The Labyrinth Society has declared the first Saturday in May as World Labyrinth Day, a day of global celebration of the labyrinth with an invitation to people around the world to walk a labyrinth at 1 p.m. , in their local time zone. The first annual World Labyrinth Day will be celebrated on Saturday, May 2nd, 2009. 

World Labyrinth Day was established as a day for bringing people from all over the planet together in celebration of the labyrinth as a symbol, a tool, a passion, or a practice. World Labyrinth Day is a vehicle for informing and educating the public, hosting walks, building both permanent and temporary labyrinths, making labyrinth-related art, and more.

Labyrinth walks are planned in communities around the world. Among the largest of these will be an event on the Ellipse in Washington, D.C., where volunteers from The Labyrinth Society will create two temporary labyrinths: a 100-foot Chartres style and a 70-foot Classic style labyrinth. Both will be available free of charge to the general public all day Saturday.

Submitted by Stephanie Blackton, PR Chair,  The Labyrinth Society.

For more information about World Labyrinth Day, contact:

Dr. Stephanie Blackton

74 Stag DriveRuckersville VA 22968

Phone: 434-466-1505

or

Executive Director David Gallagher

607-387-5863

For more information about the event on the Ellipse, contact:

Randy Fillmore, event organizer

540-809-6622

Background information:

The Labyrinth Society (TLS) is one of the foremost groups responsible for promoting the current international labyrinth movement. Founded in Nov. 1998, in St. Louis, MO, with the intent to support all who create, maintain, and enjoy labyrinths, and to serve the global community by providing education, networking possibilities, and opportunities to experience labyrinths. Since its inception, more than 1500 people have joined TLS. One of The Labyrinth Society’s greatest contributions has been establishing The World Wide Labyrinth Locator, available on the website www.labyrinthsociety.org or directly at www.labyrinthlocator.com.

To contact our Executive Director, David Gallagher:

P.O. Box 736
Trumansburg, NY 14886
607-387-5863

www.labyrinthsociety.org

A labyrinth is a single path or unicursal tool for personal, psychological and spiritual transformation. Labyrinths are thought to enhance right brain activity. The American Cancer Society states that labyrinths "may be helpful as a complementary method to decrease stress and create a state of relaxation."

 “Research studies conducted in a variety of settings has consistently shown that walking a labyrinth reduces stress. In fact, over the past few years, this has been the most commonly-researched topic related to the so-called ‘labyrinth effect’.” John W. Rhodes, Ph.D. Chair, Research Committee, The Labyrinth Society

 “The labyrinth seems to find us, we are led to it and it leads us to places and people we would not otherwise discover. Walking a labyrinth is a calming, right-brain activity. It’s intuitive and creative.” Lisa Gidlow-Moriarty, President, The Labyrinth Society

 “The labyrinth is an archetype of transformation. Its transcendent nature knows no boundaries, crossing time and cultures with ease. The labyrinth serves as a bridge from the mundane to the divine. It serves us well." Kimberly Lowelle Saward, Ph.D., Past-President, The Labyrinth Society,

 “Regardless of our differences, the labyrinth is a path we can all walk together” Stephanie Blackton, D.C. Chair, Public Relations Committee, The Labyrinth Society
 

World Labyrinth Day Press Release (32K .doc)

World Labyrinth Day Press Release (64K .pdf)