Because the unconscious produces dreams, and because dreams are imagery which give form to the otherwise abstract elements of internal human nature, there anse in some dreams shapes or patterns which depict an overall view of one s own inner condition. Carl Jung drew attention to the circle and square designs in some dreams, calling them man- dalas, and seeing them as representing the nucleus of the human identity. Although we are, in our everyday life, the magical and mysterious process of life, it is difficult for us actually to answer the question ‘Who am I?’ or ‘What am I?’ with any lasting conviction.
The mysterious essence of ourself is met in dreams as a circular or square object or design, as the sun, a flower, a square garden with a round pond in the middle, or a circle with a square or quartered design within it, a circle with a cross within, a revolving or flying cross-shaped object. Classical symbols from all nations use this theme; and we can find it in the round table of King Arthur, in the centre of which the Holy Grail appeared; the healing sand paintings of the Na- vaho Indians, the zodiac; circle dances; stone circles; the Buddhist wheel of birth and death; and so on.
The circle usually symbolises a natural wholeness, our inner life as nature has shaped it.
The square shows wholeness we have helped shape by conscious cooperation with our m- neT world. There are two main reasons why one produces this theme in one’s dreams. It occurs in children or people meeting internal or external shocks, and produces a strengthening of the vulnerable identity in meeting the vaned influences they face. It arises in people who are meeting and integrating the wider life of their being existing beyond the boundaries of their usual interests, or what they allow themselves to experience.
The contact with the self is then pan of an extending of awareness into what was dark or unknown, not only in our own unconscious, but in external life. In touching the nucleus of one’s being in this way, one becomes aware in some measure of the infinite potential of one’s life. There is often an accompanying sense of existence in eternity and the many different mansions’ or dimensions of experience one has within the eternal.
See also: the self under archetypes; shapes. [1]
1- The mandala is a sacred shape which is so powerful that it is found in one form or another in most religions. Typically, it is a circle enclosing a square with a symbol in the centre representing the whole of life.
It is mostly used as an aid to meditation.
The principle is that one travels from the outer circle (which stands for the whole of existence) through the creation of matter the square to the centre of existence the central figure. Finally, one moves back out to take one’s place in material existence again.
It is often consciously depicted as an eight- pointed star, and represents both man’s aspirations and his burdens. It often appears in dreams in this form, and can then become a personal symbol of the journey from chaos to order. It has also been found that, in a healing process, this symbol will occur over and over again.
It is seen more frequently in Eastern religions, often as ornate pictures or patterns.
2- Jung judged this figure to be an important part of psychological wholeness.
The word means ‘circle’, and he saw the mandala as being an archetypal expression of the soul. In dreams this figure often appears without the dreamer knowing what it represents.
It is only when it is drawn afterwards that it is recognised as a mandala. This would suggest that it is a true expression of the dreamer’s individuality and of his connection with Unity, whatever lie sees this to be.
3- When ego and individuality are understood, the soul searches for representation.
The expression of wholeness and vet separateness in this figure moves us into a space which enables us to create a whole new concept of the principles of existence. Often, by creating and recreating this figure, we move towards and experience a wholeness and tranquillity which would not otherwise be available.
The particular shape, number of sides, and colours in the mandala will be significant (See also: Shape, Numbers, Colour).
The mandala seen in dreams can become a gauge for spiritual progression. [2]
When a person concentrates on a mandala they are attempting to approach a higher plane of consciousness and, according to Jung, they are the ultimate symbols for uniting our inner and outer selves, being an archetypal expression of the soul. Jung found that the integrative properties of the mandala possessed considerable benefits in psychotherapy; by drawing mandalas, patients could impose order upon their inner confusion
A mandala is typically a circle enclosing a square with a symbol in the center representing the whole of life. In dreams, it can appear in many ways: as a square garden with a round pond, a square with a circle in the middle, a painting with a circle and so on. It can often appear in dreams without you realizing what it represents and it is only when drawn afterwards that it is recognized as a mandala. This suggests that it is a true expression of your individuality. It can also appear as an eightpointed star that represents both your aspirations and your burdens, and indicates what you have achieved with your life and what you have learned from your experience, both good and bad. The mandala may often appear in dreams when your waking life feels confusing or difficult; your dreaming mind conjures it as a symbol of the journey from chaos to order. [3]
It is a circle divided into four equal parts, which relates to the sphere of the earth divided into the four hemispheres.
A mandala is perhaps the ultimate symbol of unity and totality, and if one appears in your dream, you are having an aspirational experience of a spiritual nature. Such a dream indicates an important moment in your spiritual development when a new level of integration and wholeness is at hand. [4]
This meditative concentration brings about a state of mind in which healing, harmony, and order can be restored. In Jungian psychology, mandalas represent the Self. To dream of a mandala may signal that it is time for the dreamer to look inward, or it may be a reflection of the positive changes the dreamer is experiencing in waking life. [5]
The particular shape, number of sides and colours in a mandala will be significant. [6]
It is mostly used as an aid to meditation. It moves us into a space that enables us to create a whole new concept of the principles of existence. [7]
The emblem contained therein becomes the prevalent dream key. [8]
It is only when it is drawn afterwards that is it recognizable as a mandala. This would suggest that it is a true expression of our individuality and connection with unity, whatever we consider this to be. [10]
See also: Medicine Wheel, Circle. [11]
A symbol of love. [13]
cathedral rose window, of a: fol ow the journey of your psyche.
creating a multicolored: self-realization can restore healing, harmony and order.
focusing your mind on a: reflection of positive changes to be experienced. [14]