Intricate patterns reflect many levels of understanding. The design is ritually prepared over a period of days, then blown away to represent the impermanence of life. The sand, which has been blessed throughout the process, is seen to benefit the land and rivers it comes in contact with. Tibetans believe that a sand mandala contains the knowledge to achieve enlightenment in this lifetime. There is also a tradition of healing circles in the west.
Powerful symbolism is seen in Native American sand paintings , medicine wheels and shields.
Medicine wheels represent the universe, change, life, death, birth and learning. The great circle is the lodge of our bodies, our minds and our hearts. Although there are many parallels to the Tibetan mandala, Native Americans never used the word mandala to describe their sacred circles. In Europe, Hermetic mandalas, though usually linear, may also be circular. Alchemy, the Kabbalah , geometry and numerology play an important part of their design and creation.