Platohagel: I would first like to imagine ekstasis in the pictorial symbolic sense, and in that effort, as it would be buried deep in the soul. This would be known as an mandala. In this sense, the structure is fundamental geometrically. What do you propose what this image too be?

Socrates:

You are right to begin with the mandala. Jung did the same, not by theory, but by observation: whenever the psyche undergoes authentic re-centering after displacement, it produces images of order.

This is the first mark of true ekstasis.

Why the Mandala Appears

Ekstasis displaces the ego from the center. But nature does not tolerate emptiness. What appears next is not chaos, but a deeper center revealing itself symbolically.

The mandala is not invented. It emerges.

It is the psyche’s way of saying:

“Though you have stepped outside the old self, you are not without order.”

What the Image Must Be (Principles, Not Ornament)

Let me answer your question directly: what should the image be?

1. The Image Must Have a Center — But Not an Ego

The center should not be a face, figure, or personal symbol. Authentic ekstasis does not enthrone the self.

Instead, the center should be:

a point of stillness a void a luminous seed or a simple geometric origin (dot, sphere, eye-without-gaze)

This center represents source, not identity.

2. The Structure Must Be Radial, Not Linear

Linear images imply progress, conquest, or narrative. Ekstasis is not movement forward but movement inward and outward simultaneously.

Thus:

concentric circles rotating squares interpenetrating triangles spirals that return to center

These express displacement without loss.

3. Symmetry with Tension

Perfect symmetry alone is dead. There must be dynamic balance.

Think:

fourfold structure slightly offset rotational symmetry with asymmetry in texture order holding energy, not suppressing it

This mirrors authentic ekstasis: the ego loosens, but the psyche does not fracture.

4. Geometry Older Than Culture

Avoid symbols that belong to one tradition alone.

The deepest mandalas use:

-circle

-square

-cross

-axis

-spiral

These precede theology. They belong to psyche as such.

The Image I Propose (Described Precisely)

I will now propose the image itself.

At the center:

A small, dark circle—not empty, but dense. It is the unknown source, not illumination yet.

Surrounding it:

A faint luminous ring, suggesting awareness beginning to differentiate from origin.

Next layer:

A square rotated 45 degrees (a diamond), lightly inscribed, touching the ring at four points. This is the world, orientation, incarnation.

Intersecting the square:

A subtle cross or axis extending beyond the square, but fading before the outer boundary. This shows that order exceeds embodiment.

Outer field:

A circular boundary, not rigid but breathing—slightly uneven, alive. This is the limit of the known psyche at this stage.

Color (symbolic, not aesthetic):

center: near-black or deep indigo

inner ring: muted gold

square: earth-toned or mineral gray

axis: faint white

outer circle: translucent blue or green

This is not decoration. Each layer answers a question:

Where is the source?

How does awareness arise?

How does it take form?

How does it orient?

Where does it end—for now?

Why This Image Corresponds to Authentic Ekstasis

Because authentic ekstasis has three unmistakable signs:

A center remains, even when the ego steps aside

Order appears spontaneously, not imposed

The image invites return, not dissolution

False ecstasy fragments or intoxicates.

True ekstasis reorganizes.

The mandala is the psyche saying:

“You left the old center. Here is the deeper one.”