Our Labyrinths

The labyrinth is an ancient tool for walking meditation and contemplation. It is a good metaphor for the complexity of being alive on earth. Unpredictable turns on the path lead us in directions we can’t anticipate. Our emotions take us to places we don’t expect. Yet, labyrinths hold us safely as we walk, leading us to the center and out again. We can’t get lost, as in a maze. Simply step onto the path and follow; feel the earth come up into your feet as you move deeper and deeper into the circle. At a pace that is just right for you, you’re free to hold an intention or hold no intention or focus your breath.

Our congregation is blessed with two beautiful labyrinths: a large canvas circuit for indoor use, and an outdoor labyrinth on the eastern edge of WBUUC property, along East Ave. There are sitting benches for rest or meditation. You are welcome to walk these at any time. To use the canvas labyrinth, contact the WBUUC office.

Our Portable Canvas Labyrinth

The Dancing Woman

The Dancing Woman labyrinth at WBUUC

The Dancing Woman labyrinth can be laid out in the sanctuary, the atrium, or the social hall. It’s used annually for our Circle of Laments service, held during the Passover/Easter season.

The Dancing Woman is an original created by labyrinth designer and historian, Lisa Gidlow Moriarty, who also helped us create our outdoor labyrinth. The canvas labyrinth was hand-painted by many women of White Bear UU over 10 years ago.

Our Outdoor Labyrinth

wbuuc-outdoor-labyrinth

Outdoor labyrinth at WBUUC

Our outdoor labyrinth is located on the east side of our building, on the eastern edge of the woods in the corner defined by Maple Street and East Avenue. Walk from the Social Hall courtyard around the back of the building (the back of the RE classrooms) on the short path leading to the Jaques Outdoor Classroom (marked by a large fire ring).  The path continues along the edge of the marsh, curving gently to the right.  You’ll pass a fallen marten house, and then see the labyrinth, marked by a colorful flag, before you. You can also walk a shorter path down to the labyrinth from East Avenue.