I also have a page with all such Goodwin/Lansberry mandalas

That is as I relate in my "mundane" journal. However there is a unique meditative process I go through when creating a mandala. First off, the quadi-symmetry helps me to focus on balance and order in my life, serving to strengthen what the ancient Egyptians called Ma'at. Then there is a unique 'push-pull' I try to have going on between the attraction to the center, and the pull of the outer elements. This is a metaphor for the center as the Self and the outer elements as the objective universe. I try to establish a balance in this pull, such that the eye always returns to the center element. This to me is a focus for the meditation, "Return to the Center":

Returning to the Center, I embrace Darkness and Darkness embraces me. With a deep breath, I return to the Center and embrace Darkness. A calm quietness enfolds me. I enjoy the sensuous sense of being alive.   I breathe deeply and drink in rich energy. I breathe it into my pores and enjoy the reviving feeling. I breathe slowly and deeply, slowing my heart rate, relaxing all muscles. With each deep breath, I return to the Center and embrace Darkness. I enjoy the sensuous sense of being alive. JAL, 6-14-03

That poem was created to accompany a particular mandala which is a glowing center against a dark background. Returning to today's jointly created mandala, I've had additional meditative elements. Clare Goodwin explains her design, which she calls "Sacred Palace": "Four Gates represent the four directions and ways to enter the Sacred Palace. The Divine dwells in the center of the circle and is symbolized by the lotus." This is possibly a Buddhist influence.

But I have my own unique interpretation of the elements therein. It is partially influenced by a Setian symbol, the Pentagram of Set. In this symbol, which is a point down pentacle within a circle, "The Pentagram of Set is enclosed in a perfect circle (a function of π), representing the mathematical order of the objective universe. The pentagram does not touch the circle, however, signifying that the Powers of Darkness are not derived from or dependent upon that order." (See appendices, current draft of Dr Acquino's book on "Temple of Set")

In this mandala, the circular element, with all its facets contained within, similarly represents the objective universe. As the mandala serves to symbolize Ma'at, this center element, the lotus that does not touch the outer circular element represents that one's personal Ma'at, or balance, does not come from the objective universe, but from within oneself. That is why is it necessary to 'Return to the Center' to find it.

(I added the elements outside of the circular piece, perhaps these may represent worlds beyond ours, or the as yet undiscovered mysteries.)