It\u2019s dusk at Prana\u2014Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens\u2014on an Evening In June<\/em>, to borrow the title and lyrics of one of my favorite songs by the mystical musician and poet, Van Morrison:<\/p>\n By the light of the moon<\/em> And I would defy anyone not to feel the magic in the air.<\/p>\n Settled on sofas, cocooned in the comfort and beauty of Prana: our glorious oasis in the city, this particular evening in June begins with an insightful and thought-provoking, historical introduction to the labyrinth, from our facilitators, architect, Charles Bernstein, and Carol Jones, MSIA\u2019s director of Visitor Services. We learn about the ancient labyrinth at Chartres Cathedral, on which our own is fashioned. We hear how the idea for Prana\u2019s labyrinth was built at John-Roger\u2019s suggestion, during a visit to the iconic French Cathedral in 2000.<\/p>\n We hear about the power of the labyrinth as Charles discusses its sacred geometry, its metaphors and the intrinsic, arcane mysteries within its harmonic pattern. Carol explains how to walk the labyrinth, how the center is a symbol for the Soul. Their sheer enthusiasm is infectious. We listen to J-R, we meditate and we prepare for our walk. Long-time ministers and MSIA Discourse subscribers are joined by newcomers to Prana. We are here to walk the labyrinth by candlelight \u2013 in all we number fifty-six.<\/p>\n And now it is dark outside. In quiet, reverential procession, we meditators, timeless but present\u2014like spiritual seekers in centuries gone by\u2014glide down the steps of Prana, past the Blessings Tree, holding our candles aloft\u2014ushered by a team of radiant assistants. We walk past the reflecting pool, to the edge of the labyrinth, and pause together in silence.<\/p>\n Evening In June<\/em>\u2014three words infused with a kind of alchemy in their simplicity, containing within them all the anticipation and promise of summer: the heady scent, the celebration, the heat, the joy, the presence of Spirit.<\/p>\n On an evening in June<\/em> And here we stand; tranquil in MSIA\u2019s outdoor cathedral, surrounded and protected by the regal palm trees, giant, graceful angels guarding the labyrinth, the sacred garden and Prana itself, with gentle power. We pause, then guided by a serene and smiling Victoria Montgomery, we step onto the cool stone and start our journey. We walk; some serious, some smiling, some reflective, some pausing, some praying, some intent on reaching the center, the symbol for the Soul, the heart of the matter, our Selves. Sometimes we rub shoulders as we wind around the curves, unwinding our thoughts, sometimes soul-gazing, some assisting others on their journeys, a few rest on benches as the beauty unfolds.<\/p>\n We become one.<\/p>\n For me, it\u2019s a trust walk: trusting the Traveler, trusting the labyrinth to take me where I need to go, free of outer direction, trusting my words, making peace with the sounds of nature, punctuated by the sounds of the city around us. I marvel at the wondrously orchestrated cacophony: a screeching brake, a honking horn, a wind chime, crickets, birds, a fabulous symphony, all in balance. I pray for Manchester, city of my childhood and youth, for London, city of my 20s, and for the here and now in the City Of Angels. I am grateful for the labyrinth, for my life, for my Mystery School, for the Traveler \u2026 \u00a0for the journey Home.<\/p>\n And afterwards we share our experiences. Someone talks about \u2018recalibrating the heart,\u2019 another talks of \u2018space and awareness and peace.\u2019 \u00a0\u2018I feel different, you can let the path do everything,\u2019 shares one walker. There is talk of \u2018whisperings of wisdom.\u2019<\/p>\n I reflect on the words of J-R:<\/p>\n There are nine positive aspects of this planet, which reside in you and only awaken as a result of your activating them. They are love, life, light, peace, power, beauty, joy, harmony, and abundance. John-Roger DSS<\/em><\/p>\n Harmony \u2013 it\u2019s a theme that resonates tonight. I chant my tone and listen to the song in my head:<\/p>\n On an evening in June<\/em>
\nWhen the night holds the secrets
\nOf the sleepy lagoon \u2026
\nWhen I’m walking with you
\nOn an evening in June<\/em><\/p>\n
\nBy the light of the moon \u2026<\/em><\/p>\n
\nWell it lifts me up
\nWhen I’m talking to you
\nOn an evening in June<\/em><\/p>\n