What is the relationship between GIM and MARI?

The MARI (Mandala Assessment Research Instrument) was developed as a result of the analysis of mandala drawings used during the GIM (Guided Imagery and Music) process. The origin of MARI therefore lies in the GIM process. Joan Kellogg, founder of MARI found recurring images/symbols in the Mandalas which she analysed, and used this information to develop the MARI system.

The MARI system and GIM process are complementary in 2 ways:

A system of analyses of the GIM process:

A GIM fellow/therapist may use the MARI system as a form of analyses at the beginning of a clients GIM process. By gaining the insights from the MARI board lay-out of the client, the therapist will be able to assess clearly what the client needs in his/her GIM process. They will know particularly where to begin, as the issues at hand will show up in the MARI analyses.

The MARI Instrument can be used as a tool to evaluate the GIM clients progress during the GIM process. The client may be asked to do a MARI spread after having had a few GIM sessions to see what change has occurred, since the first MARI reading at the beginning of the GIM process. By analyzing the information gained from the MARI reading the GIM fellow will know when a process is coming to an end.

The GIM fellow may use a MARI reading as a final confirmation at the end of a GIM process, to confirm that the process is complete. The cards and symbols chosen by the client will indicate when the process has come to an end.

An additional tool to analyse the Mandalas drawn during a GIM session

GIM fellows use the MARI system to gain insight into the mandalas drawn by clients during the GIM process. They can recognize the symbols in the Mandalas, and put them on the MARI map to gain a greater understanding of the symbols used. This gives the GIM fellow a deeper understanding of the process of their client.

For further information about the MARI system, please visit www.mari-sa.co.za