Book reviews – praying with labyrinths

Praying the Labyrinth: A Journal for Spiritual Exploration by Jill Kimberly Hartwell Geoffrion. Cleveland, Ohio: The Pilgrim Press, 1999.

There are a number of great books for those who are new to labyrinths or those who wish to renew their practice. Praying the Labyrinth: A Journal for Spiritual Exploration is one such book. As the title suggests, the book is set out in journal format, providing input through prose, poetry and questions. Blank space is then provided for those who wish to respond within the pages of the book. While the book is the result of the author’s encounter with the medieval labyrinth in Chartres Cathedral, the practices within could be applied to other forms of labyrinths (eg Classical/Cretan), whether in person or using finger labyrinths.

Other useful books on praying with labyrinths:

• Exploring the Labyrinth: A Guide for Healing and Spiritual Growth by Melissa Gayle West. New York: Broadway Books. 2000.
• Walking a Sacred Path: Rediscovering the Labyrinth as a Spiritual Practice (revised edition) by Lauren Artress. New York: Riverhead Books, 2006.
• The Sacred Path Companion: A Guide to Walking the Labyrinth to Heal and Transform by Lauren Artress. New York: Riverhead Books, 2006.
• Pondering the Labyrinth: Questions to Pray on the Path by Jill Kimberly Hartwell Geoffrion. Cleveland: OH, Pilgrim Press, 2003.
• Walking the Labyrinth as the Beloved in John’s Gospel by Sally Longley.
• Walking the Labyrinth: A Spiritual and Practical Guide by Sally Welch. Great Britain, Hymns Ancient and Modern Ltd, 2013.
• A Labyrinth Prayer Handbook: Creative Resources for Worship and Reflection by Sally Welch. Great Britain, Hymns Ancient and Modern Ltd, 2014.
• Labyrinths from the Outside In: Walking to Spiritual Insight – A Beginner’s Guide (2nd Edition) by Rev Dr Donna Schaper and Rev Dr Carole Ann Camp. SkyLight Paths, 2013.
• 40 Days with Labyrinths: Spiritual reflections with labyrinths to ‘walk’, colour or decorate by Fay Rowland. Darton, Longman and Todd, 2023.