Tibetan mirror Kalachakra 32 millimeters

The use of metal mirrors as an indispensable attribute for people dealing with the worlds of the spirits on a regular base, such as professional shamans and priests, is already known for more than 6000 years. As such they have been found in excavations all over (especially) the Eurasian continent. From Tibet, Siberia, Nepal to China.

In different regions, the shamanic mirror is known with different names, such as kuzungu, toli, panaptu, melong, darpana or chinza. But regardless of the name, the mirror is attributed the same sacred functions in all these regions. Such as; protection against malignant forces, amplifying the power of the heart from the one wearing it, being a guide and protector in other worlds, being a spirit container and assisting in oraclework and scrying. 

The shamanic mirror is one of the most important attributes in the tradition of Spirit of Wolf and is worn during all kinds of rituals and healing work. 

A shamanic mirror can be made in different shapes and patterns, and be decorated with all kinds of motives and symbolism. The frontside is often very shiny and should be regularly polished to be able to reflect all negative influences away. 

Shamanic mirrors can be made from different kinds of metal. The diverse metals are attributed certain correspondences such as: 
- Brass or bronze, connected to the Sun
- Silver, connected to the Moon
- Copper, connected to Underworld Sun

These mirrors here in our shop come from Tibet, where they are called 'melong'. Tibetan people wear them typically on the belt (instead of around the neck).

On the frontside of this mirror one of the best known symbols of Vajrayana Buddhism can be seen; the Kalachakra symbol. The symbol consist of 7 vertical syllables, intertwined with horizontal consonant syllables. And on top of that 3 more symbols; a crescent, a disc and a curved shape (thus making a total of 10 symbols; the Kalachakra symbol is therefore also known as the'Tenfold Powerful One').

The word 'kalachakra' can be roughly translated as 'wheel of time' or 'cycles of time'. The tantric teachings of Kalachakra are 2500 year old and revolve around the awareness of all different levels of cycles in our lives; internal, external and alternate.

The 7 vertical syllables (HAM KSHA MA LA VA RA YA) in this symbol together form the Kalachakra mantra. The mantra is recited to purify mind and body and become more and more aware of all these different cycles. From this awareness the way of transition from unconsciousness to enlightenment can be opened.

On the left and right of this symbol are the Lantsa characters for E and VAM, representing the union of emptiness (E) and bliss (VAM).

On the backside of this mirror, a depiction of the traditional Tibetan astrological system can be seen; the astrological chart of Si Pa Ho, consisting of three schematic images:

1) In the center the mystical square Me Wa Gu can be seen. In the 9 parts the numbers from 1 to 9 are inscribed, the sum of which in each column is 15. This scheme forms in Tibetan-Mongolian astrology a numerological indication of the relationship between a person and deities and spirits. Each digit governs the year, they replace each other in reverse order.

In China this mystical square has been known since 2200 BCE and is called 'Lo Shu' or Nine Halls diagram; it derives from ancient Chinese mathematical and divination traditions, such as the art of Taoist Geomancy. Nowadays it is also widely known as an important emblem in Feng Shui; the 9 parts (also called 'palaces') then represent the 8 directions of the compass plus the central position, with each part having its own energy.

2) In the ring around the square the 8 trigrams ('Ba Gua') of Par Ha Ge can be seen. The trigram symbols come from very ancient origin; they derive from symbols found on ancient Chinese divination bones dating back as long as 11th century BCE. A related version of bone oracle is still used today by Turkic and Mongolian people, and also in the lineage of Spirit of Wolf Shamanism; 'Kazhiki'. 

Doubled trigrams form 64 hexagrams, which form the core of the I Ching, the Book of Changes.

Each trigram is a divinatory grapheme and represents different dynamics, energies, cardinal points, animals, seasons etc. In depictions such as on these melongs, where the 8 of them together form a circle, it symbolizes heavenly order, a healthy balance and right flow of energy.

3) In the outside circle the 12 animals from the Eastern zodiac can be seen.

These Tibetan mirrors come to us via our friends at Shaman Bazar. They are made from bronze and have a diameter of approximately 32 millimeters (measured without the eyelet) and a weight of approximately 18 grams.

Sold per piece.