The Crystal Communications Course

The Crystal Moon Sanctuary presents Stepping Stones to Crystal

Basics

The Crystal

Communication Home Study Course

Course Designed and Written by Kristi Huggins Copyright 2006 March 2006, Revised December 2007, May 2009 All rights reserved. No portion of this course (workbook or workshop) may be used, copied and/or reproduced in part or full without permission from the author.

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There are a couple of ways to work with this course. Course Option One: Purchase the course as is and work at your own pace. Use the End of Chapter exercises as a review. You want to complete them in order to complete the chapter and to further your Crystal Communication Experience. A Certificate of Completion is not available with this option. Course Option Two: Purchase the course with the full support option. With this option, you are guaranteed support throughout the course by having access to me at any time. You can contact me via email or phone as you progress through the course. You will want to make sure to complete the End of Chapter exercises and email them to me once they are done. You can also email me at any time to ask questions or have a point clarified. Email: [email protected] Once you have completed the course, you will receive a lovely Certificate of Completion.

Contact and Course Information

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It is my wish that this course will empower you. To see yourself for who you truly are, so that you may learn to listen to your internal voice, be aware and above all, trust yourself, as you find your own unique communication with your crystals. There will come a time in the course that you will be asked to go without stones for a period of two days or more. Most people balk at the thought of going without their stones. However, those who have balked the hardest are the ones who got the most out of the course once they found the courage to do the “no stones” exercises. This is really a huge aspect of the course and I strongly recommend you at least try to go a day or two. If you want to go more (and many do once they discover their own unique energy signature), please feel free to do so. I cannot stress how important this step is in the Communication process. Remember, what you take from this course will really depend on how much work you are willing to put into it. I will be happy to assist in any way that I can.

Just a few words before we begin…..

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Contact Information- Page 2 Some notes before you begin- Page 3 Chapter One- Page 5-6 Crystals and their use in history A brief look at how Crystals are formed Chapter Two- Page 7-9 You and Your Crystals Current Beliefs and Theories Questionnaire Chapter Three- Page 10-13 The Principle of Energy-Chi Exercises in Energy Chapter Four- Page 14-16 Setting up your work space Beginning the Dialogue Crystals and Physical (Body) Awareness Chapter Five- Page 17-18 Crystals and Visual Awareness Chapter Six- Page 19 Crystal Awareness using Color Energy Chapter Seven- Page 21-22 Crystals and Auditory Awareness Crystals and Higher Self-Awareness Chapter Eight- Page 23 Putting your skills to use Chapter Nine- Page 24-26 Grids and Gridding Chapter Ten-Page 27-28 Cleansing Crystals Closing- Page 29 Supplemental Worksheets- Page 30-38 References- Page 39

Table of Contents

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Crystal History Throughout history, civilizations of all types have recorded numerous crystal uses within their society. Many cultures, such as the Mayan and Native Americans, utilized natural crystalline energies for healing. Others formulated ways to harness these energies as a way to power their communities like those in Atlantis and Lemuria. Their civilization was based on the use of stored and directed application of crystal technology. Crystals and their energy have been used in Shamanic practices as Talismans and in initiation ceremony/ritual for centuries. Other cultures used the crystal ball for scrying (divining the future through visions) and acquiring knowledge. The ancient Egyptians used crushed minerals like Lapis Lazuli and Malachite to create colorful dyes and make up. The practice of Feng Shui, an ancient Chinese principle of harmonization, utilizes the energy of crystals by placement in specific areas or directions. In India, and cultures that practice Ayruvedic healing, gemstones have been used for centuries in various oral medications and other healing aids such as poultices. How did these cultures know about crystal energies? What led them to use crystals in their healing and energy work? Within all of these varied uses is a simple commonality. Through each of these practices, there is a silent dialogue that takes place. Whether it be quietly listening to intuition or a conscious practice of communication. These practices and others like them have been passed down through the generations. Some have become “watered down” along the way, while others have continued to thrive in the purest sense. Understanding crystal energy and communicating with the crystals themselves remains one of the most powerful tools we have today. A brief look at how crystals are formed The Geological/Scientific explanation is that crystals are the most stable form of matter in the Universe. This is due to their formation (birth) within the planet. The crystal’s journey begins deep below the planet’s surface where extremely hot fluids circulate (Hydrothermal veins) or where lava (molten rock ejected to the surface) is present. Crystallization occurs when layers of the planet’s mantle, fractures, allowing heated gases and liquids, forced by extreme pressure, to rise towards the surface. This extremely hot “soup” also contains other elements such as water, oxygen, sodium, aluminum, calcium, potassium, magnesium and iron that have dissolved and merged with the other materials being pushed to the surface. As this mixture rises and passes through cooler, less active layers of rock, crystals begin to

Chapter One

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grow in crevices and cavities. The crystals will form depending on specific environmental conditions and mixture of these elements. Other conditions include temperature, pressure, time and space. Exposure to the planetary elements such as wind, water, ice and light, also play their part in dictating formation, growth, shape, color, hardness and size. The Metaphysical/Spiritual/Energetic explanation is quite a bit simpler—Each action of formation has energy. Each mineral element has energy. Each planetary element contains energy. Location is also an important piece of the puzzle. Different areas of the planet hold different and unique energies, which will affect the crystal in its growth as well. All of these conditions formulate the energy of the crystal over time and with so many possible combinations, the myriad of energies that can be found within and around our crystal friends is limitless. NOTES: End of Chapter Assignment Course Option One: Research a culture/civilization that you resonate with and write a brief essay (or long, up to you) sharing how this culture utilized crystals in their society. Course Option Two: Research a culture/civilization that you resonate with and write a brief essay (or long, up to you) sharing how this culture utilized crystals in their society. Email your completed essay to me at [email protected]

