The Alchemist- Mandalas

Santiago's Mandala

For Santiago’s mandala, I chose to put the universal symbol for alchemy in the middle. Branching out from that, I incorporated his flock of sheep, a beating, courageous heart, the pyramid where he was told to find his treasure, urim and thummim, the tree where his real treasure was buried and some butterflies to symbolize his transformation. I chose to do the background in a spectrum and fill the outside in black accompanied by glitter. I did this to represent the synchronicity that occurs within alchemy and the use of precious metals.

My Mandala

For my mandala, I chose to put the planet Earth in the center. I did so because I live on Earth and try to feel connected to everything around me. Branching out from that I put my bike because I enjoy physical activity, paint and a paintbrush because I am interested in crafts and creating with my hands, an iPod to represent my love for music, a book with a brain and the word ‘knowledge’ on it to show my desire to learn and understand life, my boyfriend and dog that make up my little family, and my childhood sock monkey that has accompanied me through many different stages and times in my life. 

Because I Could Not Stop for Death- Creative Response

For my creative response I chose to paint a picture. The woman is seen standing in her grave and the words “Home Sweet Home” have been written on the tombstone. She is still wearing her nightgown just as the day that she died and her feet are planted in the grave with a few flowers beginning to grow around her. Her face is expressionless, as she has no concept of eternal time and she passes no judgment on the detail of her demise. Death is seen with his horse and carriage, forever traveling on the border between life and death.

"Books are the plane, and the train, and the road. They are the destination, and the journey. They are home." ~ Anna Quindlen

It is said that knowledge is power, which consequently insists that books are one of the most powerful tools a person may possess. Although varied in their substance, both fiction and non-fiction are able to provide invaluable lessons on life and love, encourage the reader to seek truth and knowledge, develop interest in other countries, even universes, and ultimately expand creativity. In her quote, Anna Quindlen describes books as vehicles that transport the imagination. Literature becomes a conduit that assists in the travel down the long road of life. By likening books to a person’s home, the author highlights the comfort, joy, satisfaction and fulfillment that accompanies as such.

The desire to travel and discover new worlds has penetrated the hearts and minds of individuals since the beginning of time. The curious nature of humans compels them to wonder and dream of what exists beyond the walls of their home. Though an astronaut, vagabond, world discoverer, deep sea explorer, or even the average vacationer may all appear to be very separate from each other, they are bound by their collective appreciation for adventure. Those who enjoy reading books share in that same sense.  Without physically leaving the room, the imagination is able to experience life in far off lands, the intellect is nourished and expanded and the soul has the opportunity to replenish and heal. There are many types of books, all of which contain applicable information. Textbooks preserve knowledge and history as well as universal laws that can be revisited time and time again. Novels are often about the overcoming of circumstance and the value of the human life and spirit, which exists as a source of inspiration for the reader. 

Through the good times and bad, there will always be a story to be read that will have the power to resonate, rejuvenate and motivate the human heart. In my own life, books have always provided me with a sense of wonder, entertainment and enjoyment. They have allowed me and will continue to allow me to further my education and expand my understanding of self and the world around me. Filled with lessons worth learning and the anticipation of a life worth living, each page contains valuable information that will continue to lead me down life’s long road.