Ashland’s Sacred Walk to 2024
Walking a Sacred Path: Explorations Into Peace
Wesley Hall on the campus of Ashland First United Methodist Church, 175 N. Main St., Ashland, OR
Sunday, December 31, 2023, 3:30 PM – 1:00 AM; Monday January 1, 2024, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
For information contact: Elizabeth Austin Phone: 541-601-8435 Email: coachelizabeth@outlook.com
Ashland’s 25th Community Labyrinth Walk to New Year starts December 31, 2023, from 3:30 PM – 1:00 AM January 1, 2024; resumes January 1, 2024, from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM in Wesley Hall on the campus of Ashland First United Methodist Church, 175 N. Main St., Ashland, Oregon. Everyone is welcome, and the event is free to all. Donations accepted.
“This remarkable community event arose in 1999 amid the world-wide concern about Y2K. Then as now, co-created by volunteers: musicians, artists, sacred space designers, ‘labyrinth angels,’ plus the many people who choose to include the Sacred Walk in their turn-of-the-year celebrations. Then as now, it offers an oasis of peace and beauty to reflect on the end of what has been and the beginning of what will be. In this sacred space everyone is invited to express and enjoy the values of peace, diversity, inclusivity, and personal freedom.”
~ Labyrinth Leader Elizabeth Austin.
Community Unfurling of the Labyrinth
You are invited to participate in the Unfurling of the Labyrinth, 1 PM – 2 PM, December 30, in Wesley Hall at the First United Methodist Church, 175 N Main St, Ashland, OR 97520. Elizabeth Austin, Professionally Trained Labyrinth Facilitator and owner of the portable canvas, provides this opportunity to learn about labyrinths and to assist in the unfolding of the three-piece, four-quadrant 110-lb. canvas replica of the labyrinth in Chartres Cathedral in France.
Special Features
Traditionally, Ashland’s Sacred Walk to the New Year has featured altars dedicated to the four directions as well as the divine feminine and the divine masculine. Like last year, this year there will be two additional altars: one honoring Childhood/Youth, and an interactive altar honoring Community/World/Planet.
Videos on Facebook
Go to our Facebook page to view videos created by Media Creative Cassandra Wass: the History of the Sacred Walk, Unfurling of the Labyrinth, Temple Dancers, and Sacred Altars. Experience a graceful online meditation video – Virtual Labyrinth Walk, created by Cassandra Wass on Ashland’s outdoor Trinity Garden Labyrinth. https://www.facebook.com/AshlandSacredWalkToNewYear
“I have been coming to the Labyrinth since I was about 6. I’m 23 now! The Labyrinth is such an
important part of my transition into the New Year. Thank You for everything!” ~ L.R. (2017)
More info and schedule at: https://www.facebook.com/events/904914724063931/
• SEASONAL HEALTH & SAFETY AND PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY
Seasonal diseases such as colds and flu, and now Covid, tend to tick up this time of year, and cases in Jackson County are edging upwards. If you have Covid or the flu, or symptoms of these diseases, or if you don’t feel well, we ask that you please don’t come to this year’s event, out of care for others. No one wants be the recipient of these kinds of “seasonal gifts” or to find out that others have gotten sick, possibly from their lack of care.
And if you are healthy and coming to the Sacred Walk, and you feel more comfortable wearing a mask inside the building, please do. We will have a hand sanitizing station inside Wesley Hall as you walk in, and we will also have masks available for anyone who wants one and didn’t bring their own.
Wishing you a Happy and Healthy New Year!