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You and Your Crystals Think about the very first time you were introduced to crystals. Reflect, take your time and make your answer as long as you need it to be. 1. What were the circumstances in which they were presented to you? (It could be a gift, your first time to a crystal or metaphysical shop, a trip to a museum, etc). _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2. Do you remember the name of the stone or crystal? _______________________________________________________________ 3. Why do you think you choose that particular stone/crystal/mineral? (Color, sparkle, drawn to it by its feel, etc?) _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 4. What were your first thoughts as you held it? _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 5. How did you feel while it was in your hand? _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 6. Can you remember what was going on in your life at that particular time? _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 7. Knowing what you know now and looking back at your life experience during that specific time frame did the stone you choose fit the experience? _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ This simple exercise shows how you access your intuition even without realizing it. Intuition is a tool that is available to each of you. It can be invaluable when choosing stones or crystals to assist you with answers that you seek or an issue you are currently experiencing. Each person naturally resonates to certain stones based on where they are energetically, at

Chapter Two

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that particular moment in time. I truly believe that listening to ones intuition, whether you are aware or not, can assist you in making the absolute correct choice every time. Acknowledging that you own the tool called intuition and learning how to utilize it is the first step in learning to communicate with your stones. Current Personal Beliefs and Theories When you begin any new project, you probably do a bit of reading, researching the net, talking to friends or those you feel hold the knowledge you seek. Through this process, you begin to formulate your own beliefs and working theories. This section is a way to put these beliefs down on paper. This will give you the opportunity to be clear in what you feel to be true for you. Again, there is no right or wrong answer. This exercise simply puts your thoughts and beliefs on paper so that you can refer back to them as you go through this course. You may find that your beliefs and theories will change as you continue the practice of communication with your crystals. This is not a test. Answer as best you can. You can pick one or more than one answer for each question. If you do not know how you feel about a specific question that is ok. You can always come back later. 8. I believe all living things:

Breathe Contain Energy Think Have some level of Consciousness

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 9. I believe rocks, crystals, minerals and stones:

Are living entities Are inanimate Objects Have feelings Have Personalities

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 10. Every rock, crystal, mineral and/or stone has a specific set of “properties”:

Based on color Based on energy vibration Based on the holder Based on mineral content Other (Explain below)

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ 11. Raw rocks, crystals, minerals and/or stones are better than processed stones.

True for me False for me

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12. Man made or enhanced stones do not contain energy.

True for me False for me

13. The best way to choose a crystal is:

By visual appearance By feeling or touching By sensing its energy By “hearing” through intuition Other

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 14. Crystals are natural conductors of energy.

True False

NOTES: End of Chapter Assignment Course Option One: Complete the question/answer section. Course Option Two: Complete the question/answer section and email the answers these questionnaires to me. They will not be shared and are for my eyes only. Just type out the # of the question and your response to it. You do not have to type out the individual questions.

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The Principle of Energy—Chi Energy provides the driving force of life. Everything is energy. The single atom particle is energy. It is the building block of all things. In ancient Chinese medicine, this energy or life force, is called Chi. Chi flows through all living things. The Book of Crystal Healing by Liz Simpson describes Chi as follows, “The earth is a living organism. The Ancient Chinese recognized this and articulated an underlying energy they called ‘Chi’. There are three different kinds of Chi. The first permeates our bodies, another circulates the atmosphere, while the third flows through the Earth itself.”

Based on the principle of Chi, crystals, rocks and minerals are infused with this Earth energy as they are formed, lending credence to the belief that rocks, crystals and minerals are indeed, living entities.

Energy and Vibration The body we inhabit, the emotions we feel, the physical sensations of taste and smell, touch and sound, are all different ways to experience energy. Energy is vibratory in nature. We each have our own unique vibrational frequency. This frequency will shift and/or change depending on where we are at that particular moment and what we are experiencing. If we are hurt or ill, our vibrational frequency may drop or lower. We may say we feel “blue”, “drained”, or “down”. If we get that job we wanted or receive a well-deserved complement, we may say we feel “in the pink”, “high” or “up”. This is due to an increase in our vibrational frequency. This is simply energy at work.

Chapter Three

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Try this exercise to experience the magnitude of energy at work: Focus on one leaf and imagine/visualize hundreds of tiny spirals (The spiral is probably the oldest symbol of human spirituality) all rotating and moving at the same time. Expand your vision to include the branch that holds this leaf. Expand it to include all the leaves. Expand it even more to include the trunk of this tree, the rich earth that holds the tree in place, the grass around the tree and so on. Soon, everywhere you look and everything that you see will be pulsing with this energy. You may even find yourself giggling with joy. Exercises in Energy Here are a few simple exercises that can be done to assist you in understanding energy. Take some time to try out these exercises. Choose one and practice it daily for a couple of days. Pick another for the next few days and so on. Practice will allow you to open, and ultimately trust, your senses and intuition. Exercise One: Where the mind goes, the energy will follow Find a quiet space away from all distractions. Sit comfortably or lay down if you prefer. Take three deep cleansing breaths, inhaling and exhaling slowly. Now focus on one area of your body. A knee, a finger, an arm or leg, whatever you like. Look at the area if you like, focusing all of your energy in its direction. If your focus wanders, direct it back to the chosen area. What do you feel in the area of focus??

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Exercise Two: Give yourself a hand! Sit comfortably, at a desk is preferable (you will need a table in front of you for part two).

