Creating an altar for healing

According to Vāstu śāstra (pronounced vaa-stoo shuh-struh), the Indian art and science of architecture, the ideal design for your ritual altar is as follows:

• Place a small table, bench, stool or bookcase in the center of the north wall of your home

• Cover this surface with a green cloth such as a cloth napkin or scarf. You can also get squares of fabric called fat quarters at a craft or yarn store.

• Gather your symbolic representations of the 5 elements (earth, water, fire, air, and ether) such as

—flowers, incense, or feathers to represent air

—a glass or pitcher of water

—a candle for fire

—crystals, stones, or a mala for earth

—an empty bowl for ether

• Place each element in the corresponding spaces on your small table (see depiction below)

• Place a statue of a deity, wise guide or patron saint between air and water