THE RITUAL OF THE MANDALA

The word mandala comes from Sanskrit and it means circle or center; it's a geometric configuration of symbols. Mandala is used as a spiritual guidance tool to focus the attention of the practitioner, to establish a sacred space, and to help with meditation or for trance induction.
Carl Jung was responsible for re-introducing mandala to the Western thought. When exploring the unconscious through his own art making he observed the motif of the circle drawings being a reflection of his inner state. Being familiar with Eastern philosophy, he adopted the word mandala to describe the drawings that were made by him and his patients.
Jung wrote in his autobiography: "I sketched every morning in a notebook a small circular drawing...which seemed to correspond to my inner situation at the time...Only gradually did I discover what the mandala really is...the Self, the wholeness of the personality, which if all goes well is harmonious. (From Memories, Dreams, Reflections - Carl Jung)
Jung recognized that the need to make mandalas comes during times of intense personal growth. Creating mandalas help to stabilize, integrate, and re-order inner life.
We find mandalas throughout many cultures and religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Mayan and Aztec civilizations, Persian art, Native American cultures, and also in Christianity.
John Dee, Alchemist, mathematician and astrologer who was an adviser to Queen Elizabeth I, developed a geometric symbol which he called the "Sigillum Dei", the "Seal of God", manifesting a universal geometric order which incorporated the names of the Archangels. This was derived from earlier forms of the "Key of Solomon".
Mandala coloring is a very nice way to relax your mind; while you pick the combination of colors you are putting your mind into a kind of meditative state which will bring calmness, and that can also help to bring forth your creativity. A good activity not only for kids, but also for adults and elders.

The Ritual of the Mandala

                                    

To Him Who is the Lord of the Center
The Diamond Weaver
The invisible Father of the Sun
Who is seated on the throne of the Archetypes
Teller of the Fables of the Celestial Night
Dreamer of the Visions of all Men
Teacher of the Twelve-fold Rites of the Sun
Keeper of the Book of Days
Seed of the Names of All Things
Seer of All Entrances and Partings
He who sets in motion the Elements and Seasons
And Who places the Rainbow Border on all Creation...

You, O Nameless One, We invoke:
Enter our hearts and speak through us
Lend to us the Vision of Unity
Teach us the Science of the Whole
Make known to us once again the Rite of the Mandala.

Hear us, O Lord of the Center
Keeper of the Radiant Law
In our silence may Your Voice ring clear.

We are as Seeds:
Only You Who walk the Sky
Can show to us the Path
Our feet must follow in this Earth
Only You can heal and make us whole
Only through our submission to You
May we heal ourselves and become whole - 

In this way may we be led once again on the Path of Beauty.

From Mandala - by Jose and Miriam Arguelles