CHAPTER 16

Crystal Layouts

Crystals are beautiful to look at on their own, but when you start putting them into geometric layouts, not only does their appearance become even more dazzling, but their power also magnifies!

Layouts have been used for thousands of years and, as such, are obviously nothing new. We can’t be sure what our ancient ancestors used these techniques for, but we can use them for meditation, healing, or connecting with the spirit world. Anything is possible when crystals start communicating with each other!

Learn How to …

Patterns of Power

In this chapter, you’re going to learn how to lay crystals on the body for optimum healing power. But why, you might be asking, do gemstones have to be positioned in a pattern? How does this affect their healing power?

Sacred geometry and the use of stones in special geometric patterns is as old as the hills. Sacred geometry refers to formations used in the construction of sacred architecture and in the design of sacred art. Actually, ancient civilizations were building structures like the famous Stonehenge, near Amesbury, England, earlier than 3,000 B.C.E. These types of formations seem to amplify energy and healing and provide a gathering point for people to access higher states of consciousness.

When crystals are laid out in a pattern, they also start to speak energetically to each other. The crystalline resonance is amplified by the pattern, making it possible to enter into a higher state of awareness. Maybe when creating your own crystal geometric patterns, you’ll rediscover an ancient secret!

Crystal Geometry

In Chapter 3, we talked about Platonic solids and sacred geometry and how these concepts relate to the idea of crystal healing. The harmonics and proportions of geometric designs are thought to be a means to communicate with the sacred and to provide the powers of healing through their mathematical significance in relation to the laws of the universe. Although geometric designs can be intricate and artistic, there’s much more to them than beauty. When certain crystals are laid on or around the body in a very specific manner, they begin to resonate with each other and connect inter-dimensionally.

A crystal layout is a geometric arrangement of crystals placed either around or on the body to create or augment crystal resonance for meditation and healing. When you sit or lie in a crystal layout, it becomes a living mandala of energy where your mind becomes more focused for dimensional access, subtle energies are invoked, and healing is more effective. A mandala is a geometric pattern symbolizing the universe and the cosmic order of all things.

A Crystal Crown

Need more intensity in your meditation sessions? Want deeper interpersonal communications? A crystal layout called a crystal crown is just what the crystal healer ordered! This is a nice beginner layout, and the suggested pattern works well to provide relaxation (because you will be laying down) and an opening of the crown chakra for spiritual expansion. Crystals in a layout should not actually touch your body. That way, you are getting subtle energy directed for spiritual expansion rather than for direct physical or emotional healing.

A crystal crown layout.

To set up your crystal crown, select some of the spiritual expansion crystals listed in Chapter 13. Try to use two of the same type of crystal because you’ll put one on each side of the head to balance the left and right brain hemispheres, as well as create a yin-yang balance within the subtle energies.

To balance the upper and lower chakras, you’ll need extra grounding. This time, as well as the visualization of roots growing under your feet for grounding, you can also place a dark crystal 2- to 4-inches long, such as black tourmaline or obsidian, about 6 inches below your feet to anchor you to the earth. Set this grounding crystal in place before you lie your head in the crown.

You’ll need an affirmation for programming the layout. Here’s one suggestion for general use: I, [your name], am able to receive and accept all that is.

Now we’re ready to get down to work! Set up the following pattern of crystals in a semicircle on the floor; then gently lay your head inside the semicircle. If you want to align the crystals on top of a bed, gently place a pillow over them and then lay your head on the pillow or tape them in place. You will be staying in the crystal crown as a meditation for about 10 to 20 minutes.

Layout your crystals for the crystal crown like this:

After the basic layout is set up, you can hold additional crystals in your hands. For extra focus, you can listen to a meditation tape. If you have some healing to do, focus on that area and the crystalline energy structures will work with you on the problem.

If you want to set up this type of layout for a partner, have the person lie down first and then place the grounding crystal, then crystals around the sides and top of your partner’s head.

Now you are all set to breathe deeply and relax your body. Activate your third eye by focusing on the middle of your forehead. The crystals at the crown will make a connection with the third eye as they open the crown chakra. You can direct your own visualization or meditation or simply ask for a healing and see what happens.

