Sakwala Chakraya

2004 - March 10th - Tom Pastorello
My interest is in universal psycho analytical meaning and the more basic meaning of any cultural symbol within the Collective Unconscious. In that regard, what I find most compelling is the correspondence to mandalas that my students have produced when I've asked them to describe their lives' journeys and personal growth --past, present and future. From a Jungian perspective, their mandalas and this Chakraya show the archetypal expression of individuation -- developmental growth from animal instinct to spiritual wholeness.

The Sakwala Chakraya illustration shows the archetypal symbol of centered wholeness -- the concentric circles (or, alternatively, the spiral to a center point). Primal life is at the periphery, and in between are the quartered circles. As I suggested in my posting, the quartered circle would represent transition from splintered personality (4 inner selves) to spiritual unity.

I'm sure the creators of these workshad different explicit ideas in mind. I believe also,however, that as gifted and insightful artists their unconscious minds spoke in the design of their work and what they have told us is all about what is universal in human development and journey tospiritual wholeness.

Thomas Pastorello
Professor Emeritus
Syracuse University
College of Human Development and Health Professions