Mandala Monday – How Rose Windows Can Become a Meditation Mandala by Andrew Shimanoff

Interior of the rose at Strasbourg Cathedral.

Image from Wikimedia Commons

For the past several centuries in Europe, most of the great cathedrals have at least one stained glass rose window that is place in a primary architectural location on the building. Though people admire the great expanse of these incredible stained glass windows (some are up to 45 feet diameter, or 8 stories tall), plus the beautiful colors of the glass, few are aware of the deeper significance of why rose windows were put there in the first place.

The builders of the cathedrals were the master Masons who at the time still had the esoteric knowledge of sacred geometry, and how to use its effects to elevate the spiritual nature of man. Unfortunately, most people today, and even back then, believed the cathedrals were built for the purpose of religious ceremony and ritual, but this only true on a basic understanding. As always throughout history, the master initiates of spirituality would pass on their teachings and knowledge in a way that the common folk could learn of by experience, rather than intellect. In other words, the cathedrals surrounded the people with a precise geometric structure that had subtle effects on their spiritual nature, and thus slowly helping them to awaken to their true understanding of themselves as conscious spiritual beings.

For example, the entire building was made of some type of natural stone, like granite, marble, or sandstone, which the Masons knew had the ability to carry the etheric energy of the earth, the same as the great pyramids in Egypt. They also understood that shape and form also affected this energy, thus the cathedral, like the pyramid, was constructed entirely by the use of sacred geometry, which means each part of the building was mathematically based on one master geometrical relationship. There were no such things as haphazard sizes. Every stone and every shape was based on this geometric master formula. This caused the etheric energy within the cathedral, specially underneath the central dome, to elevate anyone within its field. This knowledge is forgotten today.

The rose window, usually placed in an elevated position, actually represents in physical matter, what happens when the “third eye” (in the center of the forehead according to yogi meditation masters) opens up in a state of deep meditation, this eye becomes a doorway to the higher realms of spiritual dimensions. So in the cathedral, the stained glass rose window is actually a meditation mandala that can be used by anyone sitting in the space to focus on, and help them to open their own spiritual window of consciousness.

Though only a few aspects of the cathedrals were touched upon in this article, you can understand that the original shape and design of these buildings were for most people, the religious practices of various beliefs, but in reality, on the inner realm, were designed for the spiritual elevation of consciousness. And of course, they still have the exact same effects today, since in the world of sacred geometry, these principles of construction are eternal.

You can visit and learn how to have your own stained glass rose window for both simple beauty and artwork added to your space, and also for your personal meditation mandala that you can use anytime. Visit http://www.rosewindowcompany.com

Andrew Shimanoff has studied sacred geometry and used it in his custom woodworking business for the past 20 years. His company specializes in making stained glass rose window frames for hobbyists, artesans, churches, and buildings. Visit at http://www.rosewindowcompany.com

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I look forward to your thoughts and comments!

Mandala Monday – The Hidden Sky: Fibonacci Movie from Cara Reichel

I found this beautiful video demonstrating the Fibonacci Sequence, one of the building blocks of the Universe. If you are unfamiliar with this aspect of sacred geometry you can fine material at Wikipedia to acquaint you with it. There is much material on the web explaining the mathematics of the Fibonacci Sequence and I will leave it to you to explore that if you are interested. What I find interesting about this video is that it was part of a play performed in 2010. The details of the play are below the video. I find it fascinating that sacred geometry found it’s way into a musical theater production.  The Fibonacci Sequence is truly all around us. Enjoy!

The Hidden Sky: Fibonacci Movie from Cara Reichel on Vimeo.

“THE HIDDEN SKY

Jan. 30 – Feb. 28, 2010

at the West End Theatre (263 West 86th St.) in the Church of St. Paul and St. Andrew

music and lyrics by Peter Foley

book by Kate Chisholm

based on the short story “The Masters” by Ursula K. Le Guin

directed by Kate Chisholm

Science and religion collide in this sophisticated and mythic new musical. At the center of the conflict is Ganil, a young woman whose passionate longing for knowledge leads her on a dangerous journey in pursuit of lost and forbidden truths. With an eclectic score featuring lush choral singing, this compelling tale of spiritual awakening illuminates the complex dialogue between faith and reason.”

“The power of Foley´s score effectively communicates the exhilaration of intellectual discovery… The melodic urgency, rhythmic variety, harmonic invention and orchestral sophistication of his music compel the attention. Foley acknowledges a range of influences from Sufi music to the rock band U2, yet what he has made of them is something uniquely his own.” — The Philadelphia Inquirer

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I look forward to your thoughts and comments!

Mandala Monday – The Earthscapes of Andres Amador

Today I want to share with you the art of Andres Amador. Below you will find a video about him by KQED Arts.  Andres uses sand, ocean and the inevitable incoming tide to create his ephemeral works.

Here is a video of a group mandala titled “Mandala- guided group Playa Painting time-lapse.”

To explore more of his work see his YouTube Channel at http://www.youtube.com/user/pickletruck2007/featured

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I look forward to your thoughts and comments!