Sitting in a quiet, soothing environment, the client is given a large white sheet of paper on which a circle is drawn lightly in pencil (about the size of one's head).  Given an assortment of pastels (chalk or oil- they should be easy to blend if desired), the client is asked to draw and color a mandala.  It is important to stress to the client the fact that each mandala is as unique as the one creating it, and it is hoped that s/he will enjoy the process and "play". When completed, the mandala should be signed and dated by the artist.  Now that the right side of the brain has become "activated", choosing cards can begin:

The MARI^® deck consists of 39 different symbol cards printed on transparent acetate and 45 cards of different colors. First, the client is asked to select six symbol cards which s/he likes and one symbol card which s/he does not like*. The individual also selects color cards to "go with" the symbol cards. In addition, the individual selects two more symbol/color cards which are then designated as guidance cards for personal issue(s).

After the selection of the cards has been completed, the administrator of the MARI^® places the cards on a large visual replica of the thirteen stages which correspond to the stages of human development, known as The Great Round.  The individual and the administrator of the MARI^® then engage in a collaborative discussion endeavoring to formulate a reasonable interpretation of each of the symbol/color cards in relation to The Great Round.  The mandala created by the client is also considered and assessed in conjunction with the information gleaned from the array of cards. The guidance cards can be utilized at this time to encourage integration and paths to individuation.

It is clear that every individual is aware of some of the issues pressing upon him/her. However, no individual is fully aware of all the issues that are present in his/her psyche at an unconscious level.  The MARI^®, when properly administered and interpreted, endeavors to clarify the full scope of these issues, bringing them to constructive articulation and fostering an atmosphere of nurturance and understanding. Its emphasis is always one of strength, growth and progress.

Why not TAKE A MINI-MARI^® TEST to get an idea of what the MARI^® is like?

*Thanks to Phyllis Frame, ATR, for her suggestion of the "rejected" card

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