Part one of this exercise is designed for feel only. Clap your hands and rub them firmly together. Place your hands about an inch apart, palms facing each other. Focus on the space between your hands. What do you feel? Move your hands another inch apart. Do you still feel the same sensation? Is it stronger or weaker? Move your hands another inch apart. Concentrate on the energy flow between the hands. Has the sensation subsided or is it still present? Continue to move your hands further apart until you can no longer feel the energy. Part Two of this exercise is for visual as well as feel and is best if done in a darkened or dimly lit room. Lay a dark colored piece of paper or fabric on the desk in front of you. Clap your hands and rub them together as you did in Part One of the exercise. Hold your hands directly over the dark paper or fabric on the desk and spread the hands about one inch apart, palms facing each other. Focus your attention on the area between the hands. Allow your eyes to look upon this area in a semi-focused state. What do you see? Again, move your hands another inch apart. Continue to place your focus between the hands. Were you able to visually see your own energy? If not, it’s ok! Keep practicing.

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Exercise Three: Aura’nt you lovely? Use this exercise to explore your own energy field. This exercise is best practiced in a dimly lit to darkened room. You will need a mirror positioned in front of you in such a way that all you can see in the mirror is your head. Close your eyes and take a few deep, cleansing breaths. Relax. Open your eyes and pick a point for focus right above your crown (top of head). Allow your eyes to relax. Continue to let the eyes relax to the point that the area you are staring at may become out of focus (semi-focused). What do you see? End of Chapter Assignment: Course Option One: Observe your own energy and note the differences. Write down what you physically feel and observe as well as what you emotionally feel and observe in the following cases:

Sitting in a relaxed state Upon waking up and/or right before going to bed After a quick physical activity (jump up and down, run around the house, etc.) After doing something you love (playing with your pet, listening to beautiful music) Think of something that makes you anxious. Sit in that place a bit.

Course Option Two: Observe your own energy and note the differences. Write down what you physically feel and observe as well as what you emotionally feel and observe in the following cases:

Sitting in a relaxed state Upon waking up and/or right before going to bed After a quick physical activity (jump up and down, run around the house, etc.) After doing something you love (playing with your pet, listening to beautiful music) Think of something that makes you anxious. Sit in that place a bit.

Email your findings to me.

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Now the fun begins! Let’s learn how to communicate!! NOTE: These next Chapters SHOULD take you the most time to complete. You should allow at least two days without any stones, and then several days using only one stone. 1. Setting up your work space Before you begin a communication session, you want to make sure that you and your space are prepared for the experience. Make the room and/or space as comfortable as possible.

A well-lit space is important for observing the crystal. Natural daylight is best but if the weather is not cooperating, try a daylight bulb or full spectrum light in your favorite desk or table lamp. Try to make arrangements ahead of time so that you will not be disturbed by the phone (turn off the ringer), doorbell, children (if possible), pets, etc. Smudge the area with your favorite smudge wand or incense. Do not forget to include yourself in the smudging ritual. If you are bothered by smoke, try using a bell or crystal bowl instead. Light candles if you wish or play soft music in the background if you will not find it distracting. Make sure to wash your hands before working with any crystals.

2. Beginning the Dialogue There are many ways to communicate with your stones. All are ways to hone your intuition and to find what works best for you.

By a physical reaction

By a visual impression

By Feel/Touch

By “hearing”

Belief and trust in your intuition (Higher Self)

Chapter Four

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3. Crystals and Physical (Body) Awareness The first step in this process is to understand your own natural energy frequency or vibration. Think of this as the “control group” (the control is the group that serves as a standard of comparison) of this experiment. This exercise asks you to tune into your body to become aware of physical sensations as you begin the first step of your communication process. Start by setting up your workspace. Once that is done, use the following steps to tune into yourself. This may take some practice, so do not be critical of yourself while you are learning and practicing. Close your eyes and take three cleansing breaths. Inhale and exhale slowly and

completely. Take as much time as needed. Turn your attention within your physical body. Are you feeling areas or stress or tension?

What part of your body are these feelings manifesting themselves in? If you feel a strong amount of stress, try taking three more cleansing breaths. Scan your body again and write down any observations. Are there parts of your body that are drawing attention to themselves? Pain, butterflies,

prickly sensations? Write down these observations as well. Turn your attention now to the emotional body. Is your mind quiet and focused? Or full of

chatter and unfocused? Is there a situation or incident you are having trouble putting aside. Try to visualize putting that situation/incident in a little box with a bow and set it away from

you. Now refocus on the emotional body.

Write down any feelings you physical feel or emotionally experience after you have completed this exercise. Or, if you have a small digital recorder or tape recorder, you can speak into it as you do the exercise. Using a recorder will keep the flow going instead of stopping to write down things as they happen. For the next few days, continue to practice understanding your own energy frequency. Do not carry or work with any stones for at least the next two days. (You may go longer if you wish—as long as it takes for you to get a good feel for your own unique energy signature). Simply experience your life without stones and pay attention to any reactions; physical or emotional that may occur throughout the day. When you begin to understand your own natural vibratory nature, it will be much easier to see and feel how stones and crystals affect your energy frequency. Once you have become familiar with your own energy, then expand the experiment by choosing one stone and carrying it with you for the next couple of days. Keep it on you at all times. Again, pay attention to how your physical and emotional bodies are feeling in the

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presence of the stone or crystal. Take notes and write down any changes you feel. After carrying the stone with you for a couple of days, remove it and again take notice of any changes. Sue Lilly in her book, The Crystal Decoder, explains, “Experimenting in this way, you will gather more useful knowledge about your stones than you could ever glean from reading about them. At the same time, you will be developing your sensitivity to crystals.” NOTE: If you work with stones in your job, (as a healer that uses crystals or a jewelry maker that crafts crystal jewelry, etc) I do not expect you to give up your job for two days If you have an abundance of stones and crystals in your home, I do not ask that you box them up. I only ask that you try to go without them on your person or work with them personally during this phase. End of Chapter Assignment: Course Option One: I would like for you to write a bit about the highs and lows of not carrying any stones each day. Then just carrying one, etc. Any differences you could detect, any feelings that cropped up. Simply a short (or long if you wish) report as to how your week went as you continued through this exercise. Course Option Two: I would like for you to write a bit about the highs and lows of not carrying any stones each day. Then just carrying one, etc. Any differences you could detect, any feelings that cropped up. Simply a short (or long if you wish) report as to how your week went as you continued through this exercise. Email me your experiences.

