Sea Mandala

In this mandala for Isa, I used sea symbols. Isa is a cancer, so these symbols go well with her zodiac sign. In the middle the cancer zodiac symbol in orange and a blue starfish, surrounded by 6 white pearls, then the magnificent Orange Foliosa Coral, three golden suns, airbubbles and the lotusleaves. From the depth of the sea the mandala comes to the surface. The unique luster of pearls depends upon the reflection and refraction of light from the translucent layers. The thinner and more numerous the layers in the pearl, the finer the luster. The iridescence that pearls display is caused by the overlapping of successive layers, which breaks up light falling on the surface. The pearl is an astral stone for the signs Gemini and Cancer, and astrologers link it to the moon. It was said in some early cultures that the pearl was born when a single drop of rain fell from the heavens and became the heart of the oyster. Pearls have been called the 'teardrops of the moon'. Some believe that pearls were formed by the passage of angels through the clouds of heaven. Over time, the pearl has become the symbol of purity and innocence and it is often sewn into bridal gowns, or worn as jewelry by the bride. The orange Foliosa Coral I painted from a photo made by Dave Playfair. Never knew anything like this existed! While searching for something I stumble upon things sometimes which are so fascinating. Dave grows these corals in saltwatertanks, magnificent reefs, which are so beautiful! Links: Mistress Reef, The Pearl, More About Pearls, Emily Gems, Wikipedia on Pearls,