Memorial day is a U.S. holiday that occurs on the last Monday in May. Previously known as Decoration Day, this holiday started shortly after the Civil War to honor those who died in that war and all who have died while serving in the military since then. People commemorate the day by going to the graves of loved ones and decorate them with candles, flags, and flowers. The following are a list of stones that would be appropriate to use in your personal ritual to honor your loved ones on this day.
Amber is not technically a stone; it is fossilized tree sap. You can sometimes get pieces with bits of insects or plant material embedded in it. Since it was once a living substance, amber is associated with the ancestors and ancient wisdom. It is also a powerful protective amulet. And it's sunny yellow color can help to bring in light to a grieving heart.
Petrified wood comes from ancient trees whose wood over time was replaced by various minerals. It becomes hardened, yet the structural details are are preserved. So like amber, petrified wood is another stone closely associated with the ancestors and ancient knowledge. It is also very protective. The idea of the "family tree" and researching your "roots" illustrates the close relationship between trees and our relatives. You can use this stone to help ground and stabilize your emotions and give you strength and support.
Smoky quartz is a calming stone that is more yin than yang, meaning that it tends to absorb energy rather than radiating it. Therefore it is an excellent stone for grounding and stabilizing the body and mind. It is a wonderful support for those who are grieving by releaswing scattered and confused energies, balancing emotions, and reducing anxiety and depression. According to Marguerita Elsbeth in her book Crystal Medicine, smoky quartz can be used twhen praying to heal the ancestors (p.186)
Apache Tears is a form of obsidian, or volcanic glass, that is used for protection and comfort in time of grief. The name Apache tear comes from a Native American legend. In the 1870's the U.S. Calvary and about 75 Apache fought on a mountain overlooking Superior, Arizona. The Apache were outnumbered and nearly defeated. And rather than being captured and killed they rode their horses off the cliff, falling to their deaths. When they heard the news, the wives and families of these warriors gathered to mourn near the site and it is said that when their tears hit the ground, they turned to stone. The legendary Johnny Cash wrote a song called Apache Tears for his album Bitter Tears: Ballads of the American Indian in 1964. This is another stone that can be used to honor our beloved fallen soldiers and help ease our pain.
Pink or Mangano Calcite helps to clear the heart chakra and restore emotional balance. It is calming and centering and is useful in opening the heart and remembering our ancestors with love. This is a stone that has helped me tremendously when I was experiencing heartbreak. It seems to be gentler and work more slowly and deeply than rose quartz.
Lepidolite has been called a "stone of transition" and a "stone of peace". Lepidolite is a relaxing, soothing stone that eases stress. This pink to lilac stone helps to balance the mind and the heart. Containing a high amount of lithium, lepidolite helps to stabilize mood swings, and ease depression,promoting deep emotional healing. [Along with amethyst it can help support the release of addictions.]
So there you have it: some stones that will give you support and help you honor your departed loved ones. Until next time, be blessed.
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