This film, divided into Part I and Part II, presents the history, psychology, and practice of creating and interpreting mandalas. The presenter, Susanne F. Fincher, ATR-BC, LPC, is an internationally known art therapist, educator, and writer who has studied mandalas for more than forty years.

Part I consists of a lecture in which Fincher describes how the deep-rooted symbolism of the circle contributes to the soothing and centering experience of creating mandalas. Fincher explains C.G. Jung’s concepts of the ego and Self, and describes the ego’s emergence as shown in children’s art. These childhood developments provide the basis for mandalas created by adults.

Part II offers guidelines for creating and interpreting mandalas that can be adapted by art therapists for work with adults in treatment. Examples of mandalas are included.