Resources<\/h4><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/span>Self Support<\/h1><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/spavert.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Resource_SpaVert_E17.jpg\")
<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/spavert.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Resource_SpaVert_E18.jpg\")
<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/spavert.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Resource_SpaVert_E19.jpg\")
<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/i><\/div><\/i><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/span>Self Worth<\/h2><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>With the ballpoint pen, carve a circle on each candle and make a dot in the center of the circle. This is the astrological symbol for the sun. Yellow, the sun\u2019s color, is also the color associated with the solar plexus chakra. Rub almond oil on the candles to dress them, and then position them in their holders. Dab a little almond oil on your solar plexus, too, to energize it.<\/p>\n
Place the four candles at the four cardinal directions and stand at the center of the space you\u2019ve defined. Starting at the east, move clockwise as you light the candles, making sure you\u2019ll be inside the circle when you\u2019ve finished. After you\u2019ve lit all four candles, spend a few minutes drawing the fire energy from the candles into yourself. Inhale the scent of almond oil and imagine a golden-yellow ball of light glowing in your solar plexus. Let this light expand until it fills your whole body with warmth and confidence.<\/p>\n
Pinch your right nostril shut, inhale through the left, and hold to the count of ten. Release, and exhale through the right nostril. Repeat this five times, then switch sides. As you do this alternate nostril breathing, sense your power growing.<\/p>\n
Spend as much time as you like in the circle of candlelight. When you\u2019re ready, extinguish the candles in reverse order from the direction you lit them and leave the circle.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/span>Chakra Balancing Ritual<\/h2><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>To do this ritual, you only need your imagination and willpower. Healers link each of the chakras with a color \u2013 it\u2019s sort of like having a rainbow running through your body.<\/p>\n
\n- First (root) chakra: Red<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Second (sacral) chakra: Orange<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Third (solar plexus) chakra: Yellow<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Fourth (heart) chakra: Green<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Fifth (throat) chakra: Blue<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Sixth (brow or third eye) chakra: Indigo<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Seventh (crown) chakra: Purple<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
Sit in a quiet, comfortable place and breathe slowly, deeply. Focus your attention on the first chakra, and send beautiful, clear red light there. Do this for a minute or two, until you feel warmth at this energy center. Then shift your attention to the second chakra and focus orange light there. Repeat, moving up through your body, sending the appropriate-colored light to each chakra. By the time you reach the top of your head, you\u2019ll feel more relaxed and balanced in body, mind and spirit. Try to do this every day to maintain personal harmony and well-being.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/span>Surrendering to your Life<\/h4><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>The intention of this ritual is to accept all that as happened to you so far, and to begin to see your life as a whole.<\/p>\n
Time: 1-2 hours; this can be split into two sections<\/h6>\n\n- You will need: Journal, paper and pen, a large piece of paper (or art paper or cardboard) for the mandala<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Objects for a mandala \u2013 appropriate art materials if you are going to draw; personal and\/or found objects if you are creating a tridimensional mandala (further instructions below)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/span>
Part 1: Saying Yes<\/p><\/h4><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>Good or bad, excruciating or ecstatic, the experiences you\u2019ve had so far in your life are what have formed you. By accepting them, acknowledging them and then studying them you can be released to continue your journey.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s often said that the only thing you can change is your own mind; or that the one choice you always have is how you interpret what happens to you. This ritual is designed to give you some freedom from, and acceptance from your past. Journeying to the Dark Goddess we cannot take anything with us and anything we try to take will only slow us down. And \u2013 perversely \u2013 we seem much more willing to leave behind \u2013 or to let go of \u2013 happy experiences than unhappy ones. Seeing all of your past as meaningful, and having shaped who you are will assist your path into the Underworld and towards meeting the Dark Goddess.<\/p>\n
\n- On two pages of your journal \u2013 or two loose sheets of paper \u2013 divide each page into two columns. Label the columns on the first page Positive Events and Acceptance of Positive. Label the columns on the second page Difficult Events and Acceptance of Difficult.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- In the column Positive Events write down all the wonderful things that have happened to you in your life (or as many as you can fit in!) These didn\u2019t have to be in chronological order \u2013 just however they come to you. They might include the circumstances of your birth; your childhood and education; your gifts and talents; characteristic or values you embody; significant relationships; experiences and understandings. You don\u2019t need to describe them, just list them.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Sometimes people have difficulty recognizing what is good in their lives; particularly when they are in a very bleak place. If this is happening to you, imagine you are someone else, looking at your life. What would this other person say were some of the wonderful things in your life? Maybe it\u2019s the culture and time you were born into; maybe it\u2019s the intellect, sense of humor or deep understanding; maybe it\u2019s that wonderful connection you had with your teachers at school; your joy in dancing; the children you\u2019ve loved.<\/p>\n
Do not progress with this exercise until you have managed to fill up this column with wonderful experiences and events in your life, even if you have to put this exercise down and continue another day, or ask someone else for help. Only when you have completed this first column you should continue.<\/p>\n
\n- In the column Negative Events write down all the difficult, painful and awful things that have happened to you in your life (at least the most significant ones). These could include illnesses; periods of unemployment or uncertainty; relationship break ups; losses and deaths; addictions; accidents; personality traits you\u2019re not proud; or things you were born with, or born into. Once again, they don\u2019t have to be in chronological order, or order of importance and you don\u2019t need to describe them in any way. Just list them. If you are having difficulty finding things to write in this column, you might imagine what someone else would say about your life.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- The column Acceptance of Positive is for you to record your acceptance of each of the wonderful things in your life on your list; regardless of whether they are due to luck, merit, hard work or someone else\u2019s love for you. Read the first item on your list and spend a moment taking it in and feeling what it means to have, or to have had, that in your life. Reach out to it with a deep acceptance and when you feel that acceptance, write YES in the Acceptance of Positive column, next to that item.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Move onto the second item and deal with it the same way. Follow through with all the items on this list.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Now look at the column called Acceptance of Difficulty. It is for you to record your acceptance of the difficult and painful things in your life you have listed; regardless of whether they are due to bad luck, circumstance, your lack of effort or ability or someone else\u2019s actions. Read the first item on your list and spend a moment really taking it in, feeling what it means to have, or to have had, that in your life. Reach out to it with a deep acceptance \u2013 you do not have to accept that it was good to have this in your life, but just acknowledge that you DID or DO have it in your life. When you feel acceptance, write YES in the Acceptance of Difficulty column, next to that item.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Move onto the second item and deal with the same way. Follow through with all the items on this list.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
There may be some items on the list you have some hard time writing YES next to. Remember you are not being asked to accept the value or merit of those things \u2013 simply that they are (or were) a part of your life. Writing YES next to them does not signal your approval, simply your acknowledgement that these things are included in the total of your life, with all their pain, difficulty, grief and disruption.<\/p>\n
When we accept what is real and what has happened, we are able to integrate it. While we still seek to deny or hide from it, it\u2019s as if we are stuck there, staring at that very thing we most hate. Try it. If need be, you can refer back to your first list. Seeing the fullness and beauty listed there, you may be able to better acknowledge that hard things come into all our lives, but they do not negate the power or truth of wonderful things.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/span>Part 2: Seeing the Whole: Making the Mandala<\/p><\/h4><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>A mandala is a design, usually circular and often geometrical or repetitive (but not always). It symbolizes the universe, or the whole. Mandalas visually represent your interpretation of a topic. They can be entirely free-form but they often begin with a structure, (such as dividing the circle into a certain number of segments), which is then filled in.<\/p>\n
Making mandalas, and later contemplating them can be a method of meditation, enquiry and reaching towards divisions. Mandalas are a way of both distilling and encrypting information (which can be feelings or thoughts) so that you can see more deeply into yourself. It is amazing how something you yourself created yourself can teach you so much about how you think and your own experience. Creating mandalas you concentrate mainly on the details; in looking at them afterwards, you see the whole and that whole can be quite startling.<\/p>\n
Anyone can create an mandala. The simplest way is to draw a circle \u2013 at least on a letter piece of paper, but larger if you have one \u2013 and divide it into sections. The number and placement of sections will be relevant to the topic of your mandala. If you wanted to create a mandala representing light and dark it might simply have a line drawn through the middle, horizontally. If you wished to create one representing the seasons you would divide it into four quarters. A more mutable design might be the phases of the moon and you might choose to make the lines out from the center curved, rather than straight, to represent the curving edge of the moon. The number of segments would depend on whether you choose to depict the moon\u2019s cycle as four phases, nine phases or twenty-eight.<\/p>\n
