Working with mandalas is a form of soul practice that many of us find helpful, especially early on in our soul journeying. The mandala is a sacred geometric figure. Almost always, it will include one or more circles with some form of focal point in the centre and so it has come to be strongly associated with the figure of the circle, a powerful symbol of wholeness in many spiritual traditions. The word ‘mandala’ comes, however, from the ancient Hindu language known as Sanskrit. It is derived from the Sanskrit root word ‘manda’ which means ‘essence’ and its literal meaning is 'containing essence'. For many, therefore, the mandala has also become a symbol of the soul and it is often used in spiritual practice to turn our attention to the inner journey, to enable us to explore the inner landscape of our being and to help us connect more deeply with our essential self.
Creating your own mandala
Mandalas generally take the form of a drawing, a painting or a collage of images. However, you could also choose to 'sculpt' it using a variety of objects such as stones, shells or flowers. To begin with, you will need a square piece of thick paper or card of any colour, ideally at lease 12 x 12" in size. Using a compass or a circular object, draw a large circle shape on the paper to give you a clear outline of your mandala. You will also need to gather together any other materials you will need including images, symbols or words you might want to draw on. It is important to recognise, however, that what you feel drawn to use may change as your mandala emerges. Consequently, it is important not to let your initial ideas become too fixed in your mind.
Before beginning to work on your mandala, create a sacred space for yourself where you will not be disturbed and can give your full attention to the work for a period of time. Then spend a few minutes relaxing your body and stilling your mind by taking deep, even breaths and focusing your awareness on your breathing. As you breathe out, let go of any tension you are holding in your body. As thoughts arise or you become aware of physical distractions, simply acknowledge them, let them go and re-focus on your breathing. This can help you to enter into the creative process slowly and meditatively with an attitude of receptivity and reverence.
When you feel ready, begin to create whatever form suggests itself to you. Some people find it helpful to begin by working outwards from the centre of the mandala but trust your own intuitive sense of what will work best for you. Allow yourself to go with whatever images, shapes or colours you feel drawn to, trying not to dismiss them if they don't make sense to you. Above all, try to avoid analysing or criticising what is emerging. For it is the process of creating your mandala that really matters.
It is important to work at your mandala as slowly as you want to and to take as much time as you need to finish it. Try not to rush the process as it may take hours, days, weeks or even longer for it to emerge fully. Once it is finished, you may want to name it in some way and to find somewhere safe to keep it for it is likely that you will want to revisit it from time to time as you continue your journey.
Contemplating your mandala
Having completed your mandala, you might also find it helpful to spend some time quietly contemplating it. Allow your mind to ‘enter into’ your mandala and notice the feelings, thoughts and images that surface within you as you do so. What stands out for you as you focus on what you have created? How do you feel about your mandala? How is it speaking to you? Where is it leading you? What is it asking of you?
©Copyright Kaitlyn Steele 2025
Kaitlyn Steele
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