The epicyclic model was used in ancient and medieval astronomy to explain the apparent motions of celestial bodies. In this model, the planets move in a small circle, called an epicycle, which itself moves along a larger circle, called a deferent. When these motions are combined, they can produce complex patterns that resemble mandalas.
The epicyclic model was used in the geocentric (Earth-centered) systems of astronomy, such as those proposed by Ptolemy and other ancient astronomers. In these systems, the Earth was considered to be stationary at the center of the universe, and the Sun, Moon, and planets were believed to revolve around it in complex circular paths. The epicyclic model allowed astronomers to make accurate predictions of the positions of celestial bodies, despite the fact that the underlying assumptions about the structure of the universe were incorrect.
In the modern, heliocentric (Sun-centered) model of the solar system, the planets orbit the Sun in elliptical orbits, and the apparent motions of the planets as seen from Earth are explained by the relative positions and motions of the Earth and the planets in their orbits.
Solar system from Earth's perspective (video)
When the motion of the planets are charted as their so called epicyclic geocentric paths, or the shapes their orbits have as seen from Earth, you find these interesting mandala-like structures
