Put the compass spike at the bottom of the circle and draw an arc that touches the top of the circle and extends more than half way down each side... Image caption, ...then keeping the compass ...

and draw circles. The Greek mathematician, Euclid, limited the constructions in his Elements of Geometry to those that could be done with an unmarked straight edge and rudimentary compass. Ancient ...

This is the reference point for the beginning of your mandala. Now draw circles around the centre using your compass or various circular objects. They can be at different distances from each other.