There\u2019s another way to create a mandala and that is a 3D mandala. I\u2019ve often done this outside; on the beach; in the garden or in the forest using found or brought objects. On the beach I draw out the circle and the dividing lines, and fill the sections with sand sculpture (usually abstract) and shells, seaweed, feathers \u2013 whatever you can find. In the forest I might use sticks as dividers for the circle (or you can use rocks whatever you can find) and place a blanket of leaves over the whole perhaps arranged by gradation of color or by type. I might add only a few objects \u2013 maybe seedpods or flowers. In the garden I\u2019ve made mandalas with food \u2013 spaghetti is great for dividing the segments \u2013 and I use lentils, split peas, pasta, rice and other grains to fill in the mandala, you can place flowers, cut fruit and candles into the mandala. I then leave this \u2013 apart from the candles \u2013 for the birds and animal as an offering.<\/p>\n
You can also create a 3D mandala inside, on your altar for instance. Divide the altar into the appropriate number of segments \u2013 these could even be on different levels, depending on the structure of your altar \u2013 and then place meaningful objects into each section. If you do construct one of these 3D altars, considering taking a photo of it before you leave it or dismantle it. You can paste the photo onto your journal and have it for further reflection.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/span>Creating Your Ritual Mandala<\/p><\/h4><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n- To begin with you may like to light a candle, or spend some time breathing quietly and centering yourself. Cast a circle or use some other method of preparation to enter a focused, sacred space. When you are ready, begin.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- On a page of your journal or a piece of paper list the sections of your life, chronologically. For example my sections might be: Childhood; adolescence; early-to-mid-twenties; late twenties (which includes having a baby); thirties; forties up until now. (you don\u2019t have to do it in decades; for you, something else may be a significant divider, such as countries you\u2019ve lived in or professions you\u2019ve followed.)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Count the sections of your life you have listed. This is how many segments your mandala will have (so my mandala would have six segments).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- It\u2019s also possible to create a mandala representing particular things \u2013 important moments in your life, the Descents you\u2019ve made to the Underworld or anything else \u2013 but for this exercise, cover the entirety of your life so far.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Now begin creating your mandala. Draw the mark in the outer boundary and divide the mandala into the number of segments you require, of roughly equal size using lines radiating out from the center.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Strat with the first period of your life you have listed. Choose which segment to place it in and \u2013 allowing yourself a light mind, you can select colors, shapes or objects by intuition, without a whole lot of critical thinking or trying to \u2018get it right\u2019 \u2013 begin filling the segment in.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- You may choose to fill the entire segment, or to place a few items, drawings or shapes into it, leaving the rest empty. Do whatever seems best to you.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- When it feels complete for the moment, move onto the next segment and the next part of your life on the list.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Continue, until you have complete the whole mandala.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Glance over the mandala \u2013 there may be some segments that feel unfinished to you, in which case you can add something more. Sometimes people write words around the mandala or create a border around it.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
When you\u2019ve finished you might want to take a break for a few minutes, to stretch, drink some water or close your eyes. Then come back to your complete mandala.<\/p>\n
\n- Study the mandala as if you were seeing it for the first time. Notice the colors of it. Notice how the segments relate to each other \u2013 whether they flow together, reflect or mirror each other or are completely different. Notice themes that reoccur, or segments that really stand out from the rest.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- In your journal or on some paper record your observations and what you think they might mean, as a reflection of the life you have lived until now.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Come back to this mandala in a week or a month, and see what other understandings you receive from it. An interesting thing to do is to ask someone else; perhaps someone who knows you quite well; to \u2018read\u2019 the mandala. Just ask them to comment on what they see, without knowing anything more than it represents the life you have lived. You will probably find at least some of their comments startling, insightful and supportive.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/span>
Manifesting your Intentions<\/h2><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>When you are manifesting your intentions, take into consideration the direction you face as you can capture the directional vibration. it is useful to go outside and let the wind help in this endeavor.<\/p>\n
North corresponds to the elements of earth. face north for health issues, healing of the body, spirituality, increasing or developing your intuition, using some type of divination, for transcending the physical and trying to communicate with someone telepathically, and in asking for guidance from whom ever or whatever you call your higher power. this is the most powerful direction.<\/p>\n
South corresponds to the element of fire. face south for love issues, relationships of any kind, creative and artistic pursuits, anything of a romantic or emotional nature.<\/p>\n
East corresponds to the element of air. face east for career issues, strength, clarity, new business opportunities, financial matters and any endeavour requiring extra energy, healing of the mind, new beginnings.<\/p>\n
West corresponds to the element of water. face west for letting go and moving on, increasing self esteem, forgiving yourself or someone else, cleansing, unconditional love.<\/p>\n
When in doubt as to which direction to turn, face north, because it is the foundation of all things.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/span>Books<\/p><\/h4><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n- The Only Way Out Is Within: Clear Your Energy System and Keep Yourself Emotionally and Physically Healthy<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Self Support<\/h1><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/i><\/div><\/i><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/span>Self Worth<\/h2><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>With the ballpoint pen, carve a circle on each candle and make a dot in the center of the circle. This is the astrological symbol for the sun. Yellow, the sun\u2019s color, is also the color associated with the solar plexus chakra. Rub almond oil on the candles to dress them, and then position them in their holders. Dab a little almond oil on your solar plexus, too, to energize it.<\/p>\n
Place the four candles at the four cardinal directions and stand at the center of the space you\u2019ve defined. Starting at the east, move clockwise as you light the candles, making sure you\u2019ll be inside the circle when you\u2019ve finished. After you\u2019ve lit all four candles, spend a few minutes drawing the fire energy from the candles into yourself. Inhale the scent of almond oil and imagine a golden-yellow ball of light glowing in your solar plexus. Let this light expand until it fills your whole body with warmth and confidence.<\/p>\n
Pinch your right nostril shut, inhale through the left, and hold to the count of ten. Release, and exhale through the right nostril. Repeat this five times, then switch sides. As you do this alternate nostril breathing, sense your power growing.<\/p>\n
Spend as much time as you like in the circle of candlelight. When you\u2019re ready, extinguish the candles in reverse order from the direction you lit them and leave the circle.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/span>Chakra Balancing Ritual<\/h2><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>To do this ritual, you only need your imagination and willpower. Healers link each of the chakras with a color \u2013 it\u2019s sort of like having a rainbow running through your body.<\/p>\n
\n- First (root) chakra: Red<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Second (sacral) chakra: Orange<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Third (solar plexus) chakra: Yellow<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Fourth (heart) chakra: Green<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Fifth (throat) chakra: Blue<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Sixth (brow or third eye) chakra: Indigo<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Seventh (crown) chakra: Purple<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
Sit in a quiet, comfortable place and breathe slowly, deeply. Focus your attention on the first chakra, and send beautiful, clear red light there. Do this for a minute or two, until you feel warmth at this energy center. Then shift your attention to the second chakra and focus orange light there. Repeat, moving up through your body, sending the appropriate-colored light to each chakra. By the time you reach the top of your head, you\u2019ll feel more relaxed and balanced in body, mind and spirit. Try to do this every day to maintain personal harmony and well-being.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/span>Surrendering to your Life<\/h4><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>The intention of this ritual is to accept all that as happened to you so far, and to begin to see your life as a whole.<\/p>\n
Time: 1-2 hours; this can be split into two sections<\/h6>\n\n- You will need: Journal, paper and pen, a large piece of paper (or art paper or cardboard) for the mandala<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Objects for a mandala \u2013 appropriate art materials if you are going to draw; personal and\/or found objects if you are creating a tridimensional mandala (further instructions below)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/span>
Part 1: Saying Yes<\/p><\/h4><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>Good or bad, excruciating or ecstatic, the experiences you\u2019ve had so far in your life are what have formed you. By accepting them, acknowledging them and then studying them you can be released to continue your journey.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s often said that the only thing you can change is your own mind; or that the one choice you always have is how you interpret what happens to you. This ritual is designed to give you some freedom from, and acceptance from your past. Journeying to the Dark Goddess we cannot take anything with us and anything we try to take will only slow us down. And \u2013 perversely \u2013 we seem much more willing to leave behind \u2013 or to let go of \u2013 happy experiences than unhappy ones. Seeing all of your past as meaningful, and having shaped who you are will assist your path into the Underworld and towards meeting the Dark Goddess.<\/p>\n
\n- On two pages of your journal \u2013 or two loose sheets of paper \u2013 divide each page into two columns. Label the columns on the first page Positive Events and Acceptance of Positive. Label the columns on the second page Difficult Events and Acceptance of Difficult.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- In the column Positive Events write down all the wonderful things that have happened to you in your life (or as many as you can fit in!) These didn\u2019t have to be in chronological order \u2013 just however they come to you. They might include the circumstances of your birth; your childhood and education; your gifts and talents; characteristic or values you embody; significant relationships; experiences and understandings. You don\u2019t need to describe them, just list them.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Sometimes people have difficulty recognizing what is good in their lives; particularly when they are in a very bleak place. If this is happening to you, imagine you are someone else, looking at your life. What would this other person say were some of the wonderful things in your life? Maybe it\u2019s the culture and time you were born into; maybe it\u2019s the intellect, sense of humor or deep understanding; maybe it\u2019s that wonderful connection you had with your teachers at school; your joy in dancing; the children you\u2019ve loved.<\/p>\n
