Mandala, deriving from the Sanskrit word meaning 'circle', is the term used to describe a design of varying intricacy that is commonly circular in form. They come in an infinite array of sizes, colours and patterns, which is part of their beauty: the freedom to express whatever you want to express. Drawing a mandala is not just about creating something pretty. It can be a deeply meditative experience, and a journey to access deeper parts of ourselves as we allow them to flow out onto the paper in whatever shapes and colours want to be expressed. It's a beautiful and gentle way to allow yourself to create without judgement.

We can also create mandalas that represent personal prayers, wishes for humanity, that honour aspects of ourselves or help us receive healing. This energy is then held within the mandala, and can be accessed at any time.

In these sessions, which will be held on or around the seasonal festivals of the wheel of the year, we will connect using guided meditation or shamanic journey with the energies of that time, and then create from that space of intention. I'll then briefly guide you in the basic structure of creating a mandala. For some sessions we will work with a structure of sacred geometry, other sessions will be more fluid. After the simple 'how to' guidance, you will have plenty of time to create, colour and play with your mandala. For the final stage of the session, I'll share with you a short process to access the energy held within your creation so that you have this piece as a tool to take away for your journey ahead.

"But I can't draw."

You do not need training in fine art to be able to create a mandala. The process is very simple and I hope that you will pleasantly surprise yourself with what you create!

The Wheel of the Year

We live in an age where not many of us now work with the land and its seasons. The eight festivals marked (and still do) activities and celebrations, such as harvests or planting, in the collective external landscapes of our ancestors. They also reflect our own inner landscapes, and we can work with these days and nights of power to gain guidance and wisdom and honour the myriad of experiences that makes up our journey.

Imbolc, also known as Brigid's day, marks the stirring of new life. We have travelled through the darkness of the winter, and although yet to arrive at Ostara (the spring equinox), life in the land around us begins to quicken. We see the first snowdrops. We feel the warmth in the sun. We welcome the return of the light, not only to the external landscape that surrounds us but our inner landscape, which nourishes us. This is a beautiful time to honour the sacred fire that burns within us, carrying us forward into the new growth of spring. Come nourish your light so that it may shine bright.

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My name's Debra and I'll be guiding us on the journey through meditation and mandala drawing. I’m a Reiki Practitioner, Ayurvedic Therapist and training as a Shamanic Practitioner (drawing on ten or so years of training and experience). I’m also an artist, writer, musician and craftswoman (drawing on, pardon the pun, 30 plus years of expertise). I have trained with schools and practitioners in India and the UK to discover and hone the medicine that I carry, and I am delighted to be able to share this with you.

I look forward to creating with you.

With love,

Debra.