A mandala (Sanskrit for circle) is a symbol in Hinduism and Buddhism that represents the universe. Mandalas are employed for meditation, by focusing one’s total attention on the mandala (as opposed to say, one’s to-do list of chores).

Swiss pyschoanalyst Carl Jung believed the unconscious could be revealed through art, and used it in his treatment of patients. He noticed that both he and they often resorted to circle drawings. He decided the mandala actually represented “the Self, the wholeness of the personality, which if all goes well is harmonious."

Today many believe that creating (or by extension, coloring) mandalas helps stabilize, integrate, and re-order one’s inner life.

Using animals to form the mandala adds the idea of animal totems to the mix. Animal totems are also symbols used to establish a personal or spiritual identity.

Coloring Animal Mandalas is a collection of creative representations of the animal kingdom as mandalas. These very intricate designs will look pretty amazing when colored. In fact, I can understand how working on these pictures could be hypnotic and distract one from the usual quotidian concerns. Many people, both children and adults, swear by coloring mandalas as a means of relaxation.

The book is printed on one-sided pages, so there will be no danger of your getting distracted by images or bleed-throughs from the other side. You can also then remove finished pages and hang them up.

The author has a website from which you can download some sample pages of mandalas and other images to color.

Evaluation: This would make a great gift item! It's unusual, fun, and possibly will enhance the quality of life of the recipient. ( )

Coloring Animal Mandalas
by Wendy Piersall

Reviewing this 64 page book of 30 awesome magical wildlife mandalas was a yummy piece of cake and I enjoyed every bit. The artist has a gifted way of energetically pulling you right into each one. I felt so at peace and it was a hoot picking out the colors I needed. I have always been excited by mandalas, and this set is exceptional. These guys are where simplicity and intricacy meet radically in the middle. This one just hopped right into my spiritual toolbox. I would recommend this blessed find to anyone wanting a unique way to slow their head down. Thanks Wendy, you are an inspiration.

Love & Light,

Riki Frahmann ( )