Do not progress with this exercise until you have managed to fill up this column with wonderful experiences and events in your life, even if you have to put this exercise down and continue another day, or ask someone else for help. Only when you have completed this first column you should continue.<\/p>\n
\n- In the column Negative Events write down all the difficult, painful and awful things that have happened to you in your life (at least the most significant ones). These could include illnesses; periods of unemployment or uncertainty; relationship break ups; losses and deaths; addictions; accidents; personality traits you\u2019re not proud; or things you were born with, or born into. Once again, they don\u2019t have to be in chronological order, or order of importance and you don\u2019t need to describe them in any way. Just list them. If you are having difficulty finding things to write in this column, you might imagine what someone else would say about your life.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- The column Acceptance of Positive is for you to record your acceptance of each of the wonderful things in your life on your list; regardless of whether they are due to luck, merit, hard work or someone else\u2019s love for you. Read the first item on your list and spend a moment taking it in and feeling what it means to have, or to have had, that in your life. Reach out to it with a deep acceptance and when you feel that acceptance, write YES in the Acceptance of Positive column, next to that item.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Move onto the second item and deal with it the same way. Follow through with all the items on this list.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Now look at the column called Acceptance of Difficulty. It is for you to record your acceptance of the difficult and painful things in your life you have listed; regardless of whether they are due to bad luck, circumstance, your lack of effort or ability or someone else\u2019s actions. Read the first item on your list and spend a moment really taking it in, feeling what it means to have, or to have had, that in your life. Reach out to it with a deep acceptance \u2013 you do not have to accept that it was good to have this in your life, but just acknowledge that you DID or DO have it in your life. When you feel acceptance, write YES in the Acceptance of Difficulty column, next to that item.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Move onto the second item and deal with the same way. Follow through with all the items on this list.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
There may be some items on the list you have some hard time writing YES next to. Remember you are not being asked to accept the value or merit of those things \u2013 simply that they are (or were) a part of your life. Writing YES next to them does not signal your approval, simply your acknowledgement that these things are included in the total of your life, with all their pain, difficulty, grief and disruption.<\/p>\n
When we accept what is real and what has happened, we are able to integrate it. While we still seek to deny or hide from it, it\u2019s as if we are stuck there, staring at that very thing we most hate. Try it. If need be, you can refer back to your first list. Seeing the fullness and beauty listed there, you may be able to better acknowledge that hard things come into all our lives, but they do not negate the power or truth of wonderful things.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/span>Part 2: Seeing the Whole: Making the Mandala<\/p><\/h4><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>A mandala is a design, usually circular and often geometrical or repetitive (but not always). It symbolizes the universe, or the whole. Mandalas visually represent your interpretation of a topic. They can be entirely free-form but they often begin with a structure, (such as dividing the circle into a certain number of segments), which is then filled in.<\/p>\n
Making mandalas, and later contemplating them can be a method of meditation, enquiry and reaching towards divisions. Mandalas are a way of both distilling and encrypting information (which can be feelings or thoughts) so that you can see more deeply into yourself. It is amazing how something you yourself created yourself can teach you so much about how you think and your own experience. Creating mandalas you concentrate mainly on the details; in looking at them afterwards, you see the whole and that whole can be quite startling.<\/p>\n
Anyone can create an mandala. The simplest way is to draw a circle \u2013 at least on a letter piece of paper, but larger if you have one \u2013 and divide it into sections. The number and placement of sections will be relevant to the topic of your mandala. If you wanted to create a mandala representing light and dark it might simply have a line drawn through the middle, horizontally. If you wished to create one representing the seasons you would divide it into four quarters. A more mutable design might be the phases of the moon and you might choose to make the lines out from the center curved, rather than straight, to represent the curving edge of the moon. The number of segments would depend on whether you choose to depict the moon\u2019s cycle as four phases, nine phases or twenty-eight.<\/p>\n
There\u2019s another way to create a mandala and that is a 3D mandala. I\u2019ve often done this outside; on the beach; in the garden or in the forest using found or brought objects. On the beach I draw out the circle and the dividing lines, and fill the sections with sand sculpture (usually abstract) and shells, seaweed, feathers \u2013 whatever you can find. In the forest I might use sticks as dividers for the circle (or you can use rocks whatever you can find) and place a blanket of leaves over the whole perhaps arranged by gradation of color or by type. I might add only a few objects \u2013 maybe seedpods or flowers. In the garden I\u2019ve made mandalas with food \u2013 spaghetti is great for dividing the segments \u2013 and I use lentils, split peas, pasta, rice and other grains to fill in the mandala, you can place flowers, cut fruit and candles into the mandala. I then leave this \u2013 apart from the candles \u2013 for the birds and animal as an offering.<\/p>\n
You can also create a 3D mandala inside, on your altar for instance. Divide the altar into the appropriate number of segments \u2013 these could even be on different levels, depending on the structure of your altar \u2013 and then place meaningful objects into each section. If you do construct one of these 3D altars, considering taking a photo of it before you leave it or dismantle it. You can paste the photo onto your journal and have it for further reflection.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/span>Creating Your Ritual Mandala<\/p><\/h4><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n- To begin with you may like to light a candle, or spend some time breathing quietly and centering yourself. Cast a circle or use some other method of preparation to enter a focused, sacred space. When you are ready, begin.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- On a page of your journal or a piece of paper list the sections of your life, chronologically. For example my sections might be: Childhood; adolescence; early-to-mid-twenties; late twenties (which includes having a baby); thirties; forties up until now. (you don\u2019t have to do it in decades; for you, something else may be a significant divider, such as countries you\u2019ve lived in or professions you\u2019ve followed.)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Count the sections of your life you have listed. This is how many segments your mandala will have (so my mandala would have six segments).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- It\u2019s also possible to create a mandala representing particular things \u2013 important moments in your life, the Descents you\u2019ve made to the Underworld or anything else \u2013 but for this exercise, cover the entirety of your life so far.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Now begin creating your mandala. Draw the mark in the outer boundary and divide the mandala into the number of segments you require, of roughly equal size using lines radiating out from the center.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Strat with the first period of your life you have listed. Choose which segment to place it in and \u2013 allowing yourself a light mind, you can select colors, shapes or objects by intuition, without a whole lot of critical thinking or trying to \u2018get it right\u2019 \u2013 begin filling the segment in.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- You may choose to fill the entire segment, or to place a few items, drawings or shapes into it, leaving the rest empty. Do whatever seems best to you.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- When it feels complete for the moment, move onto the next segment and the next part of your life on the list.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Continue, until you have complete the whole mandala.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Glance over the mandala \u2013 there may be some segments that feel unfinished to you, in which case you can add something more. Sometimes people write words around the mandala or create a border around it.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
When you\u2019ve finished you might want to take a break for a few minutes, to stretch, drink some water or close your eyes. Then come back to your complete mandala.<\/p>\n
\n- Study the mandala as if you were seeing it for the first time. Notice the colors of it. Notice how the segments relate to each other \u2013 whether they flow together, reflect or mirror each other or are completely different. Notice themes that reoccur, or segments that really stand out from the rest.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- In your journal or on some paper record your observations and what you think they might mean, as a reflection of the life you have lived until now.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Come back to this mandala in a week or a month, and see what other understandings you receive from it. An interesting thing to do is to ask someone else; perhaps someone who knows you quite well; to \u2018read\u2019 the mandala. Just ask them to comment on what they see, without knowing anything more than it represents the life you have lived. You will probably find at least some of their comments startling, insightful and supportive.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/span>
Manifesting your Intentions<\/h2><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>When you are manifesting your intentions, take into consideration the direction you face as you can capture the directional vibration. it is useful to go outside and let the wind help in this endeavor.<\/p>\n
North corresponds to the elements of earth. face north for health issues, healing of the body, spirituality, increasing or developing your intuition, using some type of divination, for transcending the physical and trying to communicate with someone telepathically, and in asking for guidance from whom ever or whatever you call your higher power. this is the most powerful direction.<\/p>\n
South corresponds to the element of fire. face south for love issues, relationships of any kind, creative and artistic pursuits, anything of a romantic or emotional nature.<\/p>\n
East corresponds to the element of air. face east for career issues, strength, clarity, new business opportunities, financial matters and any endeavour requiring extra energy, healing of the mind, new beginnings.<\/p>\n
