“Professor Tolkien, the academic philologist, was said to have travelled ‘inside language.’ Under Caldecott’s guidance, here we travel inside the language of Tolkien. One sees at last what he was up to. It is a revelatory book.”
“’The labyrinth is a sacred tool for knowing; an image that connects us to God, the world and ourselves. There is something of the mystery in it, and at the same time a fascinating clarity and perfection. It reveals something of our mysterious being to ourselves and offers us a glimpse of the beauty and harmony of the universe in which we are cradled.’ With this profound statement Gernot Candolini ends his all too brief but profound study of the labyrinth through history as well as a sharing of the wisdom he has obtained from visiting many of the world’s ancient labyrinths and designing them throughout Europe. Beginning with the premise that the labyrinth is an image of life, a mirror of the soul, a symbol of humanity, Candolini believes that ‘much lies waiting to be discovered in it, above all, oneself.’ Each chapter begins with a drawing and explanation of a labyrinth somewhere in the world as well as a reflective quote. In the beginning chapters, Candolini shares his family’s experience visiting a specific labyrinth. As the book concludes he tells of the tales of Theseus and Ariadne and finding the Minotaur, which may be ourselves. With the renewed interest in the labyrinth today, this little book will be invaluable to readers as they enter into this ancient form of prayer, reflection and discovery as we seek balance and direction in today’s world. As Condolini notes, ‘if life is viewed as a maze, every mistake is an unnecessary detour and a waste of time. If life is a labyrinth, every mistake is part of a path and an indispensable master teacher.’”
Segments from twelve psalms set the tone for each of the twelve months of the year. Following the psalms are short daily meditations that develop various themes of the respective psalm. The author suggests that the psalm verse could be said before reading the reflections. This simple “thought for the day” can help bring the psalms into everyday life and prayer.
“This book is truly a book where women (and men) can find an honestly ecumenical, timeless, cross-cultural, and cross-racial group of women of holiness. This book is meant to be a kind of abbreviated liturgical breviary, and accompanying a short biography of each saint are readings and prayers.”