(Note:  This is the third essay in a three part series. Part I, Days 55-56: The Pearl of Great Price and Part II, Days 68-69: Standing with Paradox).

For those of
you who frequent these pages you most likely are familiar with the mandala, or
sacred circle, which is symbolic of an all inclusive Love. Recently, I discovered
the mandorla,
which is an ancient Christian symbol for wholeness. A mandorla is formed as two
emerging circles overlap until an almond shape forms in the center (Jensen,
2006).These intersecting circles represent "the interactions and interdependence
of opposing worlds or forces". The significance of this sacred image denotes
heaven and earth; spirit and form (Baldock, 1990).

Mandorla is the Italian word for almond.
According to Biedermann (1994), the almond shape is likened to the closing over
of a precious core within a hardened, sealed shell. It represents the mysterious
inner Light of Christ’s radiance that is the true essence of every human being.

Early Christians had a tradition to “ make themselves known to one another by
scrapping into the walls two lines indicating a stylized fish-which is the mandorla.
One would scratch a small circle in the wall, and another would come by and
make another circle slightly overlapping, thus completing a Mandorla” (Jensen, 2006).

Often
the banished aspects of our shadow side show up in midlife (Johnson, 1991). Much
of our triggered 'flight or fight' behavior is conditioned and below conscious awareness. It is
important to remember that it is not our fault; a lot is handed down to us through the generations as well as through cultural norms. However, we can begin to notice our experience without judgment. 

The mandorla offers a means of reconciliation with our human struggle between the light and shadow sides of our being (Jensen, 2006). When we tire of running from the tensions of opposites, we may decide to
finally confront some of life’s painful paradoxes. Perhaps, this is because we have become strong enough and courageous
enough to face our soul’s inner work.

Our pricless time here on earth passes by so quickly. We may not get another chance to speak Love's truth. Can
we unseal the innermost chamber of our Holiness to forgive others our
grievances? Can we release the pain of perceived separation in the knowledge
that Love never dies? In the ever changing patterns of life, when we
must let go, can we do so with an open heart of gratitude? Can we honor the
light and the shadow to receive Love’s mutual blessing in acceptance?

This is my prayer in these ever changing tides; the ebb and flow of life and relationships. The mandorla offers a healing of the split
(Johnson, 1991). Life is fluid and this integration is a continual process and
a movement towards, and away, and back again as we become reunited with our
authentic being.

What a delight to
discover mandorla symbolism in the visionary work of Healthcare leader, Erie Chapman’s Radical
Loving Care. For "whenever need is met by a loving response" the Sacred
enters, transforming our fear into Love. (Chapman, 2003).

Contributed by ~liz
Sorensen Wessel

Mandorla of Rev. Chapman’s
Sacred Work Symbol by ~liz

References

Baldock, J. (1990). Glossary of Symbols. In Fairbrother, M. (Ed.), The
elements of Christian symbols. Worcester: Element Books.

Bierdermann, H. (1994). Dictionary of symbolism: Cultural icons and the
meanings behind.

Chapman, E. (2003). Radical loving care: Building the healing hospital in America. Nashville: Baptist Healing Trust.

Jensen, B. (1996). Art therapy through
test anxiety, Senior thesis. Dominican College of San Rafael, Unpublished,
1(1), 13-14. Retrieved from, http://www.sandplay.org/symbols/mandorla.htm, April 4, 2013.

Johnson, R. (1991). Owning your own shadow.
San Francisco: Harper Collins.