Sacred Circle Mandalas

A MANDALA PROMPT

2008-08-03T17:59:00.000-07:00

As the final chapter in my discussion on Angeles Arrien's book Signs of Life, I am offering up a mandala prompt.

Draw the circle, square, triangle, spiral and equidistant cross and rank them in preference from one to five.
Draw/create a mandala using the symbols in positions 1, 3 and 5
If you decide to experiment and have a blog, leave a link in the comments section so we can see your mandala
I would love to hear how you felt about your mandala or the process itself.

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When I was creating digital mandalas to go with this series, I never really felt like the individual shapes were being isolated that well, so I thought I would do something different (since my favored shape in position 3 is the spiral= change) and draw my mandalas using the square(#1), spiral(#3) and circle(#5).

Considering Change (Reflections Series) - © Sue O'Kieffe 2008
neocolor II's, oil pastels, prismacolor gold metallic art marker

Even though the spiral is the central focus of this mandala, it felt equal to the other shapes. Change seemed more like an idea than something that was likely to occur anytime soon.

Resisting Change - (Reflection Series) - © Sue O'Kieffe 2008
colored markers, black sharpie

The spiral, along with four snakes (symbols of transformation), is contained in the square. The energy of the spiral feels trapped. I am looking for an answer to what looks like resistance.

Foundation of Change - (Reflection Series) - © Sue O'Kieffe 2008
rubber stampings, sharpies, crayons, oil pastels, digital embellishments

I am grounded on a firm foundation. My nature is change, and I willingly embrace it. My life is spacious and free. I am whole.

Sue O'Kieffe
Sacred Circle Mandalas

PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER

2008-07-28T17:41:00.000-07:00

FourSpirals Mandala - (Reflection Series) - © Sue O'Kieffe 2008
source image - shrubbery

When I first read Angeles Arrien's interpretations of the 5 basic shapes, I definitely felt a lot of truth in relation to where I am in my life at the present time. While I have been writing this article, I have also been trying to determine the best way to present the information I read in her book. With 25 different permutations of meaning based on an individual's preference, it would be impossible for me to delve any more deeply on the shapes' significance by ranking and shape than I have. I have decided, though, that if there are any of you out there desiring more knowledge than what I have presented here, I would be willing to answer the first five inquiries sent to my email address.

What is really fascinating about the Preferential Shapes Test is that Arrien has developed a use for it in couples' counseling, as well as business, family, and group applications. The test can be used not only to show areas of conflict, but also to identify the resources each person can use to actualize resolution of conflict. (pp.77-78)

Reverly Mandala -(Reflection Series) - © Sue O'Kieffe 2008
source image - shrubbery

In a couple of days I will offer an exercise based on Arrien's book on how to play with these five shapes. Stay tuned for that final installment!

Sue O'Kieffe
Sacred Circle Mandalas

SACRED LIFE SUNDAY - FOR THE BEAUTY OF THE EARTH

2008-07-27T12:44:00.000-07:00

On Sundays, I like sharing the beauty I have witnessed over the past week with all of you. I am grateful for the opportunities I have to see such a variety of shapes and colors, especially now, after having focused so intensely on the meaning of different shapes in art for the past week on my postings here.

I'm not sure what kind of plant those mandala-like green leaves are. Maybe later, when the blooms appear, I will be able to tell.

(For those of you who view my blog in a reader, you will need to come to my site in order to see the slide show and hear the music I try to tie in to all of my posts.)

Have a joyous Sunday, everyone.

Sue O'Kieffe
Sacred Circle Mandalas

SIGNS OF LIFE - WHAT THE SHAPES MEAN

2008-07-22T18:22:00.000-07:00

Vision Mandala - (Reflection Series) - © Sue O'Kieffe 2008
source image - shrubbery

If you've been following my posts recently, you know that I've been writing about Angeles Arrien's book Signs of Life. After studying the art of many different cultures, Arrien discovered five universal shapes common to all of them. The meanings attributed to the shapes describes universal aspirations, needs, and fears; each shape symbolizes a specific inner and outer experience relevant to humankind. (p. 29)

CIRCLE - wholeness, completeness, the process of individuation - the circle remains humankind's primary symbol for unity and stands for the mythic theme of individuation.

