What is a Mandala?
The word "mandala" comes from the Indian language, Sanskrit, meaning "circle". This primordial shape is symbolic of many qualities such as unity, wholeness, perfection and divinity and has been prevalent in most cultures around the world. The center of the mandala represents our spirit or awareness.
Deeply metaphysical, the creation of each mandala is extremely meaningful. With each stroke, color and shape, the mandala is not only a work of art, but is truly a part of the artist. A mandala’s special message is said to speak, bringing clarity, serenity, and peace to a busy mind.
Colors:
Colors in the mandala are signifiant, and in themselves have meaning and may relate to the energy centers in our body called "chakras". While colors are in a variety of shades and values, the base colors themselves contain messages.
Basic interpretations of the colors:
Red is an energy color for life and healing evoking fire and deep burning emotions. It speaks of action.
Yellow is the color of light, warmth and the sun. As such, it is a source of light.
Blue expresses unfailing love, serenity and relaxation. It is calming and full of compassion and depth. Turquoise specifically represents truth, articulation and communication relating to the throat chakra.
White is not technically a color, but is shade that is a symbol of innocence and purity. It adds clarity to the spiritual experience, and represents divinity.
Orange represents warmth, intensity and fire. Orange is a prideful color, and adds self awareness.
Green has countless shades that are part of nature and represent health, growth and renewal. Along with pink, green also relates to the heart chakra.
Purple is a color of life. Vivid in intensity, it represents royalty, authority, and intuition.
Shapes
Color is only one facet of the mandala; the shapes within a mandala also contain meaning. Some of the most common shapes are circles spirals, triangles and squares.
Squares are stable and solid, showing security and a foundation of ideas. The square represents the building process.
Triangles are uniquely associated with dreams, goals and vision.
Flowers themselves represent our consciousness; however, each type of flower is symbolic of qualities such as wisdom, purity, kindness, perseverance, love, friendship, etc.
Spirals convey growth and learning. They bring a different perspective and represent change.
This brief understanding of the mandala is by no means comprehensive. The true meaning of each mandala is specific to the individual. So I welcome you as you begin your personal journey of enlightenment in the world of the mandala.