Is Mandala a symbol of the Universe because we live in the Universe of cycles? :o)
Let us start with the longest cycle that affects the Solar system.
Axial precession is the trend in the direction of the Earth’s axis of rotation relative to the fixed stars, with a period of about 25,700 years.
The above cycle affects the Earth’s climate by changing the timing of seasons and the seasonal contrast between hemispheres.
Nature’s cycles have to do with how the earth renews itself.
The living things within an ecosystem interact with each other and also with their non-living environment to form an ecological unit that is largely self-contained. Sometimes this renewal process is gradual and gentle. Sometimes it is violent and destructive.
The nature cycles that affect inanimate entities are: water cycle, carbon cycle, nitrogen cycle, and photosynthesis.
And what about humans, are there any cycles unique to us?
Apparently, yes!
Political cycle
Dynastic cycle is an important political theory in Chinese history. According to this theory, each dynasty of China rises to a political, cultural, and economic peak and then, because of moral corruption, declines, loses the Mandate of Heaven, and falls, only to be replaced by a new dynasty. The cycle then repeats under a surface pattern of repetitive motifs.
Wealth cycle
Concentration of wealth yields concentration of political power. And concentration of political power gives rise to legislation that increases and accelerates the cycle.
– Noam Chomsky
Economic cycle
The Kondratieff Wave, also known as the long economic cycle, is a theory that suggests economies go through four distinct phases: prosperity, recession, depression, and recovery. These phases are not only cyclical but also interconnected, creating a wave-like pattern that can be observed throughout history.
Spiritual cycle
Without forgiveness life is governed by… an endless cycle of resentment and retaliation.
-Roberto Assagioli
Some people think that the cycle at the top and the cycle at the bottom are interconnected:
Earth’s biosphere gave birth to humans and our thoughts, which are now reshaping its planetary cycles. A planet with brains? Fancy that.
-David Grinspoon
And if we feel like getting upset about some of the societal cycles, we might be wise to remember that humans are part of nature :
In the cycle of nature there is no such thing as victory or defeat; there is only movement.
– Paulo Coelho