The Mandala Art

The meaning of mandala

The mandala is a centering space for the self and the soul an art therapy tool for making order out of disorder. Mandala is a Sanskrit word for “magic circle”. Nearly every culture uses mandalas or circular image in their cultural or spiritual practices.  

Celebrated Swiss psychologist Carl Jung saw mandalas as representative of the unconscious self. Jung said the urge for people to make mandalas emerges during moments of intense personal growth. In his work, he noted how mandala drawings changed over time as healing occurred in his patients.

The Symbolism of Mandala

A mandala represents the universe that is beyond one’s consciousness. It is a symbol of wholeness. In one way it can be seen as a cosmic diagram that reminds us of our relation to the infinite, the world that exists both beyond and within our body and mind. The ‘’circle with a center’’ represents the basic pattern of creation. From micro to macro, biology to geology, chemistry to astronomy, it embodies everything. Some cultures believe that Mandalas are everywhere in nature-from the structure of cells to the earth and the universe. If you look closely at a Mandala, you will find a center with outward radiating patterns, which symbolizes one’s innermost potential and self-expression.

Mandalas have many uses apart from meditation as the designs are meant to remove irritating thoughts and allow the creative mind to run free as well as relaxation. But ultimately people create and look at mandalas to center the body and mind.

How to create a Mandala?

Mandalas come in many styles and can be created using an unlimited array of materials:

Compass, plates and circular shapes

Prisma color pencils or artist quality felt pens,

White and lead pencils, ruler, sharpener, rubber

Acrylic paints, brushes or sharpie pens

Folk art decorations, rhinestones, gold leaf, and glitter glue

Black or white artist’s paper or

Visual diaries of different sizes.