
🧠 The Connection Between Mandalas and the Unconscious – Carl Jung’s Psychological Mandalas
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“The mandala is the psychological expression of the totality of the self.”
— Carl Gustav Jung
Mandalas are more than just aesthetically pleasing circular patterns – these intricate, symmetrical designs carry deep psychological significance. Carl Gustav Jung, a pioneer of modern psychology, recognized the importance of mandalas in exploring the unconscious mind. In this article, we’ll explore how Jung used mandalas in self-discovery work, and how they can still help us today in finding inner balance.
🌀 What is a Mandala According to Jung?
Jung described the mandala as a “psychic image that expresses the self as a whole in a circular form.” For him, a mandala was:
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A visual symbol of inner order and unity
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A spontaneous manifestation arising from the unconscious
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A representation of the Self, the totality of the psyche
🔍 Mandalas in Therapy – Maps of Self-Discovery
Jung began drawing mandalas during his own inner work, and later encouraged his patients to do the same. He found that creating mandalas:
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Helped organize chaotic thoughts
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Calmed the psyche
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Revealed inner conflicts from the unconscious
Common symbols often appear in mandalas – circles, squares, crosses, spirals – each reflecting phases of internal transformation.
🌙 Dream Mandalas – When the Unconscious Draws
Jung also observed that mandala-like forms often appear in dreams – circles, rotating shapes, and symmetrical structures. These dream mandalas often:
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Indicate the emergence of a new psychological balance
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Symbolize inner order after a crisis
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Represent the appearance of the Self
✍️ How to Create Your Own Psychological Mandala
Try this simple practice to connect with your unconscious:
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Create a quiet space and turn inward
Eliminate distractions and take a few deep breaths. -
Choose your tools
Use colored pencils, markers, or a digital drawing program. -
Draw a circle and begin to fill it freely
Don’t overthink it – let your hand guide you. -
Observe the finished mandala
What do you see in it? How do you feel?
📌 Tip: Keep a mandala journal where you record your drawings, thoughts, and feelings.
🧘♀️ Why Does It Work?
Mandalas are like inner compasses, drawn by the psyche itself. They help:
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Establish a connection with the unconscious
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Restore internal order
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Mirror our current psychological state
As Jung wrote:
“The creation of a mandala helps to stabilize the personality by expressing the completeness of the individual centered around a unifying point.”
🧩 In Summary
A mandala is not just decorative art – it can be a psychological map guiding us through self-discovery and healing. Thanks to Jung’s work, we now understand: when we create a mandala, we are truly having a conversation with ourselves.