labyrinth,
        (d) your personal spiritual history, and (e) your vision of how you would like to use the labyrinth in your              area.

Many people will also have had experience in presenting the labyrinth. Though this makes our conversation much richer, it is not a prerequisite to acceptance into the training.

2. A Qualifying Workshop serves as a model to presenting the labyrinth. This experience also helps the facilitator-in-training to embody the labyrinth. Although it is helpful to have this experience before the two-day training, it is not always possible. This can be a designated workshop: a sponsored workshop, a Grace Cathedral Pilgrimage, Walking a Sacred Path in Chartres, France, or the Labyrinth Week at the Golden Door.

Please note: Qualifying programs are separate events with a separate fee per event.

3. Read Lauren Artress' Walking a Sacred Path and The Sacred Path Companion.
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The Cost: the cost is $600 for the two-day Facilitator Training. The fee includes instruction, materials, a twelve-month follow-up for Certification and membership in the Facilitator's Network. Lunch is provided both days, and a networking gathering the first evening if the setting allows. For further information, call or email the Veriditas Office at 707-283-0373.

The Certification Application fee is $50, paid at the time the application for certification is sent in, which must be within one year of training.

If you have trouble using this application, call the office at 707-283-0373 or email contact@veriditas.org.