The sands are swept up from the outside toward the center, thus symbolizing how in old age and at the time of death everything once more returns to the primordial source at the center of the heart. Prior to dismantling the mandala, another ceremony is performed, giving thanks to the local spirits for their cooperation, and dedicating any meritorious energy that has been generated to the fulfillment of universal benefit, healing and peace. The sands are swept up and carried in a vase to a nearby body of water, where they are deposited. Placing the sands in water, which by nature is connected to all the waters of the world, symbolizes the dedication of the positive energies of the mandala process to universal goodness. 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.