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Choose one crystal to begin with. Take as long as you need. Go through the following process (all the way through) . Take a day, two days, a week, two weeks. Once you are satisfied that you have worked with that one stone long enough for now, put it aside and choose another. Get comfortable with the steps. You will find it flows easier each time Crystals and Visual Awareness The Crystal Decoder by Sue Lilly has one of the best visual exercises that I have come across. I share it with you here because it is the perfect exercise for beginning your crystal communication. “Each time you acquire a new crystal, take time to explore how it changes your self awareness. The more familiar you become with each stone’s energy, the greater your insights relating to its uses and meanings will be.” It is a very good idea to keep one notebook or journal for each crystal. This will allow you to go back to any crystal you like at any time and continue the communication process. It is an ongoing process. To keep only one notebook with several crystals will jumble up your information and will not be as easy to locate when communication is taking place. “Start by settling yourself into a comfortable seat. Place the stone you wish to explore in front of you at a height from which you can gaze at it without straining your eyes. Begin by closing your eyes, taking a couple of deep breaths, then gently turning your attention to how you are feeling. First, tune into your body and think about how it feels. Are there areas of tension or discomfort, or is there some other sensation? Direct your attention to your emotional state and your thoughts. Are you experiencing a pervading mood? Is your mind active or quiet? Are you focusing on certain issues? Take a moment to write these down. Once you have explored your own energy state, turn your attention to the stone. To begin with, simply gaze at the crystal in front of you for a minute or two. Close your eyes and scan your body, mind and emotions once more, to see if you feel any differences, however slight. Next, pick up the stone and examine it closely from all angles. Hold the stone between your hands and close your eyes again. Note any changes that occur in the next few minutes.” Write down any observations you may have at this point. It is best to take notes or use a digital recorder during or immediately after practicing this visual process, before any details are lost. Do this exercise several times during the week to see/feel how each crystal experience is different.

Chapter Five

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NOTES: End of Chapter Assignment Course Option One: For this week’s assignment, review your crystal communications information. How did the visual exercise work for you? Course Option Two: Write a bit about how the visual exercise worked for you. I would like you to choose one stone to write about. What is its name? How did it feel to you? Look to you? What observations did you write down? Email me your observations and experiences.

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Visual Impression--Color Energy and Crystals When beginning to communicate with stones and crystals, using color is a simple way to start. Color alone, has an energy signature, which adds to the stones energy. So using this basic information, say that I want to raise my vibration so that I can meditate effortlessly. I would choose a stone with a higher vibrational color, so that by holding it, it would raise my own energy vibration, making it easier to get to that meditation space that I want to be in. Higher vibrational crystals would include those in the color range of greens, blues, turquoise to teal, purples, whites, golds and pinks. Now say I am having a most overwhelming day. I am bouncing all over the place and accomplishing nothing. I cannot seem to stay focused on any one task. I would want to choose a stone with a lower vibrational color to pull my energy down a bit, one to ground and balance me. Something that will allow me to focus. Grounding and/or balancing crystals would include Reds, Oranges, yellows, blacks, browns and metallics. Simple way to remember— Ground to the Earth. Raise to the sky.

Chapter Six

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End of Chapter Assignment Course Option One: Now that you are becoming aware of your own unique energy and vibrations, I would like this week’s assignment to bring your new found awareness of your personal energy signature out even more. Make and a list of crystals that you feel work for YOU personally by vibrational frequency using color as your guide. For instance: One person feels great love and joy when using a Red Garnet, while another loves to bring Emerald to their heart. Someone else may resonate energy wise more with Morganite or Rhodochrosite. It is truly what color you associate with what type of energy frequency. Remember, there are no wrong answers here Course Option Two: Follow the instructions to Course Option One and then email me your responses. Grounding: Balancing: Emotional stability: Communications: Meditation: Connecting w/angels and guides: Unconditional Love: Physical Love: Joy: Peace: Creativity:

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Crystals and Auditory (Hearing) Responses As you continue to practice finding your own personal response to crystals, you may find that you “hear” information being passed to you from the crystals themselves. Since I believe crystals are living entities, you may call this type of communication Clairaudience. Clairaudience is a perception of thought forms from an entity that exists in another realm. You 'hear' what they are saying in your mind. Clairaudience is a form of channeling. You may actually hear spirits talking or singing in your head but there are no actual auditory sounds. When you are sitting with a crystal in communication and you “hear” a thought, a word, or a sound--write it down. This may very well be an important step in your dialogue. There are two important things to remember here:

A) If you cannot hear anything, that is perfectly ok! Do not beat yourself up or criticize yourself. Most importantly, do not compare yourself to someone who may “hear”. Remember, each of you has your own tools to use in communications. No ones tools are better than anyone else’s. B) If you can hear something, be assured that, no, you are not crazy. Do not discount or question what you hear. Trust yourself. If you do not, then a way to find your own personal communication skills may be lost.

