The word “mandala” is Sanskrit for “circle,” and usually refers to a ritual design based on a circle with certain symmetries.  As part of many ancient traditions, including Buddhist and Hindu practices, mandalas are created for guided meditation and prayer.  Many Christian images, such as rose windows, as well as Native American medicine wheels, have parallels as well.  The psychologist Carl Jung helped popularize an expanded view of the mandala as a symbol of the “Self,” and I carry on in this tradition of the mandala as a spiritual and creative practice.
 
About ten years ago, I started doodling in the round, typically with four-sided symmetry, and found myself creating mandalas.  I initially focused on the visual patterns and geometry, but as I drew more, I began expressing a wide variety of intentions.  Sometimes, I draw them to capture the beauty of a place I’m visiting, like seaglass and shells at the beach.  Sometimes, I let myself express an intense emotion, like the frustration of parenting when my husband is out of town and everything seems to be going wrong at home.  I’ve made them to explore my deepest spiritual experiences, like being moved to tears by a spiritual song.  I’ve made them to celebrate weddings, births, and the lives of dear ones who have passed on.  I’ve made them to promote peace and healing.

If you'd like to ask about a custom-made mandala to decorate your home, support meditation, pray for healing, or celebrate a life event, please contact me using the form below.  I also make umbrellas with my mandalas on them.  Check them out on my Etsy shop at aprilcastoldi.etsy.com
 or got to the "Shop" page on this website.  I can make a custom umbrella for you!