Peace Day Mandala

Peace Day Mandala (Circle of Healing Series) © Sue O'Kieffe 2010

This is my offering for all of you for  International Peace Day. Whatever you can do to bring peace to your hearts and extend it outwards to the world, I hope you might begin it now. Do not stop. We need this energy of  compassion, forgiving and acceptance in the world, now more than ever.



Bright blessings,
Sue O'Kieffe
Sacred Circle Mandalas

Autumn's Golden Hour

Autumn's Golden Hour Mandala (Circles of Autumn series) © Sue O'Kieffe 2010

source image: bayberry leaves

This mandala is an homage to my favorite time of day, that golden hour right before the sun sets, which is even yummier on a sunny autumn day. This is the first mandala I have created this year with an autumn theme, and Im hoping that there will be more of them, too. September and October are traditionally our best weather months here on the North Coast of California. It's raining right now, and the past few weeks have been chillier than usual, but I remain hopeful that there will still be lots of opportunities for capturing autumn glory.

I have been quite busy the past few weeks preparing not one, but two, mandala calendars for 2011. Themes for this year's calendars are Love and Nature. I'll have more news about them within the next couple of weeks.  I am also getting ready for some time away for a much needed break Soon I will be going for retreat to my own personal mecca on Mt Shasta. The mountain is a magical power spot. I will be going with drum and rattle and a long time friend for a day of reflection. (Oh, and the reason Im not citing where this photo came from is because the website was infected and it took me an hour after the download to make sure my computer was all cleaned up. I don't want to send any of you guys over there and deal with the same stuff I went through. But I love the photo!)

I hope you are all having a great autumn (for those of you in the Northern Hemisphere) or welcoming the first signs of spring (for those of you in the South.). If you feel inclined, leave me a note in the comments and tell me what you've been up to.

Bright blessings,
Sue O'Kieffe
Sacred Circle Mandalas

Boundless Giving Mandala

Boundless Giving Mandala (Circles of Healing series) © Sue O'Kieffe 2010

source image: locust tree leaves

I had a sweet opportunity this past weekend to housesit for a friend of mine. This was like a spa date for me, with hot tub, queen-sized bed, permission to eat her food, a black and white kitty, and views of loaded apple trees with chickadees bobbing around the garden. I know, tough assignment eh? It was great to get away from home and see the world from some new perspectives. This also included new 'hoods to explore with my camera. Autumn gardens are fairly well spent by now, but trees call out to be noticed.

I was particularly struck by the contrast in the leaves on this locust tree. Im not sure if this is disease or change of season I am witnessing with the white bits. I love how it all translated itself into mandala form. It reminds me of a wood block print, which is kind of fitting, eh?

When I feel into the message the mandala offers me, I sense the heart opening wide with love. The earthy greens and mauve tones also echo a correspondence to the heart chakra. This is a love that knows no beginning or ending, ever opening wider and wider. I love what Susanne Fincher says about the number nine:

Nine may be a reminder to...balance physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of your being...it appears to reflect a state of energy, arousal, and potency generated by spirituality. (Creating Mandalas)

I'm wondering what you see when you feel into this mandala? Won't you please share with us here?

Bright blessings,
Sue O'Kieffe
Sacred Circle Mandalas