EQUIDISTANT CROSS - relationship. This is a coupling, synthesizing, integrating and balancing process, which carries a need for connection - to a creative project, a group, another person, or oneself.

SPIRAL - growth and evolution; a process of coming to the same point again and again, but at a different level, so everything is seen in a new light. Strong need for variety, novelty and change.

TRIANGLE - goals, visions, and dreams. The triangle is associated with pyramids, arrowheads and sacred mountains. An inate gift of vision may not be recognized. Those involved in the triangle process have a great need to follow their dreams.

SQUARE - stability, solidity and security. The act of drawing a square mirrors the process of constructing a foundation. Those attracted to the square are ready to build, to implement a plan and to manifest ideas.
(pp. 31-66)

NEXT - putting it all together...

PREFERENTIAL SHAPES TEST

2008-07-20T13:30:00.000-07:00

Sideways I Slide Thru the Square - (Reflection Series) - © Sue O'Kieffe © 2008
source image - wild anise
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On my last posting I introduced you to the concept of the Preferential Shape Test, which was developed by cultural anthropologist Angeles Arrien.

Thanks to all of you who have let me know the order of your shape preferences. I'm sure you are curious to know the significance of the order positions. Here goes!

Position 1 - Where You Think You Are - The shape placed here signals the process that now has your attention. It describes the part of yourself of which you are most aware...and most comfortable...at this time. However, it is not the most accurate indicator ...it only shows where you think you are or where you would like to be....it may mean you admire the qualities of the process it represents
Position 2 - Your Strengths - The shape you have chosen as your second preference exhibits an inherent strength predominant in you at this time, whether you know it or not. The shape in this position indicates areas of your nature that are currently fluid, strong, and resourceful.
Position 3 - Where You Are - This shape stands for the work that is really going on, at the core of your being. You must be aware of it in order to fully manifest the potential it represents. Think of Goldilocks ... when presented with multiple choices, the third choice was the best one for her (just right)
Position 4 - Your Motivation - Position 4 points to past challenges that have motivated your current process of change. The fourth position ...discloses the motivation that triggered your move into the core work to be done symbolized by the shape in Position 3.
Position 5 - Old, Unfinished Business - This shape identifies a process you have outgrown or one that you dislike. The fifth position is associated with unresolved issues you now wish to put aside and will reclaim at a later date.

(from Arrien, Angeles Signs of Life, pp. 23-28)

Next time I will talk about the shapes themselves. I'd love to hear what you think about this process.

Sue O'Kieffe
Sacred Circle Mandalas

EXPLORING MANDALA SYMBOLOGY

2008-07-15T06:50:00.000-07:00

Inner Landscape Mandala - (Reflection Series) - © Sue O'Kieffe 2008
source image - shrubbery

Angeles Arrien is a cultural anthropologist who wrote a book in the early 90's called Signs of Life. She wondered if all cultures had common symbols in their art and what meanings were attributed to them. After seven years of study she discovered that five basic shapes appear in the art of all cultures: the circle, square, triangle, spiral and equidistant cross.

From this research Arrien developed a Preferential Shapes Test as a tool for self discovery. I first took this test in the mid '90's and found it spot-on. If you are interested in trying this yourself, this is what you do:

After drawing the above shapes on a piece of paper, rank them according to preference. Do not spend a lot of time thinking about the order.

At this time in my life my preference ranking is 1) square 2) triangle 3) spiral 4) equidistant cross 5) circle. I know my preferences are different now than they were10 years ago (as they should be). I do remember at that time the square was in last place. The rest I don't really remember.

This mandala started out being about using the square as the primary shape in my mandala, but then it morphed into the equidistant cross!

Don't worry. In the days to come I will explain more about what Arrien ascribes to
the ranking and meaning of these shapes.

BIRTHING A MANDALA

2008-07-08T06:26:00.000-07:00

Fellow mandala maker and intuitive artist Milliande asked me to show the progression of the birth of one of my mandalas. I have been aware of the flowers produced by a certain type of palm tree for the last year or so, but this is the first year I have actually been able to get pictures before the blooms were spent. I've been trying to determine the species of the tree without any success yet, but I love the texture of the blossoms (not so apparent in this picture but totally captivating standing under the tree and pointing my camera lens upward!)

