In my community, many barns are adorned with brightly painted designs, often circular in shape, like a mandala. It's common to see the rose and thistle pattern, circles of laurel leaves, flowers, birds, mammals, and other symbols of nature. I think of mandalas as magical symbols of protection invoking the power of roses (love), thistles (protection), laurel (honor), and other entities.

Draw your own mandala. Start with a circle that is about six inches in diameter. Draw images of flowers, herbs, animals, and totems. Depict directions, elements, or actions.

Add color: green for growth and prosperity, red for love and action, blue for calm, beauty, and spirit, or white for purity and sacred power.

Place your mandala on your front door, window, or gate, where it will protect your home, family, self, and space