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Mandalas
What is a Mandala?
The word
"Mandala" originates in the ancient Sanskrit language and simply means
"circle". A circle is where a series of points are all the same distance
from a central point, although that point itself may not even be visible.
The centre of the circle represents a metaphysical 'source' point from
which form flows inward and outward. Nature creates it's own mandalas in
many forms, such snowflakes, flowers and even the planets.
A mandala can help with inner healing by
providing a focus of energies - the symmetry and flow of colour and symbol
draws the eye towards the centre, then outward again, with a defined
boundary and helps with contemplation of our inner feelings. There is no
beginning and no end to a circle, and yet a sort of universal wholeness
contained within it.
My
Mandalas
This is a wonderful art form, fun and
sort of comforting to draw, as well as view. All my mandalas are
hand-drawn and painted, using watercolour pencils and ink, to communicate
what I see and feel. They seem to take on a life of their own as they are
being created and the purpose of my mandala art is to communicate the
beauty in colour and pattern, in unique combinations, as I see it.
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How to Draw Mandalas
There are no rules to drawing a
mandala, whatever you create is as it should be. You can either
start from a central point and work outwards, or draw a circle and
work inwards. I have found the easiest way is to draw a circle
with a compass, perhaps add a few inner circles, then mark 30
degree points around the edges using a protractor, and simply
'connect the dots in whatever form comes to mind. Here are some
basic forms to work from and combine.
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Draw a circle with a compass and mark points each 30 degrees.
You can make the points closer together, say 20 degrees, or
further apart. |
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Look at the ways those points can be connected. Two squares
form an 8 sided star for example. |
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The
same basic circle, using two triangles, makes a 6 pointed
star. Add circles and you soon see patterns emerging. Let your
eye and feelings tell you which 'dots' to connect. You may be
surprised at the result! |
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Place the compass on each of the angles and draw a semi-circle
for each one. If you do this for each 30 degree mark (for
example), you create a lovely pattern. |
I personally use watercolour
pencils to colour, as it is easier to be precise. However any form
of colouring, from paint to charcoal can be used. Let your
imagination take over - if you get a feeling to add a particular
colour, picture or shape, then go with it!
Have fun!
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I have created a mandala for
each Zodiac sign, just for fun.
For a
larger view of each mandala, descriptions and details for each sign, Click on the image below!
Aries
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Taurus
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Gemini
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Cancer
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Leo
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Virgo
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Libra
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Scorpio
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Sagittarius
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Capricorn
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Aquarius
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Pisces
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