Mandala
From the Sanskrit, meaning ‘circle’, the Mandala is a spiritual and ritual symbol in Hinduism and Buddhism. In Christianity there are many forms evocative of the Mandala; the Celtic Cross, the Rosary, the Halo, the Crown of Thorns, and the Rosy Cross.
In common use the Mandala represents the universe, reflecting the macrocosm and the microcosm. It is used as a practice to help focus attention, establish sacred space, and aid in meditation.
In his autobiography, Memories, Dreams, Reflections, Carl Jung wrote, “I sketched every morning in a notebook a small circular drawing….which seemed to correspond to my inner situation at the time…. Only gradually did I discover what the mandala really is….the Self, the wholeness of the personality, which if all goes well is harmonious.” Jung believed that the urge to create mandalas emerges when we are going through intense periods of personal growth.
Jungian analyst, Marie Louise von Franz states that, “The mandala serves a conservative purpose, namely, to restore a previously existing order. But it also serves the creative purpose of giving expression and form to something that does not yet exist, something new and unique….”
If you wish to explore the Mandala, there are many sites available on the internet. Here is a particularly fun place to start: http://www.colormandala.com/. I invite you to enjoy the process.