Mandalas

I was speaking to my brother-in-law about starting a new blog called the "Wheel of Seasons", or what I guess would be more commonly referred to as the Wheel of the Year. Interestingly he raised the idea of mandalas as a symbol he immediately thought of. These are fascinating pieces of art found all over the world in many different cultures. I guess the best way to describe them , are as a sacred space which usually takes the form of a circle. Through expressing yourself within this space, it is hoped that you will find some kind of truth about you and the world around you. It really is a form of self expression and can be used as a tool for spiritual transformation. Some cultures also use them for ritual and meditation.

For many of us living in the urban/suburban environment it is hard for us to really remember what the seasons mean. Although, we may take note that the leaves are turning yellow and falling to the ground, or that the winter frost has arrived in the early morning darkness, we can easily forget how treating the seasons with respect can be vital to our lives. I quite like the idea of the Wheel of the Year celebrated in many pagan religions. It marks the year with Sabbats and Solstices- times to reflect on the changes within our environment and the changes within ourselves. I believe the the mandala is the perfect place to express this reflection.

My experience with Mandalas

Many years ago my closest friend took me to the Theosophical Society in Melbourne CBD. We sat around with a group of people from all ages, listening to calming music and drawing mandalas on paper. As the hour progressed, we were supposed to release negative energy through noise- which was supposed to be exerted gutterly! It was an eye opening experience and one that I did in fact find quite therapeutic :)

I also have the most beautiful Tongan painting in the shape of a mandala on my living room wall. It has been painted on some type of bark in natural brown, and black ink. It begins with a central wheel enclosed within a star and leads to 24 pointed arrows pointing outwards.

May you find or create some mandalas in your own world and take the time to have a look in nature. Mandalas exist in many things, from orange halves to snowflakes to the the intricately woven spiderweb (also a well known symbol of creation)!! I would also suggest looking at the following interesting website: www.mandalaproject.org/

Written by Briony

"Mandala Seasons" Gouache 13" diameter

by Marnie Miller (Victorian Artist & Educator)