West corresponds to the element of water. face west for letting go and moving on, increasing self esteem, forgiving yourself or someone else, cleansing, unconditional love.<\/p>\n
When in doubt as to which direction to turn, face north, because it is the foundation of all things.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/span>Books<\/p><\/h4><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n- The Only Way Out Is Within: Clear Your Energy System and Keep Yourself Emotionally and Physically Healthy<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>Self Worth<\/h2><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>With the ballpoint pen, carve a circle on each candle and make a dot in the center of the circle. This is the astrological symbol for the sun. Yellow, the sun\u2019s color, is also the color associated with the solar plexus chakra. Rub almond oil on the candles to dress them, and then position them in their holders. Dab a little almond oil on your solar plexus, too, to energize it.<\/p>\n
Place the four candles at the four cardinal directions and stand at the center of the space you\u2019ve defined. Starting at the east, move clockwise as you light the candles, making sure you\u2019ll be inside the circle when you\u2019ve finished. After you\u2019ve lit all four candles, spend a few minutes drawing the fire energy from the candles into yourself. Inhale the scent of almond oil and imagine a golden-yellow ball of light glowing in your solar plexus. Let this light expand until it fills your whole body with warmth and confidence.<\/p>\n
Pinch your right nostril shut, inhale through the left, and hold to the count of ten. Release, and exhale through the right nostril. Repeat this five times, then switch sides. As you do this alternate nostril breathing, sense your power growing.<\/p>\n
Spend as much time as you like in the circle of candlelight. When you\u2019re ready, extinguish the candles in reverse order from the direction you lit them and leave the circle.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/span>Chakra Balancing Ritual<\/h2><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>To do this ritual, you only need your imagination and willpower. Healers link each of the chakras with a color \u2013 it\u2019s sort of like having a rainbow running through your body.<\/p>\n
\n- First (root) chakra: Red<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Second (sacral) chakra: Orange<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Third (solar plexus) chakra: Yellow<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Fourth (heart) chakra: Green<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Fifth (throat) chakra: Blue<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Sixth (brow or third eye) chakra: Indigo<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Seventh (crown) chakra: Purple<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
Sit in a quiet, comfortable place and breathe slowly, deeply. Focus your attention on the first chakra, and send beautiful, clear red light there. Do this for a minute or two, until you feel warmth at this energy center. Then shift your attention to the second chakra and focus orange light there. Repeat, moving up through your body, sending the appropriate-colored light to each chakra. By the time you reach the top of your head, you\u2019ll feel more relaxed and balanced in body, mind and spirit. Try to do this every day to maintain personal harmony and well-being.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/span>Surrendering to your Life<\/h4><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>The intention of this ritual is to accept all that as happened to you so far, and to begin to see your life as a whole.<\/p>\n
Time: 1-2 hours; this can be split into two sections<\/h6>\n\n- You will need: Journal, paper and pen, a large piece of paper (or art paper or cardboard) for the mandala<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Objects for a mandala \u2013 appropriate art materials if you are going to draw; personal and\/or found objects if you are creating a tridimensional mandala (further instructions below)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/span>
Part 1: Saying Yes<\/p><\/h4><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>Good or bad, excruciating or ecstatic, the experiences you\u2019ve had so far in your life are what have formed you. By accepting them, acknowledging them and then studying them you can be released to continue your journey.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s often said that the only thing you can change is your own mind; or that the one choice you always have is how you interpret what happens to you. This ritual is designed to give you some freedom from, and acceptance from your past. Journeying to the Dark Goddess we cannot take anything with us and anything we try to take will only slow us down. And \u2013 perversely \u2013 we seem much more willing to leave behind \u2013 or to let go of \u2013 happy experiences than unhappy ones. Seeing all of your past as meaningful, and having shaped who you are will assist your path into the Underworld and towards meeting the Dark Goddess.<\/p>\n
\n- On two pages of your journal \u2013 or two loose sheets of paper \u2013 divide each page into two columns. Label the columns on the first page Positive Events and Acceptance of Positive. Label the columns on the second page Difficult Events and Acceptance of Difficult.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- In the column Positive Events write down all the wonderful things that have happened to you in your life (or as many as you can fit in!) These didn\u2019t have to be in chronological order \u2013 just however they come to you. They might include the circumstances of your birth; your childhood and education; your gifts and talents; characteristic or values you embody; significant relationships; experiences and understandings. You don\u2019t need to describe them, just list them.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Sometimes people have difficulty recognizing what is good in their lives; particularly when they are in a very bleak place. If this is happening to you, imagine you are someone else, looking at your life. What would this other person say were some of the wonderful things in your life? Maybe it\u2019s the culture and time you were born into; maybe it\u2019s the intellect, sense of humor or deep understanding; maybe it\u2019s that wonderful connection you had with your teachers at school; your joy in dancing; the children you\u2019ve loved.<\/p>\n
Do not progress with this exercise until you have managed to fill up this column with wonderful experiences and events in your life, even if you have to put this exercise down and continue another day, or ask someone else for help. Only when you have completed this first column you should continue.<\/p>\n
\n- In the column Negative Events write down all the difficult, painful and awful things that have happened to you in your life (at least the most significant ones). These could include illnesses; periods of unemployment or uncertainty; relationship break ups; losses and deaths; addictions; accidents; personality traits you\u2019re not proud; or things you were born with, or born into. Once again, they don\u2019t have to be in chronological order, or order of importance and you don\u2019t need to describe them in any way. Just list them. If you are having difficulty finding things to write in this column, you might imagine what someone else would say about your life.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- The column Acceptance of Positive is for you to record your acceptance of each of the wonderful things in your life on your list; regardless of whether they are due to luck, merit, hard work or someone else\u2019s love for you. Read the first item on your list and spend a moment taking it in and feeling what it means to have, or to have had, that in your life. Reach out to it with a deep acceptance and when you feel that acceptance, write YES in the Acceptance of Positive column, next to that item.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Move onto the second item and deal with it the same way. Follow through with all the items on this list.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Now look at the column called Acceptance of Difficulty. It is for you to record your acceptance of the difficult and painful things in your life you have listed; regardless of whether they are due to bad luck, circumstance, your lack of effort or ability or someone else\u2019s actions. Read the first item on your list and spend a moment really taking it in, feeling what it means to have, or to have had, that in your life. Reach out to it with a deep acceptance \u2013 you do not have to accept that it was good to have this in your life, but just acknowledge that you DID or DO have it in your life. When you feel acceptance, write YES in the Acceptance of Difficulty column, next to that item.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Move onto the second item and deal with the same way. Follow through with all the items on this list.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
There may be some items on the list you have some hard time writing YES next to. Remember you are not being asked to accept the value or merit of those things \u2013 simply that they are (or were) a part of your life. Writing YES next to them does not signal your approval, simply your acknowledgement that these things are included in the total of your life, with all their pain, difficulty, grief and disruption.<\/p>\n
When we accept what is real and what has happened, we are able to integrate it. While we still seek to deny or hide from it, it\u2019s as if we are stuck there, staring at that very thing we most hate. Try it. If need be, you can refer back to your first list. Seeing the fullness and beauty listed there, you may be able to better acknowledge that hard things come into all our lives, but they do not negate the power or truth of wonderful things.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/span>Part 2: Seeing the Whole: Making the Mandala<\/p><\/h4><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>A mandala is a design, usually circular and often geometrical or repetitive (but not always). It symbolizes the universe, or the whole. Mandalas visually represent your interpretation of a topic. They can be entirely free-form but they often begin with a structure, (such as dividing the circle into a certain number of segments), which is then filled in.<\/p>\n
Making mandalas, and later contemplating them can be a method of meditation, enquiry and reaching towards divisions. Mandalas are a way of both distilling and encrypting information (which can be feelings or thoughts) so that you can see more deeply into yourself. It is amazing how something you yourself created yourself can teach you so much about how you think and your own experience. Creating mandalas you concentrate mainly on the details; in looking at them afterwards, you see the whole and that whole can be quite startling.<\/p>\n
Anyone can create an mandala. The simplest way is to draw a circle \u2013 at least on a letter piece of paper, but larger if you have one \u2013 and divide it into sections. The number and placement of sections will be relevant to the topic of your mandala. If you wanted to create a mandala representing light and dark it might simply have a line drawn through the middle, horizontally. If you wished to create one representing the seasons you would divide it into four quarters. A more mutable design might be the phases of the moon and you might choose to make the lines out from the center curved, rather than straight, to represent the curving edge of the moon. The number of segments would depend on whether you choose to depict the moon\u2019s cycle as four phases, nine phases or twenty-eight.<\/p>\n
