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ABOUT MANDALAS
MARI System and Training Information
 The Mandala
The Mandala is a drawing made within the framework of a circle. Cultures from around the
world have used circle drawings that have been found to use similar colors, shapes and symbols to express
universal aspects of the human experience.
Circles represent wholeness and a connection to human experience in many ways. The circle shape is a constant
foundation of nature-from cells and atoms to planets. Cycles are innate in all of life---biological cycles,
weather cycles, and planetary cycles. The mandala and that which we create within and outside of it speak from
this universal and yet, very personal, place.
Carl Jung is credited with re-invigorating our present understanding
of the pscyhology and importance of the mandala. The work
of Joan Kellogg, MA ATR, as represented in the MARI, has evolved
from Jung's discoveries.
Workshops on Mandalas
Chris Brewer provides workshops exploring the significance of the mandala and sponsors workshops teaching
how to interpret and use mandalas for personal use or as a professional tool. See our training descriptions below.
The Mandala-Drawing out Personal Insights
The Mandala in Counseling Practices
Mandala: Insights for Healing in Health Practices
MARIŠ Card Test Training
Finding our way-Mandalas and the Labyrinth
Mandala
Interpretation--Do Your Own Mandala
Make your own mandala---send it to us and we will provide you with insights and
an interpretation. Private mandala Consultations on site are also available.
Mandala's are simple to do and the process of making them is as rewarding as are the insights gained
from interpretation. Make your own drawing following the mandala instructions below.
Send your mandala
to us via mail or email and we will provide a mandala consultation. We will respond with a review of
insights and an interpretation from your drawing by email, mail or telephone. Or attend our workshop,
The Mandala, Drawing out Personal Insights. See our Music in Health
training schedule or Contact us
with your request for a list of current offerings.
On-site Mandala Consultations are also available.
The
MARI Card Test
The MARI card test is a non-verbal way
of gaining insight into one's present state---in mind, body
and spirit. Art therapist Joan Kellogg developed this method
in 1978 based upon art therapy principles, consciousness research,
Jungian theory and cross-cultural studies. Amazingly simple,
the card test provides insights difficult to find through
words.
The MARI Card test has been researched by the Mandala Assessment Research Institute (MARI) for validity and
reliability. The process works well for people seeking new personal insights and has also been effective in
a variety of health care systems: medical, mind-body, drug and addiction rehabilitation, counseling and therapy,
education, correctional institutions, among others. Ongoing research and validation of this test is a continual
process.
How is the MARI Card Test done?
The revised test includes 39 design cards representing 13 archetypal stages which are cyclical
in nature. There are 40 color cards. The designs are in black on clear plastic, allowing the color cards to become
a background color for any design. In the test, six design cards are selected which appeal the most to the person
taking the test. A seventh card is also chosen. In contrast, the seventh card is one that appeals the least to the
client. Color cards are then selected as a background for each of the seven chosen cards, representing the color
the client feels best accentuates the design he or she has chosen.
An interpretation of the combination of selected colors and symbols provides insights into the current state of the
test-taker-like a window to the soul. The card test reveals mental, physical and spiritual elements that tend to be
based on current situations and are dynamic over time. Each MARI test is influenced by time, significant life events
and change processes occurring for each individual. A series of tests taken periodically reflect the continuing process
of change and growth in our lives.
An interpretation of the combination of selected colors and symbols provides insights into the current state of the
test-taker-like a window to the soul. The card test reveals mental, physical and spiritual elements that tend to be
based on current situations and are dynamic over time. Each MARI test is influenced by time, significant life events
and change processes occurring for each individual. A series of tests taken periodically reflect the continuing
process of change and growth in our lives.
Do your own MARI Card Assessment.
MARI Resources
MARI is under the ownership of Mari Resources. To find out more about
the company and other MARI offerings see the
MARI Resources website.
Additional information can be obtained through Mandala Associates
Mandala Instructions
Making a mandala is very simple and easy to do. The process itself is rewarding
and the results provide a visual that has special meaning for you.
Here are easy-to-follow instructions. Whether you make a mandala and send it to us for interpretation or
just hang it on your bedroom wall to appreciate, you will find the experience fulfilling.
- Use a large piece of paper and a template for making a circle outline. A dinner plate works well for making
the circle. Paper that is 11x 14 (such as that found in sketch pads
from crafts stores) or larger provides a very nice dimension, but it is possible to do this on a regular blank
8 ˝ x 11 if a smaller mandala is drawn. Optimally a mandala is at least 8" to 10" in diameter.
- Make a light pencil outline of the dinner plate on the paper.
- Use markers or oil pastels--available at your local crafts store-with a wide variety of color choices (24 or more).
Crayons can be used but do not allow as much flexibility with the drawing.
- Take a deep breath, relax and clear your mind of thoughts and concerns. Now create your drawing by filling the circle
with lines, shapes and colors. It is not necessary to stay or even begin the drawing within the lines of the circle.
The object of mandala drawing is not to make a picture of anything in particular but rather to let the drawing unfold
without conscious mental direction. This is a right-brain, intuitive drawing-and there is no right or wrong way to do it!
A good way to start is to pick a color that you feel drawn to use. Then begin to make marks on your mandala. As you proceed you
will know what to do-whether to make curved lines, straight lines, dots, or circles----and which colors to add.
- Important! Here is one of the best parts. When you have completed the drawing-give it a title! This is not something
to think about while you are drawing, but when your mandala is complete. Again, intuitively, the answer will come to you.
Title the mandala and date it.
Options:
- Hang your mandala up where you can see it and let the drawing "speak" to you over the next few days.
- Take a moment, now or later, and write some reflections about your drawing---what meaning does it have
for you? What does it remind you of? What do the colors and shapes tell you? How does it make you feel?
- Draw a mandala once a week and watch the changes. See how they correlate with your life experiences and feelings.
- Send us your mandala and we will interpret
it based on the MARI work. We will send you back an interpretation
and insights for you or you may set up a phone call Consultations. Mail/email interpretations are $25 and phone
Consultations are $35 for a 15-minute consult and hard-copy interpretation. On-site mandala Consultations, including
a drawn mandala and the MARI card test are available for $45. Sign up for
email mandala consultation,
telephone mandala consultation
or
on-site mandala consultations
via our website-instructions are provided.
- After signing up for a mandala consultation send your mandala via email to
chris@MusicAndLearning.com or mail to:
Chris Brewer
1239 Kenoyer Drive
Bellingham, WA 98229
chris@musicandlearning.com
Your original mandala will be returned to you.
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The mandala is a circular drawing, well known by Jungians
as an indicator of internal processes. Jung referred to it as a "cryptogram"-a
coded message concerning the state of the self.
Each of us has to find his or her own way. . . .Nobody can give you a mythology but you'll find the images in your
dreams, your visions, your actions-and you'll find out what they are after you have passed them.