Intuitively Reading Results
In order to effectively read the results of the mandalas we create, we have to be willing to give the analytical part of our brain a rest and rely on our intuition.
According to Suanne F. Fincher, the specific placement of colors and symbols within the space of the mandala can tell us a lot in a reading. For instance, what is placed in the circle’s center signifies what is most important to you. A color or symbol that is used frequently, or dominates in some way, represents something that has your full attention at the moment. If several colors are used, it can mean your focus is distributed across many areas. If a color is applied heavily, it can indicate strong emotions reflected in the meaning of that color.
Reading a mandala can be done right away upon completion. It can also be helpful to leave a finished mandala for a few hours or a day and come back to it with a fresh perspective. Gazing at a mandala as a whole, with soft eyes, is a good place to start and paying attention to the first thoughts that surface.
Zoning in on areas you’re compelled to study more closely, and paying attention to what emotions and ideas come up is helpful, too. And, just as colors can mean different things to you on different days, you may receive new insights from a finished mandala each time you revisit it.
Application for Working With Clients
Because there is no right or wrong way to create or interpret a mandala, using the creation of mandalas as suggested exercises for a client is a wonderful way to open discussion and allow the client to uncover her own answers.
Guided Exercises
The creation of a mandala can be seen as similar to that of writing in a private journal; no one other than the client ever needs to see the work unless the client wishes to share it. Mandalas can be created in whatever private setting the client chooses and at her own time and pace. And the same goes for sharing with the coach, the personal insights she gleans.
While it’s not necessary to have a guided exercise to create and interpret a mandala, there are countless suggestions a coach could offer a client to get the wheels turning, if the client desired such suggestion. Here are some examples:
“When you envision yourself in the situation you desire, what is the first color that comes to mind?” The client can then try using that color pencil, crayon or marker. A follow up prompt could be, “Use a combination of circles and squares to fill your mandala, focusing on the balance you desire.”
“Divide your circle into eight pie wedges. Going through the categories of the Wheel of Life, pick a color for each area and make repetitive marks in each wedge that reflect how you feel about each area in your life today.”
“What symbol(s) comes to mind when you think about the best outcome for your dilemma? Begin with this symbol, but change to different shapes when you are moved to.”
Asking Questions About Results
Questions to the client can be asked while the client has her art in front of her. As with any coaching discussion, the answer to any question can prompt new and deeper questions.
- How did creating this mandala make you feel?
- Is there an obvious message that stands out to you?
- What do the chosen colors say about how you were feeling at the time?
- Are there any obvious associations with a particular number, color or symbol?
- If you imagined there was a hidden message here, what would it be?
- What do you like most about this mandala?
Chances are very good that the colors and shapes and composition represented in a client’s mandala contain the answers and the inner knowing a client needs to grow in the manner she desires. Having a coach to provide a bit of structure getting started and later to ask helpful questions about the results can be incredibly helpful in working through this type of process.
Summary
The process of mandala creation is not for everyone, of course, but it holds much promise for an increase in self-awareness for anyone who is open to expression through a visual outlet. Creating art in general is effective for expressing ideas and inner thoughts that are not always easily expressed in words. A mandala is an especially good format for expressive art because the shape of a circle feels safe and natural, thereby making the invitation for subconscious thoughts to express themselves even less of a hurdle.
It’s my hope that I’ve given you another creative and fun option to use for yourself and your clients in uncovering the answers that already exist within.
Resources
Arrien, Angeles, Signs of Life: The Five Universal Shapes and How to Use Them, Tarcher/Putnam, 1998
Clayton, Elaine, Making Marks: Discover the Art of Intuitive Drawing, Atria, 2014
Fincher, Susanne F., Creating Mandalas: For Insight, Healing, and Self-Expression (Expanded Edition), Shambhala Publications, Inc., 1991, 2010
Fincher, Susanne F., The Mandala Workbook: A Creative Guide for Self-Exploration, Balance, and Well-Being, Shambhala Publications, Inc., 2009
Forty, Sandra, Symbols, Metro Books, 2008
Gauding, Madonna, The Mandala Bible: The Definitive Guide to Using Sacred Shapes, Firefly Books, 2011
Jung, Carl G., Man and His Symbols, Aldus Books, Limited, 1964
Rogers, Natalie, The Creative Connection: Expressive Arts as Healing, Science & Behavior Books, Inc., 1993
Wilson, Jacque, “This is your brain on crafting,” an online CNN article, January 5, 2015