There\u2019s another way to create a mandala and that is a 3D mandala. I\u2019ve often done this outside; on the beach; in the garden or in the forest using found or brought objects. On the beach I draw out the circle and the dividing lines, and fill the sections with sand sculpture (usually abstract) and shells, seaweed, feathers \u2013 whatever you can find. In the forest I might use sticks as dividers for the circle (or you can use rocks whatever you can find) and place a blanket of leaves over the whole perhaps arranged by gradation of color or by type. I might add only a few objects \u2013 maybe seedpods or flowers. In the garden I\u2019ve made mandalas with food \u2013 spaghetti is great for dividing the segments \u2013 and I use lentils, split peas, pasta, rice and other grains to fill in the mandala, you can place flowers, cut fruit and candles into the mandala. I then leave this \u2013 apart from the candles \u2013 for the birds and animal as an offering.<\/p>\n
You can also create a 3D mandala inside, on your altar for instance. Divide the altar into the appropriate number of segments \u2013 these could even be on different levels, depending on the structure of your altar \u2013 and then place meaningful objects into each section. If you do construct one of these 3D altars, considering taking a photo of it before you leave it or dismantle it. You can paste the photo onto your journal and have it for further reflection.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/span>Creating Your Ritual Mandala<\/p><\/h4><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n- To begin with you may like to light a candle, or spend some time breathing quietly and centering yourself. Cast a circle or use some other method of preparation to enter a focused, sacred space. When you are ready, begin.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- On a page of your journal or a piece of paper list the sections of your life, chronologically. For example my sections might be: Childhood; adolescence; early-to-mid-twenties; late twenties (which includes having a baby); thirties; forties up until now. (you don\u2019t have to do it in decades; for you, something else may be a significant divider, such as countries you\u2019ve lived in or professions you\u2019ve followed.)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Count the sections of your life you have listed. This is how many segments your mandala will have (so my mandala would have six segments).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- It\u2019s also possible to create a mandala representing particular things \u2013 important moments in your life, the Descents you\u2019ve made to the Underworld or anything else \u2013 but for this exercise, cover the entirety of your life so far.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Now begin creating your mandala. Draw the mark in the outer boundary and divide the mandala into the number of segments you require, of roughly equal size using lines radiating out from the center.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Strat with the first period of your life you have listed. Choose which segment to place it in and \u2013 allowing yourself a light mind, you can select colors, shapes or objects by intuition, without a whole lot of critical thinking or trying to \u2018get it right\u2019 \u2013 begin filling the segment in.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- You may choose to fill the entire segment, or to place a few items, drawings or shapes into it, leaving the rest empty. Do whatever seems best to you.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- When it feels complete for the moment, move onto the next segment and the next part of your life on the list.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Continue, until you have complete the whole mandala.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Glance over the mandala \u2013 there may be some segments that feel unfinished to you, in which case you can add something more. Sometimes people write words around the mandala or create a border around it.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
When you\u2019ve finished you might want to take a break for a few minutes, to stretch, drink some water or close your eyes. Then come back to your complete mandala.<\/p>\n
\n- Study the mandala as if you were seeing it for the first time. Notice the colors of it. Notice how the segments relate to each other \u2013 whether they flow together, reflect or mirror each other or are completely different. Notice themes that reoccur, or segments that really stand out from the rest.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- In your journal or on some paper record your observations and what you think they might mean, as a reflection of the life you have lived until now.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Come back to this mandala in a week or a month, and see what other understandings you receive from it. An interesting thing to do is to ask someone else; perhaps someone who knows you quite well; to \u2018read\u2019 the mandala. Just ask them to comment on what they see, without knowing anything more than it represents the life you have lived. You will probably find at least some of their comments startling, insightful and supportive.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/span>
Manifesting your Intentions<\/h2><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>When you are manifesting your intentions, take into consideration the direction you face as you can capture the directional vibration. it is useful to go outside and let the wind help in this endeavor.<\/p>\n
North corresponds to the elements of earth. face north for health issues, healing of the body, spirituality, increasing or developing your intuition, using some type of divination, for transcending the physical and trying to communicate with someone telepathically, and in asking for guidance from whom ever or whatever you call your higher power. this is the most powerful direction.<\/p>\n
South corresponds to the element of fire. face south for love issues, relationships of any kind, creative and artistic pursuits, anything of a romantic or emotional nature.<\/p>\n
East corresponds to the element of air. face east for career issues, strength, clarity, new business opportunities, financial matters and any endeavour requiring extra energy, healing of the mind, new beginnings.<\/p>\n
West corresponds to the element of water. face west for letting go and moving on, increasing self esteem, forgiving yourself or someone else, cleansing, unconditional love.<\/p>\n
When in doubt as to which direction to turn, face north, because it is the foundation of all things.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/span>Books<\/p><\/h4><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n- The Only Way Out Is Within: Clear Your Energy System and Keep Yourself Emotionally and Physically Healthy<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
With the ballpoint pen, carve a circle on each candle and make a dot in the center of the circle. This is the astrological symbol for the sun. Yellow, the sun\u2019s color, is also the color associated with the solar plexus chakra. Rub almond oil on the candles to dress them, and then position them in their holders. Dab a little almond oil on your solar plexus, too, to energize it.<\/p>\n
Place the four candles at the four cardinal directions and stand at the center of the space you\u2019ve defined. Starting at the east, move clockwise as you light the candles, making sure you\u2019ll be inside the circle when you\u2019ve finished. After you\u2019ve lit all four candles, spend a few minutes drawing the fire energy from the candles into yourself. Inhale the scent of almond oil and imagine a golden-yellow ball of light glowing in your solar plexus. Let this light expand until it fills your whole body with warmth and confidence.<\/p>\n
Pinch your right nostril shut, inhale through the left, and hold to the count of ten. Release, and exhale through the right nostril. Repeat this five times, then switch sides. As you do this alternate nostril breathing, sense your power growing.<\/p>\n
Spend as much time as you like in the circle of candlelight. When you\u2019re ready, extinguish the candles in reverse order from the direction you lit them and leave the circle.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
Chakra Balancing Ritual<\/h2><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>To do this ritual, you only need your imagination and willpower. Healers link each of the chakras with a color \u2013 it\u2019s sort of like having a rainbow running through your body.<\/p>\n
\n- First (root) chakra: Red<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Second (sacral) chakra: Orange<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Third (solar plexus) chakra: Yellow<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Fourth (heart) chakra: Green<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Fifth (throat) chakra: Blue<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Sixth (brow or third eye) chakra: Indigo<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Seventh (crown) chakra: Purple<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
Sit in a quiet, comfortable place and breathe slowly, deeply. Focus your attention on the first chakra, and send beautiful, clear red light there. Do this for a minute or two, until you feel warmth at this energy center. Then shift your attention to the second chakra and focus orange light there. Repeat, moving up through your body, sending the appropriate-colored light to each chakra. By the time you reach the top of your head, you\u2019ll feel more relaxed and balanced in body, mind and spirit. Try to do this every day to maintain personal harmony and well-being.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/span>Surrendering to your Life<\/h4><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>The intention of this ritual is to accept all that as happened to you so far, and to begin to see your life as a whole.<\/p>\n
Time: 1-2 hours; this can be split into two sections<\/h6>\n\n- You will need: Journal, paper and pen, a large piece of paper (or art paper or cardboard) for the mandala<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Objects for a mandala \u2013 appropriate art materials if you are going to draw; personal and\/or found objects if you are creating a tridimensional mandala (further instructions below)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/span>
Part 1: Saying Yes<\/p><\/h4><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>Good or bad, excruciating or ecstatic, the experiences you\u2019ve had so far in your life are what have formed you. By accepting them, acknowledging them and then studying them you can be released to continue your journey.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s often said that the only thing you can change is your own mind; or that the one choice you always have is how you interpret what happens to you. This ritual is designed to give you some freedom from, and acceptance from your past. Journeying to the Dark Goddess we cannot take anything with us and anything we try to take will only slow us down. And \u2013 perversely \u2013 we seem much more willing to leave behind \u2013 or to let go of \u2013 happy experiences than unhappy ones. Seeing all of your past as meaningful, and having shaped who you are will assist your path into the Underworld and towards meeting the Dark Goddess.<\/p>\n
\n- On two pages of your journal \u2013 or two loose sheets of paper \u2013 divide each page into two columns. Label the columns on the first page Positive Events and Acceptance of Positive. Label the columns on the second page Difficult Events and Acceptance of Difficult.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- In the column Positive Events write down all the wonderful things that have happened to you in your life (or as many as you can fit in!) These didn\u2019t have to be in chronological order \u2013 just however they come to you. They might include the circumstances of your birth; your childhood and education; your gifts and talents; characteristic or values you embody; significant relationships; experiences and understandings. You don\u2019t need to describe them, just list them.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Sometimes people have difficulty recognizing what is good in their lives; particularly when they are in a very bleak place. If this is happening to you, imagine you are someone else, looking at your life. What would this other person say were some of the wonderful things in your life? Maybe it\u2019s the culture and time you were born into; maybe it\u2019s the intellect, sense of humor or deep understanding; maybe it\u2019s that wonderful connection you had with your teachers at school; your joy in dancing; the children you\u2019ve loved.<\/p>\n