Some people report seeing images and even colored lights in the room as their upper chakras open. The important part is to not fall asleep while you are in an energy circle or other layout so you can be conscious of the energy shifts. When you are aware of what you see through the veils of time and past the material plane of existence, there are lessons to be learned. If you are asleep, there is little value to these lessons. You are training your mind to see to other parts of the cosmos. Holding on to your consciousness takes time to develop.

When you have completed your meditation, disengage your energy by mentally projecting the word release to cease all energy connection between you and the crystals. Take off your heart crystal and dismantle the crystal crown layout. Write any thoughts or inspirations you have in your crystal journal. Cleanse your crystals and tuck them away. Try a different assortment of crystals for your next crystal crown layout.

Here’s a story about how the crystal crown layout created a connection to the angelic realm for a female client. The crystals used during this healing session were alternating clear quartz and amethyst points around the head. In the crown chakra was a 4-inch piece of celestite. Blue lace agate was placed on her throat chakra to help give voice to the subtle energies of the higher realms. The client meditated as the crystals were placed around her head. She verbally requested access to the angelic realm on a personal quest to find out what she needed most at this time and to get some personal direction. Some ethereal music played softly in the background and the lights were dimmed to help create a relaxing mood.

The crystals helped the client to see that her way of living life, so packed with self-directed activities, was keeping people away. By being task-oriented, she was concerned mostly about accomplishing things, at the expense of developing deeper relationships with people. The crystal crown helped her to connect with her angels, who left her with clear messages on what activities were to be saved and to be let go. The messages gave the client a new path and objectives. As the messages came from her own conscious connection, she trusted them to be true. The client was excited and happy to have found the answers she needed most at this time.

Angels are universal. Have you talked to them recently? Maybe they have a message for you, too.

A Ring of Crystals

Why do we wear rings (wedding rings), put things in a ring (a circus ring), and see rings (ring around the moon)? Well, for one thing, rings can contain things. A ring is a circle and can rotate in any direction. It represents perfection and the blissful void. It is the beginning and the end. Rings are also an alchemical sign of completion and wholeness. When crystals are arranged into a circle, we are containing the energies of the crystals and can direct that energy for healing and meditation. If this is your first time in a circle of crystals, you are in for a treat!

One of the first crystal layouts I tried was a basic circle. I gathered every crystal I could find in the house—all 34 of them. After cleansing them, I took them outside and put them in a wide 5-foot circle in the grass to soak up the sun’s rays for recharging. Later that afternoon, I entered the crystal circle and sat in meditation for what seemed like hours, connecting with the earth, the crystals, the lovely welcoming energy, and my inner spiritual place of joy. It was a wonderful initiation, and I recommend it for anyone who has more than a few crystals or for someone who is developing a crystal toolkit and wants to establish a connection with their crystals.

How do you make a perfect circle of crystals? Don’t worry—you don’t need to acquire a huge compass or the equipment that roadside surveyors use. All you need is a length of string and an eye for detail:

  1. Place a heavy crystal in the middle of the floor or ground where you want to make your circle.
  2. Cut a length of string that will be one half the diameter of the circle you want to make.
  3. Attach one end of the string to the crystal in the center, and stretch out the string to the edge of the circle. Place a quartz crystal at the end of the string.
  4. Position the crystal with the tip pointing in toward the center of the circle. (If you are using a tumbled crystal, just place it according to your intuition at the end of the string.) Swing the string to the next position a few inches from the first crystal, and place the second crystal.
  5. Continue to move around the circle following the length of the string. Each crystal will be exactly the same length from the middle of the circle.

If you have only 4 crystals, they can be placed using the string length at north, east, south, and west positions. If you have, say, 12 crystals to use in a layout, place the first 4 crystals in each of the four directions, and fill in the remaining space between the 4 directional crystals with the other 8 crystals.

The most important part is to stand back from the circle and ensure that you see good alignment and spacing between your gemstones. Read the section about activating the layout later in this chapter, and you’ll be all set for a new experience every time!