On a personal note, during a reading I had recently, I asked my friend Will Whitesmith (http://www.mysticalenterprises.com/index.html), how in the world was I supposed to differentiate between my own thoughts and the energy communication work I was doing with my crystals? His response to me was that it is a hearing that comes from the heart, not necessarily from the ears. I found that advice to be not only eye opening, but “heart” opening as well. Crystals and Higher Self (Intuition) Awareness Intuition is something we all have. Some people can access with ease, others have to work a bit harder. Again, I ask that you do not compare your experiences to any other, as we are all unique and how we work with our intuition is just as unique. Intuition is simply communication with your higher self. It may be just a feeling that you get. A thought that seemingly comes out of nowhere. An action that you take and you truly have no idea why at the time. The key to accessing your intuition is to believe that it is yours and to trust what you feel, think, and do. I know it can be a challenge not to question it, but practice NOT questioning. Know that you are perfect and complete just the way you are and this includes your intuition. The next time you are presented with an opportunity to listen to your intuition, do so without question. Keep an acute awareness of what occurs after the fact. You may find that your intuition and subsequent action taken is validated in ways that you did not expect. This is another important tool that you can use not only to further communication with your crystals but also to open an endless abundance of possibilities.

Chapter Seven

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End of Chapter Assignment: Course Option One: Your assignment for this week is to review your communications with one of your crystals/stones. Write out what stone you were working with and what transpired. Course Option Two: Your assignment for this week is to review your communications with one of your crystals/stones. Write out what stone you were working with and what transpired. Email me your completed version.

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Putting Your Skills to Use Congratulations! Now that you have a basic understanding of how Crystal Communications work, you will find yourself open to a new myriad of possibilities. Working with crystals for your personal use and growth will become even more exciting as you practice your communication skills. You may want to explore other avenues to expand your skills such as studying how to create your own Gem Essences or taking a class in Wire Wrapping your crystals, rocks and minerals. Healers of all modalities will find that using crystals in their healing practices will increase their energy in a positive way. By communicating with your stones, you may select a certain one to keep you grounded or focused. You may choose a few to go under your massage or healing table, or you may ask your client if they would allow you to use some stones as part of the healing itself. The stones, your new found knowledge of them, and confidence in your intuition, will assist you in choosing the right ones for each person. Take some time and make a list of ways in which you would like to utilize the information you have learned here. New Healing applications, new and exciting creations or practicing your new awareness of self. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. End of Chapter Assignment: Course Option One AND Course Option Two: This last assignment is totally voluntary. I would like for you to send me a grade on this course! Share what you liked, what you didn’t, what you would like to see more of…. Be HONEST. I look forward to your thoughts, which will assist me in continuing to improve this course so that you can receive the absolute most out of it.

Chapter Eight

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Grids and Gridding—My personal guide Let's talk about gridding. What is it? What does it do? And how can you utilize your new Crystal Communications Skills to create a grid? For me, gridding is a way to focus your intention using the energy of crystals to amplify and manifest that intention. For instance, I have created a healing grid with my Tibetan Healing Bowl as the centerpiece. The bowl sits in the middle of the grid and is filled with names of those who have requested healing as well as those they have requested the healing for. Around the bowl, I have placed seven laser wand points, with each point facing out and away from the bowl. I have a rose quartz piece on one side of the bowl and a piece of Infinite on the other. I first state my intention for my healing grid, then light a white candle (purity), pink candle (love) and green (healing) candle. I light some incense. I take an eighth laser wand and "connect and activate" the grid by starting at the rose quartz, and out to the first of seven laser wands. Then back to the rose quartz and to the second laser wand, back to the rose quartz and to the third laser wand and so on. I do the same thing with the Infinite. Then I tap the Tibetan bowl (brass) three times to allow sound to incorporate into the intention. In this way, I believe the energy moves out in all directions sending love and healing. So that is how I have created this particular grid. Use this as a guide, but also listen to your intuition or place the crystals in the way you are led to do so. There is no one way and no wrong way. Let me share an example of how you can create your own grid. Your first step is determining what you want to accomplish with your grid, otherwise known as INTENTION. Ask yourself what is this grid for? Sit quietly for a moment. Find your center or that quiet place where you are completely focused and still. Be as specific and clear on your intention as you can be. Remember, the grid will be a tool to amplify these thoughts, feelings and/or intents, so you want to state your intention with absolute clarity. There are a few questions you will want to ask yourself before you begin construction on your grid. The first would be LOCATION. Where will this grid be located? Will this be outdoors in your garden or indoors on an altar? Maybe you would like to place the grid under your bed for amazing dream times or astral travel adventures. A sacred space, such as your healing room or meditation area would be very conducive to gridding. You can even grid your home, inside and/or out! The possibilities are endless and opened to your imagination. The idea will be to place the grid in an area where the crystals surrounding it would not be disturbed. But please, take this to heart-if the crystals are disturbed? Please do not be upset-Things happen. Simply replace the crystals in their designated areas, re-connect and activate the grid, and go about you day, worry free.

