Explore the evolution of labyrinth design and symbolism with our pre-recorded, self-paced seminar hosted by Lars Howlett. Pre-register to receive access to the recordings on January 6th presented in three episodes, each approximately 1.5 hours in length.
In the opening session the preeminent labyrinth historian Jeff Saward shares an overview from earliest examples of the Classical through Roman, Medieval, and Turf to modern replicas. Our second guest, John Kraft, dives into the spread of Classical Labyrinths through Scandinavia sharing local folklore and stories from his 50 years of research. Jill Geoffrion highlights her love of the Chartres design and symbolism, illuminating how it has inspired her and thousands of others to spread the archetype around the world.
Bonus content includes a firsthand account of Lars' visit to one of the oldest surviving walkable labyrinths in Sweden. There is also a video walkthrough of the special labyrinth exhibits featured in Chartres this summer. A recording of the latest lightshow: Chartres: A Thousand Years of Brilliance, is also included with an English translation exploring the history of Chartres Cathedral. Finally, Jeff's updated History of Labyrinths PowerPoint presentation is available for purchase for use in your own workshops, retreats, or seminars with a portion of the proceeds supporting our scholarship fund.
Jeff Saward was first captivated by the labyrinth in 1976, and founded Caerdroia, the Journal of Mazes and Labyrinths in 1980. Now in continuous publication for 45 years, Caerdroia has become an internationally respected forum for news, views, new research and archival material. Many years of searching for labyrinths and mazes has taken Jeff around Europe - from the shores of the Mediterranean to the high Arctic - to India and around America on numerous occasions. His collection of photographs is unrivalled.
He has also designed and built a number of labyrinths and mazes for clients in the UK, Europe, America and India, and also administers the Worldwide Labyrinth Locator website on behalf of the Labyrinth Society and Veriditas. He is the author Magical Paths, a pictorial essay on the modern revival, Labyrinths & Mazes, an illustrated history, and was the historical editor for the English translation of Hermann Kern's monumental sourcebook, republished in 2000 as Through the Labyrinth.
John Kraft is a Swedish journalist, historian, and researcher known for his extensive work on Classical Labyrinths and sacred sites across Northern Europe. Since 1975, he has drawn, walked, and cataloged these winding paths as they appear in landscapes, graffiti, and folklore—exploring their symbolism as a framework for belief, ritual, and spirituality. Based on nearly 50 years of study, his most recent book, The Walls of Troy: Labyrinths during 3000 Years, presents a sweeping survey of interdisciplinary research, weaving together archaeology, linguistics, mythology, and cartographic analysis. Kraft’s work challenges conventional narratives about labyrinth origins, tracing their diffusion from the Mediterranean to Scandinavia and offering fresh insight into their evolving role in human cosmologies.
The Rev. Jill Kimberly Hartwell Geoffrion, PhD, DD, is a world-renowned expert on labyrinths, labyrinth prayer, and the Chartres Cathedral. She has published eight books and numerous scholarly and popular articles on labyrinths. Her most recent work, Visions of Mary, Art, Devotion, and Beauty at Chartres Cathedral, combines stunning images and historical insights. As a professional photographer, Jill’s visual work points to the unique character and inspiration of labyrinth prayer, the Chartres Cathedral, and sacred sites around the world. In her global ministry on four continents, Jill installs large-scale, Chartres-style labyrinths, often working in places of violence and acute suffering. When serving as a guide, workshop leader, and retreat facilitator, she enjoys connecting the spiritual needs of others with God’s bountiful love. Jill’s writing, art, and leadership style are inspiring, encouraging, and experience-based.