First step is to copy the source image and paste into a circle template.
Duplicate layer, flip horizontal, reduce opacity, merge visible layers a few times (I think 5 times) until a pattern emerges (see here for more detailed instructions). Looks kinda muddy and murky at this point, I know...think mandala in the raw ...
Now I begin the fun part of playing with adjustments, filters and blending modes. What will appear? Will I be able to capture the light the way I want to and let the story of the flowers really emerge?
Playing...
More playing. Begins to feel pretty good to me. Time to choose a background

I may or may not be done, but right now this image feels satisfying. If I were to do anything else, it would be some kind of background embellishment (subtle textures, etc). Hmmm...I haven't yet named this mandala.

When I look at this image I have a feeling of an old soul telling a story. What do you see?

~Sue O'Kieffe
Sacred Circle Mandalas

Hey! be sure to visit me at Sue Doodles!

SACRED LIFE SUNDAY - A ROSE IS A ROSE IS A ROSE

2008-07-06T00:00:00.000-07:00

Recently I discovered this beautiful sonnet by Rainier Marie Rilke:

Rose, you majesty-once, to the ancients, you were
just a calyx with the simplest of rims.
But for us, you are the full, the numberless flower,
the inexhaustible countenance.
In your wealth you seem to be wearing gown upon gown
upon a body of nothing but light;
yet each separate petal is at the same time the negation
of all clothing and the refusal of it.
Your fragrance has been calling its sweetest names
in our direction, for hundreds of years;
suddenly it hangs in the air like fame.
Even so, we have never known what to call it; we guess...
And memory is filled with it unawares
which we prayed for from hours that belong to us.
~Rainer Marie Rilke The Sonnets of Orpheus, Book 2:VI

I was especially drawn to this line ... In your wealth you seem to be wearing gown upon gown upon a body of nothing but light...

Isn't that just yum?

No matter how many different flowers I photograph for my art, I don't think I will ever tire of shooting different portraits of the rose in her many guises; and for this, on Sacred Life Sunday, I am most grateful.

SUMMER OF LOVE

2008-07-03T06:42:00.001-07:00

Summer of Love Mandala - (Summer series) - © Sue O'Kieffe 2008

It was 1967 in San Francisco. In Minneapolis I was naively 16 with no idea of the social changes that would transpire over the years to come. I didn't even really know where San Francisco was. Now I live about 300 miles from "The City." Whenever I see neon orange, green, and yellow, it always takes me back to that time in my life. There was a time in my youth when orange was my favorite color.

And now I think back on that time...the music, the ideas, the philosophy, the revolution...we have made progress (at least women aren't wearing white gloves to work anymore!). The Age of Aquarius and the Information Age have come together, and it is easier to realize..interacting with a cyber community all over the world-... how we really are all One.

May we all be made whole in this Circle of Love.

Sue O'Kieffe
Sacred Circle Mandalas

Hey, for a lighter side of Sue, be sure to visit my sister blog SUE DOODLES!

ANGEL LIGHT MANDALA

2008-06-24T17:08:00.001-07:00

Angel Light Mandala - (Watercolor series) - © Sue O'Kieffe 2008
source image - hydrangea blooms

I love witnessing growth. I have been watching a hydrangea bush go from leafless to new leaves, from buds to first blossoms for the past couple months when I go on my morning walk. Yesterday, I just felt this *come hither* vibe being broadcast my way, like she was wanting to show me all her best energy. And so I took a few candid shots and wondered what would be revealed when I got home.

I just love surprises.

I was also surprised earlier this week when Kelly of Aeten Art honored me with this award. Turns out she and I share lots of common loves...the ones I know of for sure include mandalas, fractals and doodling. Be sure to check her out. Now comes the hard part...saying something about where this award came from in the first place (go here for more info on that), and choosing 5 more blogs...well, you know how it works. So here goes.

I am grateful to Milliande at Visually Witnessing for beginning this Yahoo group for women where we focus on image making and introspective art. Heartfelt thanks also go to Cheryl of Art in Every Day for founding Mandala Oasis, a Yahoo group for mandala makers. I have found such a renewal of my spirit and a deepening in my art during the short time I have been participating in these two groups.

