Centering with Solstice Mandalas

In the northern hemisphere, the summer solstice marks the first day of summer, the time when nature’s plans come to fruition. This is a great time to build upon nature’s riches and meditate on the outcomes you want to manifest in your life.

Materials

• A quiet location in which to build your mandala
• Dried herbs and spices of your choice
• Notebook or journal
• Pen or pencil
• Yellow and orange flower petals of your choice

Preparation

• Gather or purchase yellow and orange flowers such as daisies, black-eyed susans, nasturtiums, sunflowers, mums, and marigolds. You can also use dried herbs or spices like turmeric, dried chili peppers, chamomile, safflowers, and calendula petals.
• Select a sunny, quiet spot where you will not be disturbed— preferably, somewhere outside.

The Mandala

Center yourself by taking a few deep breaths. Then make a mental list of the things you want to renew, manifest, enhance, or release from your life. You may want to recite some affirmations or mantras as you place each flower petal in place.

• Starting from the center, carefully arrange the flower petals in a circular pattern. Give yourself freedom from perfection. Allow the spontaneous “artist” to emerge.
• When you have finished building your mandala, use it as a focal point for a meditation ranging from ten minutes to a half hour or more. Take a few deep breaths and gaze into the center. Without judgment, notice your thoughts and feelings. What images come to mind? What feelings bubble up to the surface?

In Closing

Creative expression can help you recall your higher purpose, and using objects that represent the season helps align your energy with nature’s rhythms. When the winter solstice arrives, try making a winter mandala using pine needles, holly, juniper berries, star anise, cinnamon bark, allspice, dried oranges, and peppermint!