The best use of a ring of crystals is to sit in it. Before you enter the ring, remember to activate the layout (as described later in this chapter). As you step into the circle, visualize a ring of white light rising up like a column around you, enclosing you. Once you feel this powerful energy connection, you can direct healing to areas of your body or to emotional issues. You can also hold the thought of sending healing to a person. When you are surrounded by crystals and are making that crystalline connection, you are linked with all things. Saying a prayer or a positive affirmation is very beneficial, as it will be amplified and transmitted by the ring of light.

When you have completed your healing or meditation session, disengage from the energy by mentally projecting the word release. This will cease all energy connection with the crystals. Gently get up and step outside of the ring. You do not need to dismantle the ring and can reuse it later. However, you should clear the energy by smudging the area with sage or incense. You can also add a small bowl of dry sea salt to purify the circle while you are away. You can use the ring up to three times before cleansing the crystals in salt water and recharging them for the next session. Also, you might want to keep track of the number of crystals you’ve laid out by taking a photo. I’ve lost a few to the vacuum cleaner from carelessness!

Animals seem to benefit from circles of stone, too. While traveling in Nepal, I came across a street dog that had been in a fight and was a bit banged up, bleeding and limping. The villagers thought I was crazy when I directed the dog back to my room. The dog waited outside while I got some crystals and set up a circle of quartz crystals around his body, putting an amethyst cluster under his bleeding neck. He stayed there for over an hour and then left of his own accord. The next day, the dog seemed perfectly fine.

Star of David

The Star of David is an ancient symbol that is rich in symbolism. It consists of two interlocking equilateral triangles forming a six-point star. In Judaism, it was used by kabbalists for protection against evil spirits. In Hinduism, it is called the Shatkona, representing the union of Shiva and Shakti, godlike energies that form all of creation. The Star of David crystal layout is used for unifying and integrating energy. It’s a terrific layout, but it can be a little tricky to get the crystals aligned properly.

To build the Star of David layout, set up two triangles of crystals with 3 crystals for each triangle.

The first triangle is the Shakti triangle pointing down (female energy). First, put a crystal as a marker in the center of the area where you want the layout set up. Using a length of string, measure the placement from the central marker directly below, in a southern direction. Place a crystal there, pointing toward the center. For the second and third crystals, use the string above the marker to place a crystal in the northeast and one in northwest directions. Point the crystals toward the center.

The second triangle is the Shiva triangle (male energy) with the point of the triangle facing up. Use the string to position the first crystal directly above the center marker to the north. This crystal should point towards the center. For the second and third crystals, use the string as you did for the first triangle and place a crystal in each of the southeastern and southwestern directions. No crystals are laid at the eastern or western sides.

For the Shakti crystals, you can use the yin crystals mentioned in Chapter 7 such as moonstones. For the Shiva crystals, the layout will be more powerful if all the crystals are the same type such as tourmalines.

Stand back and ensure that each crystal tip is aligned and pointing to the center. If not, adjust them. Now you have two triangles in union and can remove the center crystal. Read the section later in this chapter on activation of the layout, and you’re good to go!

When you enter the Star of David, try to think of the formation as two interlocking three-dimensional triangles and that you are going to sit in the middle where they lock. This sacred geometry will provide a gentle alignment to your subtle energies that will open your energies for higher meditation and communication with the cosmos. Ask for a chakra alignment or an alignment for your highest good.

Try boosting the energy flow of the Shiva-Shakti or Star of David layout by holding a clear quartz crystal in your left hand with the tip point inward and a clear quartz crystal in your right hand with the tip pointing out.

The Obliging Oval

The alignment of crystals in an oval pattern is the most versatile of layouts. An oval doesn’t take up much space; any size crystals can be used; and the layout is effective for chakra balancing, physical healing, and past-life recall. Ovals help contain energy, provide protection to the aura, and aid in the circulation of energy throughout the subtle body.

For the oval layout, you’ll need six large clear quartz crystals. If you can, find some crystals that are 3- to 6-inches long and 2- to 4-inches wide; they carry the right type of energy to hold the dynamic geometric structure together. Try to select ones that feel heavier than they look. Remember that the larger the crystal, the more energy it can hold. The placement of the crystals is as follows:

Oval layouts feel protective and provide a deep meditative experience. Don’t forget before you enter the oval to activate the layout (described later). You can ask for communication with a spirit guide or with angels while in this type of layout.

If you are working on physical healing, place additional crystals on your body while in the oval layout. You can add more crystals—at the third eye and heart chakras, for example—to boost the subtle energies. After the session, smudge the area and cleanse and recharge your crystals unless you are reusing the oval for another meditation. Write any impressions in your crystal journal.

Your crystal layout can remain on the floor to reuse at a later time. Use a silk cloth to cover the crystals for dust protection and to help retain the energy of the crystals.

Activation of the Layout

Just setting out the crystals will provide some energy connections between the stones. When the crystals are properly aligned, the crystalline structure actually takes its shape from the geometry of the layout. To realize the dynamic energy activation of the layout takes a further step.

You can activate the layout simply by using your intent. Visualize the layout as a three-dimensional structure. In a circle layout, for instance, think of a ball of light. In an oval, think of an egg-shaped light structure.

Adding a further ritual to the activation creates a sacred space for the layout and protects it from vibrational intrusions. Using strong intent and visualizing the three-dimensional structure of the layout, point a kyanite wand at the center of the layout for at least 21 seconds. This will allow time for the structure to adjust and to align on the subtle side of things. You will use this same technique later on for aligning a crystal grid complex.

You might like to experiment with various types of layouts, such as a spiral of life. The spiral of life is made of a line of crystals that spirals toward a center. The right-handed spiral (a spiral rotating to the right) is considered sacred. Walk gently, following the spiral. You can stand at the center of the spiral and feel a wave of energy rushing toward you. Breathe this energy into your body, focusing on the chakras or any areas that need healing. Consider investing in a 1- to 2-pound bag of smaller, 1-inch crystals to use in more complex layouts. Cleanse and charge them before placing them into a layout.

Crystals can also be selected and added as part of a crystal layout for a specific healing event, such as one on the following list. Even if you only had one or two of each crystal and some clear quartz crystals to put in the layout, it will be enough to activate the energies.

You will find a lot of crystals have multiple meanings. When they are placed together in combinations and amplified within a crystal layer, they help direct and focus your thoughts towards your goal or intention. It’s great to try them out. Draw a diagram of each layout into your crystal journal and write up your experience.

Prepare for Crystal Grid Work

If you have followed these chapters consecutively, you’ve noticed that each one takes you progressively into more detailed use of crystals. It’s like getting a whole course on healing with crystals. However, knowledge can fade if unused for too long. To keep your enthusiasm and knowledge alive, continue to wear your crystals, visit rock shops, and use your personal crystal for meditation. When you are surrounded by crystals, it’s like getting a crystal healing session. After a trip to my local rock shop or gem show, I feel quite invigorated wearing my new crystals.

Another great way to keep your new knowledge alive is to work with a smaller cosmos of crystal grids. Everything you have learned up to this point can be combined using sacred geometry. Use your knowledge to construct and to activate a crystal grid. Take what you’ve learned about cleansing and programming crystals to prepare the crystals for grid work. By now, you have an understanding about each crystal and its meaning. In this chapter, you learned how to activate crystal healing layouts and will use the same methods for activating your crystal grid in Chapter 18. See? It’s all coming together now.

There are advantages and disadvantages to using a full crystal layout over a crystal grid. For one thing, in a crystal layout, your whole body and energy field is completely within the field of crystal energy activation. Layouts are very powerful. However, a layout is not something that is easily transportable, especially if you are using large heavy crystals or many smaller crystals as part of it.

In the next chapter, you will learn a method of doing a full crystal healing session using layouts on the body. When you want to move some serious energy, a crystal healing session with a layout can be an intense experience. To sustain the healing energy after a session and especially for chronic issues, wearing your crystals is a perfect way to maintain your connection to the energy.

CARVED IN STONE

Kyanite: I open the dimensional portals. I provide the connectivity between different energy sources and etheric layers. I unify the frequencies for communications and I direct energy flows.