The Sanskrit definition of the word Mandala is simply circle or circular picture. Mandalas can be expressions of universal archetypal symbols or symbols of a more personal nature. In Tibetan art, mandalas are graphic representations of the spiritual universe. Circular design motifs appear in many cultures, both past and present. Mandala are used as objects of power, devotion and meditative focus. Some mandala are not circular but the Circle is the most common form and beginning point.

There are forms of Mandala where the power or energetic effect is considered innate to the geometric form or correct and perfect depiction of the image form of the Mandala . There are Forms of mandala where the power and effect are considered to be derived from the intention and energy placed into the mandala by its creators and a third form is those that are considered as tools of connection to a source of energy information and universal spiritual essence .The symbolism and energies expressed by the mandala is impressed on the subconscious mind of the meditator . If used regularly in meditation, mandala can effect powerful, positive changes and growth in the user.

Mandala can be made as paintings, sculpture and carvings, drawings and sand or powder work as well as in mixed media . Some Tibetan Mandala are traditionally carved in Yak butter. Labyrinths, stone circles some petrogliphs and some ancient stone paintings and may be considered related to the mandala. Mandala also may be recognized in nature as the forms of opening flowers , ripple patterns in water, images seen in microphotography , crystalline and cellular structures and so forth.

Mandala and specific systems of mandala symbolism and design are found throughout the world.
Mandalas can be created as a form of meditation or as an aid to a realization ,for a devotional offering and dedication or as a way of focussing energy for purposes like prayer, affirmations , manifestation or healing or as part of a spiritual practice or for an altar piece.

Mandalas can be far more complex than most crystal grids. The placement of the stones is usually done in focused meditation for both grids and mandala . Mandala are most often gazed at and meditated with, but like grids are often created with intention and then left to continue the work of transmitting energy for a particular purpose, or created to energize and focus intention toward a particular goal such as healing or manifestation or to assist with symbolic expression of spiritual essence or spiritual connection Some mandalas employ sacred geometry or are symbolic depiction of core lessons in the particular path , faith or tradition from which the elements are formed.

Sand paintings, which are Mandala most known for their use in Tibet and Navaho traditions and in India can be thought of as a form of crystal mandala as the sand is mostly of rock and crystal origins. These forms of sand painted mandala are usually made under the strictest of control and focus according to traditions handed down in a sacred way for hundreds of years. They are made from careful placement of colored sand by hand , with small funnel like tools and with feathers and quills often being common tools. After these are made and used or dedicated for the intended work and a period of meditation. The mandala is swept away and the sand is discarded in a sacred way dispersing to the winds or into water being common methods . Those examples of Navaho Sand painting which may be found on display have always been altered in a way to preserve the secret of their correct sacred construction .The Tibetan Forms are extremely complex and traditionally one has fully visualized and memorized the structure before beginning to do the work.

A variation of sand mandalas is sometimes made with a fixative or with glue to make a more permanent mandala a similar mosaic type of mandala might be made with stone and crystal chips .

On occasions when you find it difficult to calm your mind for a traditional meditation

a mandala making session may be relaxing and healing.

Select a number of your stones and crystals and after taking a few deep breaths and relaxing, move the stones around and form them into patterns before you. This is a form of active contemplation which can be as valuable as receptive meditations . It is most traditional to begin in the center point and move from the center outward most often in a clockwise circular direction .

You may want to create mandala from geometric or traditional spiritual patterns.

Many simple crystal mandalas are made in formations identical to the most common crystal grids such as various star, wheel, compass, spiral and spoke patterns often with a simple single crystal center . Mandalas, whether in a geometric or intuitive free form with crystals or other media are most often done in a focused, intentional, dedicated , meditative or trance state.

Crystal mandala can be made entirely with crystals and stones or crystals and stones might be combined with painted, drawn or sculpted work .

You might select stones in accord with your purpose in creating the mandala such as those associated with your birth sign and natal chart , with a Tarot major arcana card , with healing purposes and spiritual traditions and with totem animals or magical or healing herbs or with Guides , Gods ,Angels , Deva ,Dream and archetypal symbolism may also inspire your intuitive mandala .

When making a crystal mandala one generally begins with a focussed meditation and places stones either according to a standard pattern or intuitively . I often will take many of my stones and as a meditation place them intuitively in spirals or other patterns as I breath deeply .

While there are many different symbolic traditions that can be used in mandala one of the most traditional symbol sets and one considered to have innate power to effect realization is by using Tattwa. These simple geometric symbols can be used in crystal meditation either by arranging crystals in these forms or by using stones that are shaped like these symbols or by placing stones on key points of a mandala graph comprised of these symbolic forms .

I had worked with these forms in Tattwa based astrological mandala developed by Michael Matthew's of Hayward about a decade ago and they were profoundly transformitive . Mr. Mathews does not seem to have a web site any more and I had heard that he was primarily doing other work now so I am unable to give you a contact point for his work.

Tattwa is a Sanskrit word meaning energy. Tattwas are five geometric symbols which represent the five universal energies. Each Tattwas symbolizes unique energies with specific properties, potentials and frequencies. In varying combinations, these five energies make up the sum totality of everything in our physical and spiritual universe. These five basic symbols are combined to create symbols of many different kinds . one set of these can be found at http://www.magicmandala.com/tatwas.html

The symbols are the ovoid, the triangle, the half-moon, the circle, and the square.

These definitions are minimal and in no way represent the totality or the symbol.

Ovoid or ellipse represents space, the void , the universe , the womb, the cosmic egg ,new life ,understanding , female or yin energy.

Triangle represents Fire , passion, meditate on this symbol to intensify and clarify desire, creativity, prosperity, magnetism and to develop the right brain .

Circle represents Air , thought, and is used to enhance ones ability to visualize and discriminate. Meditation on circles activates the subconscious mind brings about greater ability to discriminate ,concentrate and communicate.

Moon represents Water , this symbol increases the ability to feel , meditation with this form can bring greater self reflection sensitivity and receptivity toward others.

Squares represent Earth, focus and determination , diversity , inner strength enhances the ability to move from dreams to reality.

Those are the Tattwa which you might be familiar with from the Yantra and chakra symbols
there are other geometric forms and shapes of crystals that you can use in your mandala work .
These include The Platonic solids:
Tetrahedron (4 triangular faces) Fire,
Hexahedron or cube (6 square faces) Earth,
Octahedron (8 triangular faces) Air,
Dodecahedron (12 pentagonal faces) Ether and Prana
Isohedron (20 triangular faces) Water
Sphere Void

This is just the barest introduction to mandala and to some of the shapes and structures which can be used to create them.
Some example of digital crystal mandala made from photograaphs of crystals can be seen at

Crystal mandala images

Mandala forms are designs intended to symbolize the universe; a sacred space that reminds a viewer of the universe and the potential for enlightenment. You may also design mandala to help with personal issues and awakening .

When creating crystal mandala you can used the methods of clearing ,energizing and focussing energy that you have learned to use in other work with crystals.

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