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Sunday, July 20, 2008

PREFERENTIAL SHAPES TEST

sidways i slide thru the squareSideways I Slide Thru the Square - (Reflection Series) - © Sue O'Kieffe © 2008
source image - wild anise
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On my last posting I introduced you to the concept of the Preferential Shape Test, which was developed by cultural anthropologist Angeles Arrien.

Thanks to all of you who have let me know the order of your shape preferences. I'm sure you are curious to know the significance of the order positions. Here goes!
  • Position 1 - Where You Think You Are - The shape placed here signals the process that now has your attention. It describes the part of yourself of which you are most aware...and most comfortable...at this time. However, it is not the most accurate indicator ...it only shows where you think you are or where you would like to be....it may mean you admire the qualities of the process it represents
  • Position 2 - Your Strengths - The shape you have chosen as your second preference exhibits an inherent strength predominant in you at this time, whether you know it or not. The shape in this position indicates areas of your nature that are currently fluid, strong, and resourceful.
  • Position 3 - Where You Are - This shape stands for the work that is really going on, at the core of your being. You must be aware of it in order to fully manifest the potential it represents. Think of Goldilocks ... when presented with multiple choices, the third choice was the best one for her (just right)
  • Position 4 - Your Motivation - Position 4 points to past challenges that have motivated your current process of change. The fourth position ...discloses the motivation that triggered your move into the core work to be done symbolized by the shape in Position 3.
  • Position 5 - Old, Unfinished Business - This shape identifies a process you have outgrown or one that you dislike. The fifth position is associated with unresolved issues you now wish to put aside and will reclaim at a later date.
(from Arrien, Angeles Signs of Life, pp. 23-28)

Next time I will talk about the shapes themselves. I'd love to hear what you think about this process.

Sue O'Kieffe
Sacred Circle Mandalas

7 comments:

John M. Mora said...

Some images shine with enlargement - I clicked on this one and the slight size increase made it unfurl - hope you understand what I am trying to communicate.

It must look impressive larger.

Need to check out that website.

I always loved running into wild anise in northern California. I would rub some of the leaves or even he flowers in my hands.

healingmagichands said...

Eagerly awaiting the final installment, the explanation of the shapes themselves. This reminds me strongly of the mandala work I did several years ago while in a metaphysical study group.

What is the address of your new wordpress blog? I'd love to visit you there.

Deb Kirkeeide said...

These last two mandalas have so much depth to them. I feel like I am looking through a microscope at a secret world.

Lisa said...

My shape preferences were spiral, circle, square, triangle, equidistant cross. Now I'm VERY curious to hear his take on the shapes themselves.

The Artful Eye said...

Beautiful mandala..echeveria?

If I chart my own course based on these positions I can say that I'm spiraling out of control, found myself at an intersection, moved on now going round and round in circles, looking to get to the point, sitting squarely where I began. aargghh.

Can't wait to learn more. Very interesting. Thank you.

NicciN said...

Thanks for this.

I had made my list, and wanted to know what they meant.

1. spiral
2. cross
3. circle
4. triangle
5. square

dianeclancy said...

This is great - I am so eager to hear the interpretations ..

thanks!!

~ Diane Clancy
www.DianeClancy.com/blog
http://Dianeclancy.com/blog/2008/07/post-500-a-give-away/