This mandala is my representation of the metal element. In TCM, the metal element corresponds to with the Autumn season. It is linked to taking in and letting go. In Autumn, nature shows us such beauty in the foliage, and then it’s gone. All the pretty colors that we have enjoyed for weeks have turned brown, fallen, and returned to Earth. My leaves in this mandala represent the beauty in the changing colors, and the death of the leaf. The metal element also connects to the lungs and large intestine. The lungs include the tip of the nose, sinuses, throat, and skin. This mandala has the colors and textures of brown and tan skin, representing the different skin tones we have as humans.  The Large intestine is represented as the center black hole. The teardrops are placed surrounding the mandala as a symbol of grief. The metal element incorporates the emotion grief as a part of letting go, and it is known that crying when you are sad, or grieving is a very healing process.