I have just recently discovered Orli's blog, Shine the Divine. I hope you will spend some time visiting her too. Andrea's Artful Eye and unceasing creative energy never ceases to amaze me. And finally, Ms Thalia of Audacia Muliebris, again I must thank you for your cleverness in creating ever more mandala templates for us to use for unending digital mandalizing!

Gosh, I feel like the emcee at the Oscars. Enjoy your angels, dear hearts, and may your creative energies continue to take wing and soar!

Sue O'Kieffe
Sacred Circle Mandalas

Oh, and yes. If you haven't discovered it yet, I hope you will meander over and see what's happening at my sister site SUE DOODLES

SACRED LIFE SUNDAY - PERSONAL STRENGTH

2008-06-22T12:34:00.000-07:00

Strength in the Light Mandala - (Circle of Light series) - © Sue O'Kieffe 2008
source image - euphorbia cactus

"You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face... The danger lies in refusing to face the fear, in not daring to come to grips with it... You must make yourself succeed every time. You must do the thing you think you cannot do."~Eleanor Roosevelt

"We can't give what we don't have.
Find your center of strength and love and give it away." ~ Author Unknown

"Let me not pray to be sheltered from dangers but to be fearless in facing them.
Let me not beg for the stilling of my pain but for the heart to conquer it.
Let me not look for allies in life's battlefield but to my own strength.
Let me not crave in anxious fear to be saved but hope for the patience to win my freedom.
Grant me that I may not be a coward, feeling your mercy in my success alone; but let me find the grasp of your hand in my failure." ~ Rabindranath Tagore

OASIS MANDALA

2008-06-18T07:36:00.000-07:00

Oasis Mandala - (Circles of Light series) - © Sue O'Kieffe
source image - lithodora

Sometimes we all just need to get away. In the heat of summer, wouldn't a cool pool surrounded by palm trees be just the thing? Lounge in the shade, lots of iced tea and lemonade, a good book, sunblock, the calming sounds of song birds and running water soothing your soul....

I hope you are all having wonderful summers and finding time to relax.

Enjoy!

Sue O'Kieffe
Sacred Circle Mandalas

Be sure to visit my sister blog SUE DOODLES!

QUEST MANDALA

2008-06-14T21:04:00.000-07:00

Quest Mandala - (Meditation Card series) - © Sue O'Kieffe 2008
source image - Siberian iris

So I was thinking about how, in the Victorian age, flowers were used as a means of communication. Maybe they were a predecessor to Hallmark Cards for expressing feelings for the chronically shy. Or maybe, just maybe, it was because there is something magical and longstanding about the memory of receiving flowers.

Anyway, while I was perusing this website looking at the different, old-fashioned meanings of flowers, I was happy to discover that iris meant Message. I created this particular mandala for my dear friend Brenda, who is about the depart on a spiritual journey in the mountains of Oregon. Brenda is an awesome woman who has been right there with me as I have been on my own journey of artistic development.

Dear Heart, know that I am holding space for youhere as you go to receive your messages. Aho!

Sue O'Kieffe
Sacred Circle Mandalas

SACRED ART SUNDAY - DARING

2008-06-14T18:48:00.000-07:00

Dare - (Circle of Light series) - © Sue O'Kieffe 2008
source image - allium blossom

True life is lived when tiny changes occur ~ Tolstoy
Even God lends a hand to honest boldness ~ Menander
First ponder, then dare ~ Helmuth von Moltke

When I first created this mandala I was struck by the liveliness of the colors. I thought, I would love to wear all of those colors at the same time; but geez, did I dare? When I was a younger girl I loved being vibrant, showing off, all peacocky-like, in stripes and polka dots all at once. What happened to her? Would I dare to be so bold again?

This got me thinking about breaking out of my comfort zone. This isn't dare like "I double dog dare you;" this isn't a peer pressure kind of dare, but a stepping up to the plate of greater authenticity, of truth to Self.