Do not progress with this exercise until you have managed to fill up this column with wonderful experiences and events in your life, even if you have to put this exercise down and continue another day, or ask someone else for help. Only when you have completed this first column you should continue.<\/p>\n
\n- In the column Negative Events write down all the difficult, painful and awful things that have happened to you in your life (at least the most significant ones). These could include illnesses; periods of unemployment or uncertainty; relationship break ups; losses and deaths; addictions; accidents; personality traits you\u2019re not proud; or things you were born with, or born into. Once again, they don\u2019t have to be in chronological order, or order of importance and you don\u2019t need to describe them in any way. Just list them. If you are having difficulty finding things to write in this column, you might imagine what someone else would say about your life.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- The column Acceptance of Positive is for you to record your acceptance of each of the wonderful things in your life on your list; regardless of whether they are due to luck, merit, hard work or someone else\u2019s love for you. Read the first item on your list and spend a moment taking it in and feeling what it means to have, or to have had, that in your life. Reach out to it with a deep acceptance and when you feel that acceptance, write YES in the Acceptance of Positive column, next to that item.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Move onto the second item and deal with it the same way. Follow through with all the items on this list.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Now look at the column called Acceptance of Difficulty. It is for you to record your acceptance of the difficult and painful things in your life you have listed; regardless of whether they are due to bad luck, circumstance, your lack of effort or ability or someone else\u2019s actions. Read the first item on your list and spend a moment really taking it in, feeling what it means to have, or to have had, that in your life. Reach out to it with a deep acceptance \u2013 you do not have to accept that it was good to have this in your life, but just acknowledge that you DID or DO have it in your life. When you feel acceptance, write YES in the Acceptance of Difficulty column, next to that item.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Move onto the second item and deal with the same way. Follow through with all the items on this list.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
There may be some items on the list you have some hard time writing YES next to. Remember you are not being asked to accept the value or merit of those things \u2013 simply that they are (or were) a part of your life. Writing YES next to them does not signal your approval, simply your acknowledgement that these things are included in the total of your life, with all their pain, difficulty, grief and disruption.<\/p>\n
When we accept what is real and what has happened, we are able to integrate it. While we still seek to deny or hide from it, it\u2019s as if we are stuck there, staring at that very thing we most hate. Try it. If need be, you can refer back to your first list. Seeing the fullness and beauty listed there, you may be able to better acknowledge that hard things come into all our lives, but they do not negate the power or truth of wonderful things.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/span>Part 2: Seeing the Whole: Making the Mandala<\/p><\/h4><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>A mandala is a design, usually circular and often geometrical or repetitive (but not always). It symbolizes the universe, or the whole. Mandalas visually represent your interpretation of a topic. They can be entirely free-form but they often begin with a structure, (such as dividing the circle into a certain number of segments), which is then filled in.<\/p>\n
Making mandalas, and later contemplating them can be a method of meditation, enquiry and reaching towards divisions. Mandalas are a way of both distilling and encrypting information (which can be feelings or thoughts) so that you can see more deeply into yourself. It is amazing how something you yourself created yourself can teach you so much about how you think and your own experience. Creating mandalas you concentrate mainly on the details; in looking at them afterwards, you see the whole and that whole can be quite startling.<\/p>\n
Anyone can create an mandala. The simplest way is to draw a circle \u2013 at least on a letter piece of paper, but larger if you have one \u2013 and divide it into sections. The number and placement of sections will be relevant to the topic of your mandala. If you wanted to create a mandala representing light and dark it might simply have a line drawn through the middle, horizontally. If you wished to create one representing the seasons you would divide it into four quarters. A more mutable design might be the phases of the moon and you might choose to make the lines out from the center curved, rather than straight, to represent the curving edge of the moon. The number of segments would depend on whether you choose to depict the moon\u2019s cycle as four phases, nine phases or twenty-eight.<\/p>\n
There\u2019s another way to create a mandala and that is a 3D mandala. I\u2019ve often done this outside; on the beach; in the garden or in the forest using found or brought objects. On the beach I draw out the circle and the dividing lines, and fill the sections with sand sculpture (usually abstract) and shells, seaweed, feathers \u2013 whatever you can find. In the forest I might use sticks as dividers for the circle (or you can use rocks whatever you can find) and place a blanket of leaves over the whole perhaps arranged by gradation of color or by type. I might add only a few objects \u2013 maybe seedpods or flowers. In the garden I\u2019ve made mandalas with food \u2013 spaghetti is great for dividing the segments \u2013 and I use lentils, split peas, pasta, rice and other grains to fill in the mandala, you can place flowers, cut fruit and candles into the mandala. I then leave this \u2013 apart from the candles \u2013 for the birds and animal as an offering.<\/p>\n
You can also create a 3D mandala inside, on your altar for instance. Divide the altar into the appropriate number of segments \u2013 these could even be on different levels, depending on the structure of your altar \u2013 and then place meaningful objects into each section. If you do construct one of these 3D altars, considering taking a photo of it before you leave it or dismantle it. You can paste the photo onto your journal and have it for further reflection.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/span>Creating Your Ritual Mandala<\/p><\/h4><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n- To begin with you may like to light a candle, or spend some time breathing quietly and centering yourself. Cast a circle or use some other method of preparation to enter a focused, sacred space. When you are ready, begin.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- On a page of your journal or a piece of paper list the sections of your life, chronologically. For example my sections might be: Childhood; adolescence; early-to-mid-twenties; late twenties (which includes having a baby); thirties; forties up until now. (you don\u2019t have to do it in decades; for you, something else may be a significant divider, such as countries you\u2019ve lived in or professions you\u2019ve followed.)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Count the sections of your life you have listed. This is how many segments your mandala will have (so my mandala would have six segments).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- It\u2019s also possible to create a mandala representing particular things \u2013 important moments in your life, the Descents you\u2019ve made to the Underworld or anything else \u2013 but for this exercise, cover the entirety of your life so far.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Now begin creating your mandala. Draw the mark in the outer boundary and divide the mandala into the number of segments you require, of roughly equal size using lines radiating out from the center.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Strat with the first period of your life you have listed. Choose which segment to place it in and \u2013 allowing yourself a light mind, you can select colors, shapes or objects by intuition, without a whole lot of critical thinking or trying to \u2018get it right\u2019 \u2013 begin filling the segment in.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- You may choose to fill the entire segment, or to place a few items, drawings or shapes into it, leaving the rest empty. Do whatever seems best to you.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- When it feels complete for the moment, move onto the next segment and the next part of your life on the list.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Continue, until you have complete the whole mandala.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Glance over the mandala \u2013 there may be some segments that feel unfinished to you, in which case you can add something more. Sometimes people write words around the mandala or create a border around it.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
When you\u2019ve finished you might want to take a break for a few minutes, to stretch, drink some water or close your eyes. Then come back to your complete mandala.<\/p>\n
\n- Study the mandala as if you were seeing it for the first time. Notice the colors of it. Notice how the segments relate to each other \u2013 whether they flow together, reflect or mirror each other or are completely different. Notice themes that reoccur, or segments that really stand out from the rest.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- In your journal or on some paper record your observations and what you think they might mean, as a reflection of the life you have lived until now.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Come back to this mandala in a week or a month, and see what other understandings you receive from it. An interesting thing to do is to ask someone else; perhaps someone who knows you quite well; to \u2018read\u2019 the mandala. Just ask them to comment on what they see, without knowing anything more than it represents the life you have lived. You will probably find at least some of their comments startling, insightful and supportive.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/span>
Manifesting your Intentions<\/h2><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>When you are manifesting your intentions, take into consideration the direction you face as you can capture the directional vibration. it is useful to go outside and let the wind help in this endeavor.<\/p>\n
North corresponds to the elements of earth. face north for health issues, healing of the body, spirituality, increasing or developing your intuition, using some type of divination, for transcending the physical and trying to communicate with someone telepathically, and in asking for guidance from whom ever or whatever you call your higher power. this is the most powerful direction.<\/p>\n
South corresponds to the element of fire. face south for love issues, relationships of any kind, creative and artistic pursuits, anything of a romantic or emotional nature.<\/p>\n
East corresponds to the element of air. face east for career issues, strength, clarity, new business opportunities, financial matters and any endeavour requiring extra energy, healing of the mind, new beginnings.<\/p>\n
West corresponds to the element of water. face west for letting go and moving on, increasing self esteem, forgiving yourself or someone else, cleansing, unconditional love.<\/p>\n
When in doubt as to which direction to turn, face north, because it is the foundation of all things.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/span>Books<\/p><\/h4><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n- The Only Way Out Is Within: Clear Your Energy System and Keep Yourself Emotionally and Physically Healthy<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
