Spiritual Sessions –The Mandala

Tibetan Sand Mandala – All life is impermanent

The mandala is a circular representation of the cosmos. Carl Jung called it a symbol representing the effort to reunify the self. Most famous are the Tibetan sand mandalas, painstakingly created out of coloured sand, sometimes by hundreds of monks, to be immediately swept away after completion.

At A Home Away’s Spiritual Sessions, you are invited to participate in this centuries old practise. By making your own mandala you can create space for a connection to your inner self.  The mandala becomes a powerful manifestation for your spirit to tell the story of your own journey.  When completed, the piece can become a compelling instrument for meditation, as well as a beautiful expression of art.

We have a few suggestions here on how to make a mandala, as well as some pre-made mandalas that you may wish to colour. If you have your own idea on how to create this piece, please, let your spirit lead the way.

Before you begin, it is suggested that you spend some moments in silence to centre yourself. Sit quietly, close your eyes, and observe your breathing. Be still. Thank your Higher Power for another sober and clean day, and for all of your blessings. Request guidance and inspiration in proceeding, and know that your expression will be exactly as it should be.

Writing Your Mandala

Begin writing in a centre ring of the mandala, in a clockwise direction. Continue in the next ring, starting at the vertical line. Your message could be a poem, scripture, prayer, the steps, or anything! Use different colours, or scripts, or pens.

Drawing Your Mandala

Fill the circle with whatever you feel belongs there. Use different shapes, colours, lines, anything. There can be no right or wrong, everything you include is perfect. Let your spirit guide you , and try not to “think” about how or what you are doing.

You will intuitively know when to stop, perhaps the mandala itself telling you it is completed. You may need to come back to the project later.

Cut and Paste Your  Mandala

1. Make 2 identical circles approximately 6-8 inches in diameter.

2. Cut out one of the circles. Fold the cut circle in half, in half again, and again, until divided into eighths.

3. Unfold the circle. Using a ruler, outline the folds with a pencil.

4. Place the other circle on top of the cut out circle and trace the lines using a ruler.

5. On the cut out circle, draw a design on one of the pie shaped segments.  The design should be asymmetrical. Use at least four lines, two intersecting, and no more than six.

6. Cut the wedge shape out. Trace all lines onto the back of wedge shape.

7. Trace the design on to each segment of the other circle, flipping the design over each time when tracing a new segment. Mirror images of the tracings should be clear.

8. Colour using bright colours.

Mandalas can also be made digitally, like this beautiful blue mandala