The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change. ~ Carl Rogers
Man is made by his belief. As he believes, so he is. ~Bhagavad Gita
Don't worry. Be happy ~ Bobby McFerrin

What holds you back? H'come?
Can you challenge those voices? Fear, self doubt, lack of confidence? Embrace self love and self acceptance?

Sue?
Yes, I'm talking to you, girl!

RESTORATION MANDALA

2008-06-12T06:56:00.000-07:00

Restoration Mandala - (Watercolor series) - © Sue O'Kieffe 2008
source image - blue lupine
for poz

She said to me I love this blue lupine, but the rain comes breaks the stalk. I saw the beauty in the blossom and took its photo, knowing the delicate texture and gentle colors would reveal something special.

She said to me I wonder if I've ever had faith. I reminded her of the lupine. See how the broken can be transformed? Strength and beauty always remains.

SACRED LIFE SUNDAY - BALANCE

2008-06-08T16:14:00.000-07:00

In Balance Mandala - (Watercolor Series) - © Sue O'Kieffe
source image - white rhododendron

Everything comes to us that belongs to us if we create the capacity to receive it. ~ Rabindranath Tagore

We can want peace, but unless we are spiritually at peace ourselves, we dont mean it.
It is our thoughts which keep that part of the universe where each of us stand out of or in balance. ~ Little Crow

There are no choices that are really a detour that will take you far from where you're wanting to be -- because your Inner Being is always guiding you to the next, and the next, and the next. So don't be concerned that you may make a fatal choice, because there aren't any of those. You are always finding your balance. It's a never ending process. ~ Abraham Hicks

Now I walk in beauty,
Beauty stands before me
Beauty stands behind me
Above and below me.
~Navajo prayer

I am continuing to play with different approaches to the backgrounds on my artwork. This time I experimented with *grunge brushes* that I downloaded from this site, applying different colors on different layers and then playing with blending modes to get to the desired effect.

Balance...integration...release...transformation...growth...during these challenging times when life calls us to be present, what are we willing to receive? I like the quote from Abraham Hicks above...our soul knows what we want, and like some kind of internal GPS, it will keep us on track.

MY FAVORITE THINGS

2008-06-07T08:06:00.000-07:00

What I love most (next to, of course, visiting my friend in Oregon), are all the great little details around her home. Most of these photos were taken on her property. The last two were taken on the way home.

I have been in reclusive mode since returning, but I am around and will be visiting more when my quest for solitude lifts.

Sue O'Kieffe
Sacred Circle Mandalas

SACRED LIFE SUNDAY - MYSTERY

2008-06-01T06:52:00.000-07:00

Mystery - (Meditation Cards) - © Sue O'Kieffe 2008

This is my body, this is my blood - Mark 16:22-24 (paraphrased)

...the beauty of the bird, the symbol of the snake, the courage of the pilot, and the wonder of human love will always be touched with mystery ~F. Forrester Church

Love enigmas more than certainties ~ Rob Brezsny
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I am back from my trip and am still processing photographs (I took around 300!). Re-entry was a little bumpy and I'm still processing the emotional content of the journey as well. But ohhhh, it was so good to get away, with incredible beauty surrounding me for three days in Southern Oregon.

I am walking a line between wanting to go deep with my art and living on the surface in the material world. Mostly I think this dichotomy....one or the other.... is an illusion. Choose my time wisely.

Tick-tock.
The time is now.

Sue O'Kieffe
Sacred Circle Mandalas

TAPESTRIES MANDALA

2008-05-23T05:39:00.000-07:00

Tapestries 6 Mandala (Connie Rose series) - © Sue O'Kieffe 2008
source image: Connie Rose yarn photo

My friend and fellow artist journeyer Connie Rose has been gracious and let me play with photos of her handspun yarn. This is one of my favorite images of the six I have created..warm and toasty and in keeping with the solar imagery of my previous post.

I share her love affair with textures and love the doodl-y quality of the mandalas created from her handspun goodies.

When I was younger, I loved making yarn paintings, painstakingly glueing down strand after strand of yarn on masonite to create images of -- guess what?--suns!

On this holiday weekend in North America, I hope you are able to capture a bit of solar energy and enjoy some time off from whatever it is you normally do. Have fun, be safe, etc. Despite the rising cost of gasoline, I have decided to do a short jaunt up to southern Oregon and spend the weekend with a friend on 15 acres of forested and beautifully landscaped splendor for some serious R&R and photoshooting. Oh yum. Stay tuned.