To do this ritual, you only need your imagination and willpower. Healers link each of the chakras with a color \u2013 it\u2019s sort of like having a rainbow running through your body.<\/p>\n
- \n
- First (root) chakra: Red<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- \n
- Second (sacral) chakra: Orange<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- \n
- Third (solar plexus) chakra: Yellow<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- \n
- Fourth (heart) chakra: Green<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- \n
- Fifth (throat) chakra: Blue<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- \n
- Sixth (brow or third eye) chakra: Indigo<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- \n
- Seventh (crown) chakra: Purple<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
Sit in a quiet, comfortable place and breathe slowly, deeply. Focus your attention on the first chakra, and send beautiful, clear red light there. Do this for a minute or two, until you feel warmth at this energy center. Then shift your attention to the second chakra and focus orange light there. Repeat, moving up through your body, sending the appropriate-colored light to each chakra. By the time you reach the top of your head, you\u2019ll feel more relaxed and balanced in body, mind and spirit. Try to do this every day to maintain personal harmony and well-being.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/span>Surrendering to your Life<\/h4><\/span>
<\/div><\/div><\/div>The intention of this ritual is to accept all that as happened to you so far, and to begin to see your life as a whole.<\/p>\n
Time: 1-2 hours; this can be split into two sections<\/h6>\n
- \n
- You will need: Journal, paper and pen, a large piece of paper (or art paper or cardboard) for the mandala<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- \n
- Objects for a mandala \u2013 appropriate art materials if you are going to draw; personal and\/or found objects if you are creating a tridimensional mandala (further instructions below)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/span>
Part 1: Saying Yes<\/p><\/h4><\/span>
<\/div><\/div><\/div>Good or bad, excruciating or ecstatic, the experiences you\u2019ve had so far in your life are what have formed you. By accepting them, acknowledging them and then studying them you can be released to continue your journey.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s often said that the only thing you can change is your own mind; or that the one choice you always have is how you interpret what happens to you. This ritual is designed to give you some freedom from, and acceptance from your past. Journeying to the Dark Goddess we cannot take anything with us and anything we try to take will only slow us down. And \u2013 perversely \u2013 we seem much more willing to leave behind \u2013 or to let go of \u2013 happy experiences than unhappy ones. Seeing all of your past as meaningful, and having shaped who you are will assist your path into the Underworld and towards meeting the Dark Goddess.<\/p>\n
- \n
- On two pages of your journal \u2013 or two loose sheets of paper \u2013 divide each page into two columns. Label the columns on the first page Positive Events and Acceptance of Positive. Label the columns on the second page Difficult Events and Acceptance of Difficult.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- \n
- In the column Positive Events write down all the wonderful things that have happened to you in your life (or as many as you can fit in!) These didn\u2019t have to be in chronological order \u2013 just however they come to you. They might include the circumstances of your birth; your childhood and education; your gifts and talents; characteristic or values you embody; significant relationships; experiences and understandings. You don\u2019t need to describe them, just list them.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Sometimes people have difficulty recognizing what is good in their lives; particularly when they are in a very bleak place. If this is happening to you, imagine you are someone else, looking at your life. What would this other person say were some of the wonderful things in your life? Maybe it\u2019s the culture and time you were born into; maybe it\u2019s the intellect, sense of humor or deep understanding; maybe it\u2019s that wonderful connection you had with your teachers at school; your joy in dancing; the children you\u2019ve loved.<\/p>\n
Do not progress with this exercise until you have managed to fill up this column with wonderful experiences and events in your life, even if you have to put this exercise down and continue another day, or ask someone else for help. Only when you have completed this first column you should continue.<\/p>\n
- \n
- In the column Negative Events write down all the difficult, painful and awful things that have happened to you in your life (at least the most significant ones). These could include illnesses; periods of unemployment or uncertainty; relationship break ups; losses and deaths; addictions; accidents; personality traits you\u2019re not proud; or things you were born with, or born into. Once again, they don\u2019t have to be in chronological order, or order of importance and you don\u2019t need to describe them in any way. Just list them. If you are having difficulty finding things to write in this column, you might imagine what someone else would say about your life.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- \n
- The column Acceptance of Positive is for you to record your acceptance of each of the wonderful things in your life on your list; regardless of whether they are due to luck, merit, hard work or someone else\u2019s love for you. Read the first item on your list and spend a moment taking it in and feeling what it means to have, or to have had, that in your life. Reach out to it with a deep acceptance and when you feel that acceptance, write YES in the Acceptance of Positive column, next to that item.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- \n
- Move onto the second item and deal with it the same way. Follow through with all the items on this list.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- \n
- Now look at the column called Acceptance of Difficulty. It is for you to record your acceptance of the difficult and painful things in your life you have listed; regardless of whether they are due to bad luck, circumstance, your lack of effort or ability or someone else\u2019s actions. Read the first item on your list and spend a moment really taking it in, feeling what it means to have, or to have had, that in your life. Reach out to it with a deep acceptance \u2013 you do not have to accept that it was good to have this in your life, but just acknowledge that you DID or DO have it in your life. When you feel acceptance, write YES in the Acceptance of Difficulty column, next to that item.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- \n
- Move onto the second item and deal with the same way. Follow through with all the items on this list.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
There may be some items on the list you have some hard time writing YES next to. Remember you are not being asked to accept the value or merit of those things \u2013 simply that they are (or were) a part of your life. Writing YES next to them does not signal your approval, simply your acknowledgement that these things are included in the total of your life, with all their pain, difficulty, grief and disruption.<\/p>\n
When we accept what is real and what has happened, we are able to integrate it. While we still seek to deny or hide from it, it\u2019s as if we are stuck there, staring at that very thing we most hate. Try it. If need be, you can refer back to your first list. Seeing the fullness and beauty listed there, you may be able to better acknowledge that hard things come into all our lives, but they do not negate the power or truth of wonderful things.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/span>Part 2: Seeing the Whole: Making the Mandala<\/p><\/h4><\/span>
<\/div><\/div><\/div>A mandala is a design, usually circular and often geometrical or repetitive (but not always). It symbolizes the universe, or the whole. Mandalas visually represent your interpretation of a topic. They can be entirely free-form but they often begin with a structure, (such as dividing the circle into a certain number of segments), which is then filled in.<\/p>\n
Making mandalas, and later contemplating them can be a method of meditation, enquiry and reaching towards divisions. Mandalas are a way of both distilling and encrypting information (which can be feelings or thoughts) so that you can see more deeply into yourself. It is amazing how something you yourself created yourself can teach you so much about how you think and your own experience. Creating mandalas you concentrate mainly on the details; in looking at them afterwards, you see the whole and that whole can be quite startling.<\/p>\n
Anyone can create an mandala. The simplest way is to draw a circle \u2013 at least on a letter piece of paper, but larger if you have one \u2013 and divide it into sections. The number and placement of sections will be relevant to the topic of your mandala. If you wanted to create a mandala representing light and dark it might simply have a line drawn through the middle, horizontally. If you wished to create one representing the seasons you would divide it into four quarters. A more mutable design might be the phases of the moon and you might choose to make the lines out from the center curved, rather than straight, to represent the curving edge of the moon. The number of segments would depend on whether you choose to depict the moon\u2019s cycle as four phases, nine phases or twenty-eight.<\/p>\n
There\u2019s another way to create a mandala and that is a 3D mandala. I\u2019ve often done this outside; on the beach; in the garden or in the forest using found or brought objects. On the beach I draw out the circle and the dividing lines, and fill the sections with sand sculpture (usually abstract) and shells, seaweed, feathers \u2013 whatever you can find. In the forest I might use sticks as dividers for the circle (or you can use rocks whatever you can find) and place a blanket of leaves over the whole perhaps arranged by gradation of color or by type. I might add only a few objects \u2013 maybe seedpods or flowers. In the garden I\u2019ve made mandalas with food \u2013 spaghetti is great for dividing the segments \u2013 and I use lentils, split peas, pasta, rice and other grains to fill in the mandala, you can place flowers, cut fruit and candles into the mandala. I then leave this \u2013 apart from the candles \u2013 for the birds and animal as an offering.<\/p>\n
You can also create a 3D mandala inside, on your altar for instance. Divide the altar into the appropriate number of segments \u2013 these could even be on different levels, depending on the structure of your altar \u2013 and then place meaningful objects into each section. If you do construct one of these 3D altars, considering taking a photo of it before you leave it or dismantle it. You can paste the photo onto your journal and have it for further reflection.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/span>Creating Your Ritual Mandala<\/p><\/h4><\/span>
<\/div><\/div><\/div>- \n
- To begin with you may like to light a candle, or spend some time breathing quietly and centering yourself. Cast a circle or use some other method of preparation to enter a focused, sacred space. When you are ready, begin.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- \n
- On a page of your journal or a piece of paper list the sections of your life, chronologically. For example my sections might be: Childhood; adolescence; early-to-mid-twenties; late twenties (which includes having a baby); thirties; forties up until now. (you don\u2019t have to do it in decades; for you, something else may be a significant divider, such as countries you\u2019ve lived in or professions you\u2019ve followed.)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- \n
