Protect the Children
I created this mandala after experiencing a sundown ceremony at the recent Gathering for Mother Earth. Everyone was asked to come together, with the children in the middle. Then the mothers, new and pregnant, were asked to surround them. The aunts and grandmothers stood behind the mothers. And finally, the men of all ages were asked to close the perimeter. However, the men did not face into the circle. Instead, they faced with their left shoulder into the circle. This way they were able to look into the circle and make sure everyone was safe, and also look outside the circle to check for any danger.
This teaching circle represents the way we take care of one another. The most vulnerable are in the center, and the strongest protect everyone by looking inside and outside of the circle. It felt so good to know I was protecting those in front of me, while be protected by those behind me.
Today, we have lost our way, and the most vulnerable are being hurt, exploited and even killed by the strong. So this mandala is dedicated to healing and returning to the Circle of Protection.
