Today I want to introduce you to some Mississippi labyrinths. I have selected 5 of the best that are accessible to the public from around the state that I think are worth a visit. If you want a full list of labyrinths in the state check out the Worldwide Labyrinth Finder.
Why visit a Labyrinth ?
Labyrinths are ancient and mysterious symbols that have been used for centuries for meditation, contemplation, and spiritual renewal. They are also a lot of fun to explore! If you're looking for a unique and challenging experience, walk a labyrinth with intention - it often leads to self-discovery. Personally, I like to walk labyrinths between dawn and sunrise or at sunset until dusk, but any time of day works. You may not realize it, but there is probably a labyrinth near where you live. Today we explore…
5 Labyrinths to Visit in Mississippi
1. St. James' Episcopal Church Labyrinth
A 7 circuit Chartres style labyrinth surrounded by a prayer garden and benches. Before this labyrinth was installed in 2014, the parishioners created a different temporary labyrinth !
Location: Jackson, Mississippi
Address:
3921 Oak Ridge Drive
Jackson, Mississippi 39216
2. University of Mississippi Labyrinth
An 8 circuit medieval labyrinth that was built in 2007. Here is the campus map locator from the university if you want to plan a visit ! It is located between the Fulton Chapel and the Student Union. Find a picture of the labyrinth on flickr.
Location: Oxford, Mississippi
Address:
304 University Circle
Oxford, Mississippi 38677
3. St. John's Episcopal Church Labyrinth
A 5 circuit medieval labyrinth made of bricks/pavers with 4 benches around the outside. Located on the Porter Avenue side of the church.
Location: Ocean Springs, Mississippi
Address:
705 Rayburn Avenue
Ocean Springs, Mississippi 39654
4. Episcopal Church of the Resurrection Labyrinth
A 7 circuit square labyrinth made from tiles on concrete. The labyrinth was designed by Dr. David C. Lewis and is located behind the church. It can easily be spotted on Google Maps satellite view.
Location: Starkville, Mississippi
Address:
105 N. Montgomery St.
Starkville, Mississippi 39759
5. University Baptist Church Labyrinth
University Baptist Church Labyrinth - Hattiesburg, Mississippi - courtesy of the church
This Chartres replica labyrinth is located is front of the church behind the short brick wall. You can find a photo of the labyrinth and some instructions on an old blog post from World Labyrinth Day.
Location: Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Address:
3200 Arlington Loop
Hattiesburg, Mississippi 39401
5 TIPS FOR VISITING A LABYRINTH
Set an intention for your walk so you can walk with purpose. It could be prayer, reflection, meditation, contemplation, or openness.
Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, as you will be doing a lot of walking.
Bring water with you, especially if you are visiting on a hot day.
Take your time and enjoy the experience. There is no need to rush through a labyrinth.
Be respectful of other visitors. This includes not making noise and being respectful if walking with other people.
5 BOOKS TO READ ABOUT LABYRINTH WALKING
I wrote a blog post reviewing the following 5 books, each that deals with walking labyrinths. You can check them out yourself at the Amazon links below or read this blog post: 5 Books about the Spiritual Aspect of Labyrinths to learn a little about what each book teaches.
Walking a Sacred Path: Rediscovering the Labyrinth as a Spiritual Tool by Dr. Lauren Artress 201 pages. AMZN
Labyrinth : Your Path to Self-Discovery by Tony Christie 312 pages. AMZN
Exploring the Labyrinth: A Guide For Healing and Spiritual Growth by Melissa Gayle West 209 pages AMZN
Walking the Labyrinth: A Place to Pray and Seek God by Travis Scholl 240 pages AMZN
Labyrinths from the Outside In: Walking to Spiritual Insight by Rev Dr Donna Schaper and Rev Dr Carole Ann Camp 187 pages AMZN
If you are interested in more spiritual labyrinth aspects I suggest the following websites:
Lauren Artress website - For coaching, workshops and classes.
Veriditas - The nonprofit labyrinth group founded by Lauren Artress
Worldwide Labyrinth Finder - Find a labyrinth to walk near you, or while on vacation
I am a maze artist but I have never made any mazes from Mississippi. If you have suggestions - drop me a note. Otherwise here are some mazes of famous buildings: