Crystal grids are similar to mandalas; they are simply an arrangement of stones in a pattern for the specific purpose of directing energy toward a goal. The variety of combinations is limited only by your imagination. For this particular grid, however, we will use a pattern designed to honor the elements and send healing energy to the Earth.

Although this ritual can be performed at any time, it is ideal for an Earth Day celebration. It can be done alone or with a group. For a group working, each person can recite a part of the ritual and place a stone into the grid.

You will need one quartz cluster of any kind for the center of the grid to symbolize the Spirit. Clear quartz is the ideal choice, but you can also use amethyst. Depending on your collection of stones and crystals, you may have a different stone in mind. Use your intuition to select a stone that best represents the Spirit to you.

Select four large stones to represent each of the four elements. You may want to choose these stones by color or association. These can be mineral specimens or rocks you have collected. For example, geodes or stones worn by a river are good choices to represent Water. Amethyst is also often associated with the Water element. Red, orange, or metallic stones are good for Fire, or volcanic glass such as obsidian. Brown or green colored stones, especially agates, are good choices for the Earth element, or a stone that you have collected from your backyard, something native to your area that represents the land. Yellow or clear stones are good choices for Air.

You will also need four quartz points of any size and the following eight connecting stones: Tourmalinated Quartz, Rhodocrosite, Gypsm, Chrysocolla, a Geode, a piece of Petrified Wood or a fossil, Lepidolite, and Smoky Quartz.

These are fairly common stones among mineral collectors and can be obtained for minimal cost from rock and gem shops. If you have difficulty finding any of these, feel free to use clear quartz as a replacement.

Cast a circle as you normally do, or create sacred space in your own way. Set the mood for your ritual by playing a recording of nature sounds, or perform the ritual outdoors if possible. Turn on a fountain if you have one—the sound of running water can also enhance the mood.

The four large stones you have selected to represent the four elements will be placed first. As you call each quarter, place the stone in the appropriate direction. Depending on your position, your grid will either be in the shape of a diamond or a square. Be sure you leave room in between for the connecting stones.

To invoke Spirit/Deity, place the quartz cluster in the center, and say the following:

"The purpose of this ritual is to send healing energy to the Earth. This crystal represents the Spirit, the energy of all things—all things are connected. I empower this crystal with Earth-healing energy. May it flow forth and spread over the world to bring healing, harmony, peace and respect for all life."

Next, use the following visualization—you can do this internally if you're alone, or read it aloud to a group:

"Imagine the Earth flourishing and under our care instead of domination. Pure, clean waters and air, pollutants neutralized and safe, waste being recycled, energy being saved, animals and habitats protected, humans caring about their environment and being responsible for their actions. I (we) will build this grid to hold my (our) energy, and then release it."

Next, each of the eight connecting stones will be added to the grid, stating the purpose of each as it's put into place. Place each one next to an elemental marker stone. The end result will be four connected lines in the shape of a diamond or square. Between each elemental marker there will be a total of three stones—two connecting stones and one quartz point between each of them, to be placed last.

• Tourmalinated Quartz: "To create a solving atmosphere for positive change."
• Rhodocrosite: "For Earth-healing, love, and balance."
• Gypsm: "To end stagnation and promote progressive thinking."
• Chrysocolla: "To help all beings become attuned with the Earth."
• Geode: "To represent the Earth Mother and help us see the 'big picture.' "
• Petrified Wood: "For protection from environmental pollutants, to promote energy and enjoyment of life, strength, transformation—to change what we can—and for grounding, connection with the Earth."
• Lepidolite: "To facilitate harmony and a peaceful environment."
• Smoky Quartz: "For protection, especially for all creatures and natural resources."

Finally, complete the grid with the remaining four quartz points to direct the energy outward. Place them with the points facing away from the grid. Chant the following words as each crystal is put into place:

"Elements and Spirit praised,
healing energy be raised,
send it to our Mother Earth,
land that gives us life and birth."

Proceed with grounding in the manner of your choice, and close your circle with the following words, or some variation:

"Elementals and Deities, we thank you for your presence here, depart with our love and gratitude. The circle is open but unbroken; may this energy for Earth-healing grow as it spreads across the land. Merry Meet, Merry Part, and Merry Meet Again. Blessed Be."

If possible, leave the grid in place for a few days or until you feel it has completed its work. It may be useful to build it on a piece of cardboard so you can simply move the cardboard to another location where the grid will not be disturbed. If you need to disassemble the grid right away, visualize any remaining healing energy within the grid being dispersed to the Earth.