Chapter Nine

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There are many sizes of grids and truly this is up to you. At a recent crystal bowl ceremony, a grid was set up to accommodate a person in the center while others formed a huge circle around the person. Quite a sight to see. You could make a grid small enough to sit on a windowsill. I have constructed meditation grids large enough for me to sit comfortably in the middle. This again, is personal preference and should be in alignment with your intent. So you have chosen a location and a size for your grid. What's next? I would recommend that you clear/clean the energy of the area as well as yourself before the grid setup takes place. Clearing the energy from a space basically means that any heavy energy or energy that is not conducive to your grid be removed. Whether you are able to feel this energy or not is ok. It is always a good idea when starting a new project to use a clean slate, right? Just think of clearing the energy in the same manner-clearing the slate. Using something as simple as a stick of incense or sage leaf to smudge (cleanse by using smoke-allowing the energies to dissipate like the smoke itself) can be very effective. If you are allergic to smoke or scented incense, try using a bell or crystal bowl. Sound is a very effective cleanser. A candle and its flame will purify your space. Use what works best for you. Your space is now cleansed and you are ready to begin placing your crystals in the area selected for your grid. I have a few guidelines that you can follow, especially if this is your first grid, but remember, this is YOUR grid, so the placement of the crystals is truly up to you-Remember, no wrong way. This is a basic set up for a crystal grid. You may want to lay down a lovely scarf or piece of cloth to lay your crystals on. Maybe a green silk scarf for healing or a golden cloth for abundance. Place a quartz crystal of any type (cluster, polished point, etc) into the middle of what will be your grid as your centerpiece. Then add something that will represent your intention-For instance, an altar set up for your animals may include pictures of the animals, a small stone animal totem, or something that defines that animal to you. Want more abundance? Try placing some coins or bills in the center or draw a picture of yourself receiving this abundance. It does not matter what it is as long as it reminds you, in a positive way, of your stated intention. In a circle around the centerpiece, I like to place seven (7) stones. Choose stones that will help bring your intention to life. If you want to draw love into your life, you may choose stones like Rose Quartz, Rhodonite, Watermelon Tourmaline, Rhodochrosite, Green Aventurine, Ruby and Zoisite with Ruby. The idea is to choose stones that will put out the energy of what you want to accomplish. If you prefer, you can use seven clear/white quartz points instead of seven stones. The energy of the intention that is placed in the center will be sent outward into the Universe using the seven clear/white quartz points. Have the point of each crystal facing out and away from the center. For me, it is best not to have the stones or crystal points touching. Depending on the size of your grid, give a space of ½" to 1" between each piece. A larger gap when making a larger grid. As a side note here: Clear/white quartz points amplify the energies of the intent, but remember, Amethyst and Citrine are also a type of quartz, so feel free to mix it up if you feel that is what is needed. For instance, adding citrine points would assist with abundance and success, so you could alternate citrine points with the clear/white crystal points to make up your seven.

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Be creative. Follow your instinct. If you want to use 11 crystals instead of 7, that is perfectly ok. Add candles or a stick of incense. The creation of the Grid can become a form of meditation and creative, self-empowering art too! Once your grid is laid out to your satisfaction, you will want to charge the grid by connecting the pieces in the grid. The way that I do this is to start with the main crystal in the center. Using a quartz wand, point to the center crystal and move it out to the first crystal in the circle. Back to the center and out to the second crystal, back to the center and out to the third crystal and so forth. I always go in a counterclockwise position, but this too, is a personal preference. Go with whatever direction you feel works for you. Once you have completed connecting the crystals energy to each other, you may (or may not-again, personal preference) want to state your intent once more, or perhaps an affirmation that has meaning for you and falls in line with your intent. If any negative thoughts or doubts come up at anytime during this process, simply say, "Not in this place" and allow the thought/doubt to dissipate. This is your sacred space and your sacred grid created by you, a sacred being. Enjoy this process, experiment with different layouts, and find what works best for you. Above all, have fun as you learn to create your own personalized grids. End of Chapter Assignment Course One Option: I would like you to choose a subject on which to create a grid (can be healing, love, animal grid, anything you like). Pick your stones using your new found communications skills and intuition. In other words, do not use a book. It does not have to be perfect or even make sense Simply choose the stones and other items based on what you feel needs to be present. Course Option Two: I would like you to choose a subject on which to create a grid (can be healing, love, animal grid, anything you like). Pick your stones using your new found communications skills and intuition. In other words, do not use a book. It does not have to be perfect or even make sense Simply choose the stones and other items based on what you feel needs to be present. If you can email me a pic of the completed grid, that would be awesome! But if you do not have that capability, please email me a description of the grid, what your intent behind creating this grid was and if you feel any energy differences, changes, since creating the grid.

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Crystal Cleansing As with all beginner's, once I acquired my first crystals, I read everything I could get my hands on about them. Purchasing was, of course, just the first step in many, according to the books I read. Each book reminded me that cleaning the crystals was a necessary part of being their caretakers. And oh, how they all had different ideas and techniques to do so!! I was overwhelmed at the differences in opinions. Added to that, were the opinions of those I met who told me cleansing crystals had to be done a certain way. Talk about overload!! I did find out, usually by trial and error, what worked for me and what didn't. One of my first purchased pieces was a lovely rainbow fluorite wand, which I immediately put on my dashboard altar of my recently purchased car. I loved that wand-it even color coordinated with the car with its deep rich blues, greens and purples. A few days later, I noticed my fluorite friend had faded in color and intensity. I went back to the books. Yes, they did say sunlight was excellent for cleansing stones, so why was my fluorite fading? I was devastated. Years later, my fluorite friend is still with me, faded and worn, but truly loved. He taught me a very important lesson-Just because you read something, doesn't mean it necessarily holds true in all cases. So this is what this article is all about. Just a few things I have picked up on my crystal journey to aid and share with you. Take and use what information you will, leave the rest. And remember, common sense is key. There is no "right" way or "wrong" way-just do what you feel in your heart is best for your crystals. SUN Sunshine is wonderful for many crystals, Rock Crystal Quartz especially love it. Putting your crystals out in the sun to cleanse is perfectly OK, just a few suggestions when you do so. Do not put in hot, direct sunlight. Some crystals may fracture with sudden temperature changes or while under intense heat. Others will fade. Crystals such as Amethyst, Fluorite (Heat Sensitive), Rose Quartz, Turquoise, Malachite, Tourmaline, some Lapis Lazuli (Dyed) and Rock Crystal Quartz will react to direct sunlight. Enhydros should never be left in the sun as they may explode or craze. Liquid, heat, boil, boom :) Sulfur will fall apart under even a mild exposure to sunlight, and could melt under intense sunlight. Gaseous fumes (sulfur dioxide and trioxide) may also be released with exposure to intense sunlight, which could make you very sick. Realgar, orpiment, and many silver minerals will completely change under any light exposure of more than a few minutes. WATER Some crystals are very sensitive and soluble in water. It is best not to soak such crystals as Halite, Selenite, Malachite, and Turquoise. More information will be presented as I do some