See you on the flip side!

Sue O'Kieffe
Sacred Circle Mandalas

PHOTOSHOP TUTORIAL - EXPERIMENT WITH BLENDING MODES

2008-05-19T00:00:00.000-07:00

Desert Sun Mandala - © Sue O'Kieffe 2008
source image - escobaria cactus

When I go out into the world with my camera, I love getting up close to nature, feeling the energy of the plants and reveling in their colors.

Last week at the local Farmers' Market, I took a photograph of this cactus, which I think, after a quick Googling, must be a variety of escobaria.

I was attracted to the spikiness of the plant and knew that it was a force to be reckoned with. Is it any surprise that feng shui practitioners recommend having cactus outside the house as a form of protection, but not to put it inside unless you want to keep people away? I imagined all those porcupine-like spikes would transform themselves into amazing geometric forms.

Yup. But I just was not satisfied with the background. One of the things I am focusing on right now in my art is experimenting with different ways of creating more interesting backgrounds without overwhelming the mandala imagesthemselves.

One thing I love about digital art is being able to reuse certain design elements over and over again. I have lots of handmade paper that I scanned onto my hard drive just for this purpose.

First iteration. Old antique paper from India. I liked the color and the texture, but wasn't happy with the lack of contrast between image and background.
Second iteration. Again, still not quite right but closer.

I love playing with blending modes. It is, for me, the primary feature in PhotoshopI use to make my images painterly. When I selected Screen mode for both of the paper layers (see layer palette), all of the unwanted dark features of both paper layers lightened up, leaving a blend of the two layers of paper while removing the texture and darker colors in the onion paper layer. (Antique Paper layer >Blending Mode: Screen>Opacit :54%, Onionskin Paper layer> Blending Mode: Screen>Opacity: 100%)
Final step?
Adding a black frame around the image as I described in this tutorial.

I love the way this mandala came together. Earthy. Bright. Sunny. Desert-y. I think the cactus would be happy with my portrayal of its many gifts.

I hope you enjoy experimenting with Blending Modes. Please feel free to let me know if you have any questions, either via email or in comments.

SACRED LIFE SUNDAY - SIMPLE GIFTS

2008-05-18T11:56:00.001-07:00

Observe the wonders as they Occur All Around Us
~ Rumi

SACRED LIFE SUNDAY - LET IT BE

2008-05-11T09:49:00.000-07:00

Our task must be to free ourselves . . .
by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures
and the whole of nature and its beauty.

~Albert Einstein

Today I am grateful for the time I spent yesterday renewing friendship with my friend Lorlyn. She and I are techno-geek grrrl friends, Photoshop mavens, and spiritual allies. I couldn't be happier or feel more blessed that she and I continue to nurture our friendship and be able to pick up where we left off from the last time we saw each other (right before Thanksgiving), even though she has moved away from the North Coast of California. After celebrating her birthday and our friendship with a delicious crepe breakfast in Arcata, we mosied up to Trinidad for a walk-around-the-town photo shoot.

How can anyone not be inspired when surrounded by beauty like this?

LOVE MANDALA

2008-05-06T20:25:00.000-07:00

Layers of Love Mandala - © Sue O'Kieffe 2008
source image- flower bouquet
----------------
your slightest look easily will unclose me
though i have closed myself as fingers,
you open always petal by petal myself as Spring opens
(touching skilfully, mysteriously) her first rose
~e.e.cummings
---------------
I was going to make this mandala into part of my meditation card series, but I do not have a font that adequately captures the essence of the opening of the heart to the myriad expressions of Love. Everything I tried looked too much like Hallmark variety hearts and flowers.

Back in March I told the story of a homeless family who was living under a bridge with their dog. I found out last month that the woman is still alive, having survived her fifth admission into the local hospital since November. I was glad to hear the rest of that story and to know that I can put my mind at ease a bit.

I find I am in a period of productivity and experimentation. Language is not coming easily. I am touched by the miracle of Spring and her beauty.

