The Chalice Well at Glastonbury
The image of the mandorla (which literally means “almond” in Italian) represents union. It is perhaps the most ancient sacred symbol known to humankind, said to have been inscribed on the Ark of the Covenant. Also known as the Vesica Piscis, it symbolizes the sacred geometrical pattern of life on Earth. The 2 smaller circles represent earth and sky, body and soul, or the feminine and masculine energies. These 2 circles have opposing energies which magnetize them to each other. They interlock within the larger circle, which represents the totality of existence. The creative power that ignites in the overlap (the “almond” or birth canal) is the basic matrix for all life on earth.
Learning to be a bridge between earth and spirit is one of the fundamental lessons and destinies of being human. By balancing these 2 worlds, humans can discover the deeper truths within themselves as well as gain glimpses of the greater mysteries of the Cosmos. We can only gain true spiritual insight and growth by grounding into our own physical bodies, the current residence of our souls. The 2 realms are inextricable.
The Mandorla school teaches this fundamental approach to better understand our true, complete selves within the larger whole through dance, rites of passage preparation and communal ritual. Through the practice of sacred dance, we can learn to create a bridge from deep within our bodies to all that exists outside of it. In this trance-like state, we can gain wisdom and understanding of our true essence, heal ourselves, discover our life’s calling and create strong bonds of tribe.