Chapter Ten

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research. SEA SALT BATH This is one of those cleansing routines that are strictly a personal preference. Just remember that a lot of crystals can be damaged by a chemical reaction with the salt, which may change the appearance (looking scratched or as if the finish has been removed, etc). Many times pieces are coated with a high temperature wax (such as shoe polish). Salt is corrosive, so putting these pieces in salt or salt water actually removes this coating, which gives the appearance of scratching, pitting or a flat finish. Some of these crystals are Calcite, Malachite, Rhodochrosite, Selenite, Hematite, and Apatite. BURYING Burying your crystals in the earth is again, personal taste. Since they come from the earth, it makes sense to bury them back there to cleanse and restore. Just a word of caution here, make sure you read up on this method using geological books, not metaphysical ones. A dear friend reminded me just the other day that if your going to bury them in the ground check the reaction of the local soil to the chemical makeup of your stones. Once below ground those lovely pyrites etc. can soon turn a spot poisonous. Remember Arsenopyrite=arsenic THE MOON This is my chosen and most recommended modality for cleansing any stone. The light of the moon will cleanse, without fading. It does not scratch or dissolve any stone or crystal. It is gentle and loving energy, much like a mother rocking a sleeping baby. Leave them out to soak up the energy and release any that is no longer needed. SMUDGING-- Using sage, sweet grass or other smudging herb, simply light the sage (for example) and allow it to smoke in your bowl or abalone shell. You can either pass each stone over the smoke or use your sacred feather to "brush" the smoke over the stone. Visualizing the negative energies rising and disappearing with the smoke is helpful. OTHER IDEAS AND THOUGHTS--In my experience, I have found one or two other methods that work quite well and are painless to all involved. The first is a simple visualization technique. Just sit the crystal down on a table, altar, desk, etc. and visualize all of the stored up energy you don't want to be there, filling a balloon and flying away, or visualizing a mist moving out of the crystal into the universe to be transmuted into positive, love energy. What ever you are most comfortable with. It is all in the intent. The second cleansing method I recommend is simply running under tepid (NOT hot and NOT cold) water for a few minutes and visualizing the unneeded energy flowing down the drain. Use pure water or spring water if you feel the chemicals in your water system would be harmful to the crystal. Last but not least, do nothing. Crystals are energy and as energy, they cycle out those unneeded energies on their own, transmuting them to the positive love energy of the universe. If you have many, as I do, just know that the crystals help each other to purge that energy that is no longer useful to them. There are as many cleaning rituals and techniques out there as there are stones and crystals. I truly feel intuition should be used in this area, as each person has a unique and individualized relationship with his/her stones and crystals. Do what resonates with you.

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I am very excited for you and this new crystal journey!! You are a self-empowered crystal god/goddess!! Take this information and application as far as you like with renewed confidence. The acquisition of a new crystal, mineral or rock will now be infinitely more exciting as you sit and say, “Hello”, opening the door to conversations beyond your wildest dreams. You will find that these exercises in communication will open up your sensitivities in other areas as well. This is an exciting time!! I am so very proud of you for taking this step. Congratulations!! With love and crystal hugs, Kristi

Closing

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Supplemental Crystal Workbook

Greetings! I hope you enjoy the following exercises, which have been created to be fun and further your own understanding of how you can personally communicate with your crystal spirits and guides. Trust what you hear, see and feel. Try not to question this. You have the ability. You naturally have this intuitive tool. Use it, practice with it. No one knows this better than you. You CAN do this and with practice, it will become second nature. You will remember that you have known all along :) Once this understanding is acknowledged and trusted, you will be able to easily choose crystals for healing, gridding, altars, personal use and more. So have fun and enjoy!! If you ever have any questions, please feel free to email me at any time. With love and crystal hugs, Kristi

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How to Use this Guide This guide has been created for you as your own personal crystal book. It contains a variety of exercises that you can use to practice and learn more about your stones, their energy and how this energy interacts with your own. Visualizations, Meditations and physical hands-on exercises are included. You may find that one exercise works better for you than the others. If that is the case, print off as many copies of that particular exercise as you like, to use in future communications. Blank pages of each exercise have been provided. This is YOUR book. Create it so that it will be most beneficial for you. Whether you are a beginner or use crystals in your practice, this simple book is the ultimate in personal resources. Setting up your work space Before you begin any communication session, you want to make sure that you and your space are prepared for the experience. Make the room and/or space as comfortable as possible. 1. A well-lit space is important for observing the crystal. Natural daylight is best but if the weather is not cooperating, try a daylight bulb or full spectrum bulb in your favorite desk or table lamp. 2. Try to make arrangements ahead of time so that you will not be disturbed by the phone (turn off the ringer), doorbell, children (if possible), pets, etc.

3. Smudge the area with your favorite smudge wand or incense. Do not forget to include yourself in the smudging ritual. 4. If you are bothered by smoke, try using a bell or crystal bowl instead. 5. Light candles if you wish or play soft music in the background if you will not find it distracting. 6. Make sure to wash your hands before working with any crystals. To prepare yourself (tune in to self) for the information that may present itself during these sessions, you may want to begin using the exercise below: Close your eyes and take three cleansing breaths. Inhale and exhale slowly and

completely. Take as much time as needed. Turn your attention within your physical body. Are you feeling areas or stress or tension?

What part of your body are these feelings manifesting themselves in? If you feel a strong amount of stress, try taking three more cleansing breaths. Scan your body again and write down any observations.