Sue O'Kieffe
Sacred Circle Mandalas

SACRED ART SUNDAY

2008-05-02T06:15:00.000-07:00

Illuminata Mandala - (Meditation Card series) - © Sue O'Kieffe 2008
source image - daffodil
-------------------
I woke up in a very dark tunnel. I couldn't see anything. I was scared and wasn't sure exactly what to do. The voice of my Wiser Self reminded me.

Shine your Light.
---------------
It's hard to believe I haven't posted in over a week. There has been much activity going on in the background though, playing in Photoshop with these more water-colory mandala forms. During this time of increased creative activity, my mind has been looking for my Spirit's understanding of what it is I do. I have been Searching for Meaning, and shining my Light into some darkish corners. The above story about waking up in the tunnel was part of a dream I had last week. Last week I spent a great deal of time thinking abut and writing about my identity as a digital artist in an ongoing discussion with other artists I know.

I create Sacred Art.

I have not been wanting to say that out loud here, on my blog, like ... forever. I have not wanted to be categorized. I have been afraid, I guess, of being judged. I have wanted to let people draw their own conclusions about how my art touches them, but please leave the artist out of the equation. How crazy is that, anyway? Don't define me as New Age, or Old Age, or what have you. I just do what I feel called to do. But at the same time I have wanted to be part of the feeling I am trying to create in my art, knowing that we are all connected.

Somehow I had created a disconnect between myself and my creativity.

I have been surfing the web for inspiration and understanding. I had seen the Sacred Life Sunday button before in my wanderings, which I have now posted on my sidebar. Yesterday I knew the time had come to make posting about the sacredness I see in everyday life part of my spiritual practice and to not be afraid to say so.

In my link jumping I also discovered Milliande and her Visionary Art Bus. Her definition of Psychic Art really resonates with my intent when I create my mandalas:

What is Psychic Art ?

Psychic or Shamanic Art is an umbrella that covers different forms of artistic expression that are powerful representation of energy. Most often by creating simply through intention and without a logical plan. It is guided primarily by the subtle psychic sense.

By exploring where the inner world and outer world meet, we can create beyond previous limitation and learn how to step over the line; allowing creativity and inspiration to flow effortlessly from the 'zone'. Even if at first ,we don't even know what we have achieved!

Forms of this Art include Visionary Art, Pre-Cognitive Art, Energy Art, Aura Graphs, Mandala's, Icons, Mask Making, Inspirational Writing, Automatic Writing and Spirit Portraiture

Psychic and Shamanic Art portrays the energy of the subject as well as how it appears physically; the unseen energy around us has so much more potential that anything that can be seen.

I create Sacred Art.
The universe and the light of the stars come through me. ~ Rumi

How do you define yourself as an artist/creative?

Sue O'Kieffe
Sacred Circle Mandalas

THIS LITTLE LIGHT OF MINE

2008-04-26T09:26:00.000-07:00

Shine Mandala - (Meditation Card series) - © Sue O'Kieffe 2008
source image - rhododendron blossoms
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We have magnificent brains, but we use a great deal of our brilliance to keep ourselves stuck and ignorant, to keep ourselves from not shining. We are so afraid of our beauty and radiance and brilliance because it scared the adults around us when we were children.
~ Patricia Sun
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In 1989, during a time of great change and uncertainty in my life, I wrote a poem about the hurt I was allowing myself to feel. The poem ended "if I unwrapped myself, who would I be?"

It has really been a life long journey for me to discover and embrace the answers to that question. Today I encourage people as best I can to follow their hearts and do what they love. I think I read somewhere that being creative is almost a primal need. Too many have had that desire bullied out of them by well-meaning parents, insensitive art teachers, society at large. I view creation as a joyous and sacred act.

I choose the mandala form because it is a container for healing. Carl Jung said that a mandala symbolizes a safe refuge of inner reconciliation and wholeness (from The Mandala Project). Who doesn't need that from time to time?

Do you feel that creating art gets you closer to your center? Just how do you feel about being an artist? I'd love to hear your thoughts on this subject.

Sue O'Kieffe
Sacred Circle Mandalas

p.s. you can read the lyrics to the Todd Rundgren song Healer(today's music pick) here