- Count the sections of your life you have listed. This is how many segments your mandala will have (so my mandala would have six segments).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- \n
- It\u2019s also possible to create a mandala representing particular things \u2013 important moments in your life, the Descents you\u2019ve made to the Underworld or anything else \u2013 but for this exercise, cover the entirety of your life so far.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- \n
- Now begin creating your mandala. Draw the mark in the outer boundary and divide the mandala into the number of segments you require, of roughly equal size using lines radiating out from the center.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- \n
- Strat with the first period of your life you have listed. Choose which segment to place it in and \u2013 allowing yourself a light mind, you can select colors, shapes or objects by intuition, without a whole lot of critical thinking or trying to \u2018get it right\u2019 \u2013 begin filling the segment in.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- \n
- You may choose to fill the entire segment, or to place a few items, drawings or shapes into it, leaving the rest empty. Do whatever seems best to you.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- \n
- When it feels complete for the moment, move onto the next segment and the next part of your life on the list.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- \n
- Continue, until you have complete the whole mandala.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- \n
- Glance over the mandala \u2013 there may be some segments that feel unfinished to you, in which case you can add something more. Sometimes people write words around the mandala or create a border around it.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
When you\u2019ve finished you might want to take a break for a few minutes, to stretch, drink some water or close your eyes. Then come back to your complete mandala.<\/p>\n
- \n
- Study the mandala as if you were seeing it for the first time. Notice the colors of it. Notice how the segments relate to each other \u2013 whether they flow together, reflect or mirror each other or are completely different. Notice themes that reoccur, or segments that really stand out from the rest.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- \n
- In your journal or on some paper record your observations and what you think they might mean, as a reflection of the life you have lived until now.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- \n
- Come back to this mandala in a week or a month, and see what other understandings you receive from it. An interesting thing to do is to ask someone else; perhaps someone who knows you quite well; to \u2018read\u2019 the mandala. Just ask them to comment on what they see, without knowing anything more than it represents the life you have lived. You will probably find at least some of their comments startling, insightful and supportive.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/span>
Manifesting your Intentions<\/h2><\/span>
<\/div><\/div><\/div>When you are manifesting your intentions, take into consideration the direction you face as you can capture the directional vibration. it is useful to go outside and let the wind help in this endeavor.<\/p>\n
North corresponds to the elements of earth. face north for health issues, healing of the body, spirituality, increasing or developing your intuition, using some type of divination, for transcending the physical and trying to communicate with someone telepathically, and in asking for guidance from whom ever or whatever you call your higher power. this is the most powerful direction.<\/p>\n
South corresponds to the element of fire. face south for love issues, relationships of any kind, creative and artistic pursuits, anything of a romantic or emotional nature.<\/p>\n
East corresponds to the element of air. face east for career issues, strength, clarity, new business opportunities, financial matters and any endeavour requiring extra energy, healing of the mind, new beginnings.<\/p>\n
West corresponds to the element of water. face west for letting go and moving on, increasing self esteem, forgiving yourself or someone else, cleansing, unconditional love.<\/p>\n
When in doubt as to which direction to turn, face north, because it is the foundation of all things.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/span>Books<\/p><\/h4><\/span>
<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n- \n
- The Only Way Out Is Within: Clear Your Energy System and Keep Yourself Emotionally and Physically Healthy<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Come back to this mandala in a week or a month, and see what other understandings you receive from it. An interesting thing to do is to ask someone else; perhaps someone who knows you quite well; to \u2018read\u2019 the mandala. Just ask them to comment on what they see, without knowing anything more than it represents the life you have lived. You will probably find at least some of their comments startling, insightful and supportive.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
- In your journal or on some paper record your observations and what you think they might mean, as a reflection of the life you have lived until now.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Study the mandala as if you were seeing it for the first time. Notice the colors of it. Notice how the segments relate to each other \u2013 whether they flow together, reflect or mirror each other or are completely different. Notice themes that reoccur, or segments that really stand out from the rest.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Glance over the mandala \u2013 there may be some segments that feel unfinished to you, in which case you can add something more. Sometimes people write words around the mandala or create a border around it.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Continue, until you have complete the whole mandala.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- When it feels complete for the moment, move onto the next segment and the next part of your life on the list.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- You may choose to fill the entire segment, or to place a few items, drawings or shapes into it, leaving the rest empty. Do whatever seems best to you.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Strat with the first period of your life you have listed. Choose which segment to place it in and \u2013 allowing yourself a light mind, you can select colors, shapes or objects by intuition, without a whole lot of critical thinking or trying to \u2018get it right\u2019 \u2013 begin filling the segment in.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Now begin creating your mandala. Draw the mark in the outer boundary and divide the mandala into the number of segments you require, of roughly equal size using lines radiating out from the center.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- It\u2019s also possible to create a mandala representing particular things \u2013 important moments in your life, the Descents you\u2019ve made to the Underworld or anything else \u2013 but for this exercise, cover the entirety of your life so far.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Count the sections of your life you have listed. This is how many segments your mandala will have (so my mandala would have six segments).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- On a page of your journal or a piece of paper list the sections of your life, chronologically. For example my sections might be: Childhood; adolescence; early-to-mid-twenties; late twenties (which includes having a baby); thirties; forties up until now. (you don\u2019t have to do it in decades; for you, something else may be a significant divider, such as countries you\u2019ve lived in or professions you\u2019ve followed.)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- To begin with you may like to light a candle, or spend some time breathing quietly and centering yourself. Cast a circle or use some other method of preparation to enter a focused, sacred space. When you are ready, begin.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Move onto the second item and deal with the same way. Follow through with all the items on this list.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Now look at the column called Acceptance of Difficulty. It is for you to record your acceptance of the difficult and painful things in your life you have listed; regardless of whether they are due to bad luck, circumstance, your lack of effort or ability or someone else\u2019s actions. Read the first item on your list and spend a moment really taking it in, feeling what it means to have, or to have had, that in your life. Reach out to it with a deep acceptance \u2013 you do not have to accept that it was good to have this in your life, but just acknowledge that you DID or DO have it in your life. When you feel acceptance, write YES in the Acceptance of Difficulty column, next to that item.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Move onto the second item and deal with it the same way. Follow through with all the items on this list.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- The column Acceptance of Positive is for you to record your acceptance of each of the wonderful things in your life on your list; regardless of whether they are due to luck, merit, hard work or someone else\u2019s love for you. Read the first item on your list and spend a moment taking it in and feeling what it means to have, or to have had, that in your life. Reach out to it with a deep acceptance and when you feel that acceptance, write YES in the Acceptance of Positive column, next to that item.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- In the column Negative Events write down all the difficult, painful and awful things that have happened to you in your life (at least the most significant ones). These could include illnesses; periods of unemployment or uncertainty; relationship break ups; losses and deaths; addictions; accidents; personality traits you\u2019re not proud; or things you were born with, or born into. Once again, they don\u2019t have to be in chronological order, or order of importance and you don\u2019t need to describe them in any way. Just list them. If you are having difficulty finding things to write in this column, you might imagine what someone else would say about your life.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- In the column Positive Events write down all the wonderful things that have happened to you in your life (or as many as you can fit in!) These didn\u2019t have to be in chronological order \u2013 just however they come to you. They might include the circumstances of your birth; your childhood and education; your gifts and talents; characteristic or values you embody; significant relationships; experiences and understandings. You don\u2019t need to describe them, just list them.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- On two pages of your journal \u2013 or two loose sheets of paper \u2013 divide each page into two columns. Label the columns on the first page Positive Events and Acceptance of Positive. Label the columns on the second page Difficult Events and Acceptance of Difficult.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Objects for a mandala \u2013 appropriate art materials if you are going to draw; personal and\/or found objects if you are creating a tridimensional mandala (further instructions below)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
- You will need: Journal, paper and pen, a large piece of paper (or art paper or cardboard) for the mandala<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Seventh (crown) chakra: Purple<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Sixth (brow or third eye) chakra: Indigo<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Fifth (throat) chakra: Blue<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Fourth (heart) chakra: Green<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Third (solar plexus) chakra: Yellow<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Second (sacral) chakra: Orange<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n