What Is a Labyrinth?
A labyrinth is a pattern of pathways that weave in a circle around a central point. You walk through the pathways to get to the center.
Labyrinths are about the journey, at least as much as the destination. They can be calming, as they slow you down while you wind your way through the path.
A labyrinth is not a maze. There is only one way in and one way out, so you don't need to think about where you're going.for visitors.
How to Use a Labyrinth
Here are some ways to engage in a prayer labyrinth :
Ask God a question as you enter the path. Then, as you walk slowly through the twists and turns, listen for an answer. Let your steps and your silence invite the presence and guidance of God.
Recite a breath prayer as you navigate the labyrinth, perhaps praying a different prayer on each leg or quadrant of your journey. A great way to do a breath prayer is to download the app “Pray As You Go” an under “Discover” they have prayers for movement.
Lay down your burdens as you walk to the center of the labyrinth (perhaps laying down pebbles along the way as symbols of your worries or cares). In the center, pause to thank God for taking your burdens on himself (1 Peter 5:7). Then count your blessings and give thanks on the journey to the exit.
After walking. Try journaling about your labyrinth experience. What did you discover? What changed from the time you entered to the time you exited the labyrinth?
Note : a prayer labyrinth is not a maze. There is only one way in and one way out, so you don't need to think about where you're going.
Prayer LabyrinthS Throughout Cape Town
Note - information on these locations may have changed since we gathered this list, so please contact beforehand to confirm.
Near Greenpoint Lighthouse, Green Point Urban Park
Address: 1 Fritz Sonnenberg Rd, Green Point, Cape Town, 8051
About: This quiet, zen-like space surrounded by trees and greenery provides a secluded space to escape the bustling park for a moment or two. In the centre, a lavender-lined labyrinth begs to be walked. Resting benches, each with a space created for a person in a wheelchair, encircle the labyrinth. A touch-labyrinth at either end – one for a person sitting on the bench, and one for a person in a wheelchair, offer a sensory experience of the labyrinth.
Muizenberg Labyrinth on Park Island
Address: Sandvlei 7945, Zandvlei Cl, Westridge, Cape Town, 7802
About: Park Island is a small island on the Zandvlei, the vlei (lake) at the bottom of my road. The only way to access the island is from a walkway on the other side of the vlei
Rotary Camps Glencairn
Address: 3122 Glen Road, Glencairn Simon's Town, Cape Town 7975
About: Set in the Glencairn Valley in the South Peninsula of Cape Town. Created on a slope in a natural fynbos area. One meter wide paths with two meter wide borders of indigenous plants. 3km long walk in and out.
Contact: Koos Burger, Phone: +27 834840294, Email: info@rotaryyouthcamps.co.za
Seamount Labyrinth
Address: private property, Clovelly Beach in Kalk Bay
Slangkop Lighthouse
Address: Kommetjie Cape Town 7975
About: Open to the public during office hours or, if you promise not to disturb the lighthouse keeper, at other reasonable times if you climb over the fence
Contact: Clare Wilson, Phone: 27 217832189, Email: claredwilson@yebo.co.za
Biophile
Address: 249 Rooi Els, Noordhoek Cape Town 7979
About: From Cape Town, come over Ou Kaapse Weg to Noordhoek. Take a right towards Chapman's Peak Toll Gate. Turn right at Noordhoek Farm Village, and left into De Goede Hoop Estate. Phone first or the security guard will not let you in.
Contact: Cathy Winter, Phone: +27 72 287 2803, Email: imadjin@gmail.com
Contact: Anthea Torr - +27 83 227 0269 - torr@pixie.co.za
Siyahamba Labyrinth, St George's Cathedral
Address: Wale Street Cape Town 8001
About: The Cathedral is in the city centre, at the top end of St George's Mall (and Adderley Street). Easy walk from the railway station - simply follow Adderley street towards the mountain. The labyrinth is accessible during office hours and by arrangement with the Cathedral office.
Contact: Cathedral Office, Phone: 021- 424 7360, Email: sgcdean@icon.co.za
Jan Marais Nature Reserve, Stellenbosch
Address: Marais Road, Stellenbosch, Cape Winelands, Western Cape, South Africa
About: a small protected area with plenty to offer. There are picnic spots, where families can relax within gorgeous surrounds to enjoy the loveliness of the Western Cape. There are also hiking, walking and mountain biking trails, along which some fantastic vistas and photographs can be savoured. The labyrinth is always fun and exciting for youngsters, and the young at heart.
Private Property
Address: 2 Anreith Street Stellenbosch 7600
About: Rose Quartz labryinth
Contact: Terry De Vries Nel, Phone: +27 21 8829938, Email: spiritoflight@adept.co.za
Rustenberg Wines
Address: Rustenburg Road Ida's Valley, Stellenbosch 7600
About: Located in the formal Schoongezicht Manor House Gardens near the wine tasting centre on Rustenberg Wine Farm, on Rustenburg Road, off Lelie Street.
Contact: Tammy Barlow, Phone: +27 218091200, Email: wine@rustenberg.co.za
Mofam River Lodge
Address: Off Appletiser Road Elgin 7180
About: At Mofam River Lodge we host a lot of weddings which then means the venue is closed to the public, thus, I suggest you give us a call - if the venue is open, you are welcome to come and enjoy our piece of paradise!
Contact: Sharon Moore, Phone: +27 21 8468345, Email: sharon@mofam.co.za
West Coast Labyrinth
Address: Jacobs Bay Backpackers
About: Visit the latest attraction on the West Coast in Jacobs Bay. The newly designed and created West Coast Labyrinth is now open for visitors. At the West Coast Labyrinth you are encouraged to become quiet within yourself, breath in some fresh West Coast air and walk the labyrinth in a state of prayer or meditation for contemplation or reflection. The labyrinth is situated onsite at Jacobs Bay Backpackers and and is free of charge for visitors. Open 7 days a week.
Contact: +27 73 302 5835
