Overview of Mandalas

What is a Mandala?

Mandalas Everywhere!

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Tibetan Mandalas Is this for real?

So, this is how its done!

This ritual takes 7 daysMonks work in groups of fiveAt the end of the ritual they destroy the mandalaChalk Mandalas!

Can you think of some Mandalas you see around your community?

Remember: The basic things a mandala needs is a center point and points that radiate out from that point!

Now! Finally, lets get down to what we are going to make

Let your Imagination Go WILD!!!!!!A few guidelinesWe will be using pastels and colored paper to make 2-D mandalasWe will trace the circles for our mandalas with the circle tracersWhen you are making your mandala, try to relax, this is important. There is no wrong, every decision you choose is the right one!Mandalas are often used in art therapy to help people express their feelings. If you want to, focus on something you are feeling, or on an issue that you need to resolve.

Advanced Technique: The Susanne Fincher MethodWhen you have completed your mandala give it a title and figure out the orientation. Second, make a list of all the colors you used. Then, focus on how that particular color makes you feel and jot it down.Third, notice any particular patterns you see in your design (specific shapes, number patterns, designs, groupings) and list them. Just like before, describe how these aspects make you feel or what they are communicating.Finally, write a paragraph that explains what your mandala means. What are you trying to tell yourself subconsciously? What is the overall feel of your work? Things to think about: are there colors that you have trouble identifying with? If so, dig deeper! Often the things we have trouble getting in touch with are the most important for us to understand.Western Psychologists have used the form of mandala to understand themselves and their patients since the 19th century. If you want to know more about this, just ask me!

Overview of MandalasCircles and the Psyche

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Works CitedArgelles, Jos, and Miriam Argelles.Mandala. Boston: Shambhala, 1995. Print.

Campbell, Joseph, and Bill D. Moyers.The Power of Myth. New York: Doubleday, 1988. Print.

Fincher, Susanne F.Creating Mandalas: for Insight, Healing, and Self-expression. Boston: Shambhala, 2010. Print.Whirlpool Galaxy in Canes Venatici, Mandala, pg.12Fetus, The Power of Myth, pg. 124Mayan Calendar Stone, Mandala, pg. 37Snow Crystal/Gold/Twig, Mandala, pg. 13Sun Disk of New Guinea, Power of Myth, middle insertNavaho Sand painting, Power of Myth, middle insertMandala of Samvara, Mandala, middle insertRose Window (1197-1260), Power of Myth, middle insertBuffalo robe (Plains Indians), Power of Myth, middle insertThe whole world is a circle. All of these images reflect the psyche. Joseph Campbell