Art by Betsey Crawford

have been used for many centuries as a window into the universe through the particular. The word "mandala" derives from Sanskrit and translates as "containing essence." Buddhist mandalas, Hindu yantras, rose windows in gothic cathedrals, Native American medicine wheels, and labyrinths all use the circle to create sacred space to separate meditation, healing, prayer and ritual from the rush of everyday reality. I started doing mandalas when another artist shared her mandala journal with me. I love the idea of mandalas as quiet celebrations of the world around me, or as meditations on my own journey. I hope you enjoy them.