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Are there parts of your body that are drawing attention to themselves? Pain, butterflies,

prickly sensations? Write down these observations as well. 6. Turn your attention now to the emotional body. Is your mind quiet and focused? Or full of

chatter and unfocused? 7. Is there a situation or incident you are having trouble putting aside. Try to visualize

putting that situation/incident in a little box with a bow and set it away from you. Now refocus on the emotional body. Write down any feelings, physical, emotional, higher self information, etc that you have.

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Stone: _________________ NOTE: When doing this type of exercise it may be a good idea to get a small mini voice recorder. In this way, you can speak the information you may receive into the recorder, instead of having to open your eye, make notations, close your eyes, get back in that space, etc. If you visualize well, continue with this exercise. If visualization is not something you prefer, try the exercises on the next page instead. Find a quiet spot where you will not be disturbed. Sit in a comfortable position, whether it be in a chair/couch/bed or on the floor. Hold the crystal in the hand that feels most comfortable. Observe the crystal. Let your eyes go “out of focus” to soften the observation. Take three deep inhales and exhales. Now close your eyes. Visualize stepping into a lush green forest. There is a fresh water stream flowing over colorful crystals of all shapes and sizes. Sitting on a rock, awaiting your arrival is a guide. He (or she) leads you to the keeper of your crystal. He (or she) begins to share all of the wonderful ways in which this crystal can assist you as you travel on your path. Allow the information from the crystal guide to flow freely as it communicates with your higher self energies. Write down or record any sensations, be it physical, emotional, mental or higher self. Write down or record any visual pictures you may have gotten during your time with the crystal. Write down or record any information that was shared by your crystal guide. What do you feel this piece would assist you with the best?

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Stone:_________________ Lay a piece of your chosen crystal on a table in front of you. Take three deep breaths, inhaling and exhaling slowly. Now hold your hand over the crystal starting at a distance of 1/2”. What do you feel? Are you able to pick up any impressions or pictures? Move your hand up to a distance of 1”, then 1 1/2” and so forth. What do you feel now? I feel: Physical Sensations (what type of sensation and where is it located on the body?): Emotional Sensations (what type of sensation and where is it located on the body?): I see (pictures in the mind) or hear (write down whatever it is you hear, be it your voice in your head or someone else’s).

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Stone:__________________ Another exercise you can try is to put the piece to your Third Eye. Again, take three deep breaths to allow yourself to attain a calm and focus. Write down all impressions. This stone feels (list physical characteristics such as smooth, cool, etc): When I hold it to my third eye I feel ( list any emotions that may come up and where they are located on your physical body): When I hold it to my third eye I see (write down any pictures that may come to your mind): For me, the stone has the following properties (List physical, emotional, mental, higher self, etc. Whatever you are inspired to write) : Using the information you have received through this exercise, write down what you feel this crystal would work well for energetically. Include your personal properties for the physical body, the emotional body and the higher self body. Remember, do not question or doubt. Write down everything. General Properties: Physical: Emotional: Higher Self:

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Stone:___________________ Take three deep breaths. Inhale and exhale. Sit or lie quietly in a comfortable position. Place your crystal/stone to your Heart Chakra. Focus all of your energy on the area where the stone has been placed. Take one more deep breath. As deep as you can go, as if you are inhaling the precious energy of that crystal/stone. Exhale slowly. Information will present itself easily and effortlessly. Write (or record) everything. When I hold it to my Heart I feel (list any emotions that may come up and where they are located on your physical body): When I hold it to my heart I see (write down any pictures that may come to your mind): For me, the stone has the following properties (List physical, emotional, mental, higher self, etc. Whatever you are inspired to write) : It was suggested to me that in order to have the best possible communications, I needed to come from my heart. Not that beating organ inside of each of us, but that deeper place within that connects us to our higher soul. My very best communications have come when I am in this space, so of course, this is my favorite exercise to use.

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Stone: ____________________ Sit the crystal/stone in front of you on a table. (Use a dark fabric or table covering if you have one. This will make it easier to see the energy vibration coming off of a piece.) Place your feet flat on the floor to connect with the Earth, which will ground you as you begin your exercise. Close your eyes and take three deep breaths (inhale and exhale). Open your eyes and focus on the crystal/stone in front of you. Observe its color, its shape, its texture, etc. Write what you see. Be as detailed as possible. When I look at this crystal/stone, I see: Pick the crystal/stone up. Again observe it closely. Turn it over in your hands. What do you feel? Is it smooth or rough? Pitted or dented? Do you feel any type of energy? (This could be something as subtle as pinpricks in your hand, a buzzing type of feel or vibration, or a pulsation.) As you hold the crystal/stone, do you receive any impressions? (see any pictures? Hear any “voices” or information, etc.) Do not question, do not doubt. Write it all here.

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Stone: ____________________ Supplemental Secondary Sheet for Each Crystal/Stone Using the information you have received through this exercise, write down what you feel this crystal/stone would work well for energetically. Include your personal properties for the physical body, the emotional body and the higher self body. Remember, do not question or doubt. Write down everything. General Properties: Physical: Emotional: Higher Self:

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Crystal Decoder by Sue Lilly ISBN 0-7641-1735-1 Quarto Publishing, Quarto Inc. 2001 The Book of Crystal Healing by Liz Simpson ISBN 0-8069-0417-8 Sterling Publishing Company, 1997 Gemstone Healing Guide, A Healing Apothecary by Kristi Huggins ISBN 7-7700448-1-2

References and Resources

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Kristi Huggins is the Owner of The Crystal Moon Sanctuary http://www.crystalmoonsanctuary.com.

Author of Gemstone Healing Guide, A Healing Apothecary and Stepping Stones to Crystal Basics/The Crystal Communications Course

[email protected]