Stones for Memorial Day

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.

Spring Cleaning with Crystals

  Spring is upon us!  There is a surge of excitement as we anticipate longer and warmer days. As crocuses and daffodils push through the ground and trees begin to bud, we are eager to shed our heavy coats and reach toward the sun with them. It is the March equinox, which marks the beginning of the new solar zodiac year in the sign of Aries. The equinox is all about balance & harmony, the time when day and night are of nearly equal length. It’s the season of Passover, Easter, and Ostara where we celebrate rebirth and new beginnings, re-establish hope, and plant new seeds. In Traditional Chinese Medicine it is the season of the Wood element. The wood element is connected with the color green, its flavor is sour, its direction is east and the associated organs are gall bladder and liver. When the wood element (the liver and gall bladder) are out of balance it creates a condition called biliousness: anger, mood swings, irritability, lack of motivation, etc. This is the perfect time for cleansing, goal setting & planning and there are many crystal that can help support you.

    Aventurine is a green member of the quartz family that aids healing and growth. It attracts good luck and prosperity. It also promotes the opening of the heart chakra and the healing of the emotions.

  Citrine brings out one’s soul purpose; increases self-esteem & confidence, aids creativity, and attracts abundance. It is a great stone to wear while clutter clearing because it helps you to release those things you no longer need. A gem elixir of citrine can help you to detoxify the liver and shed excess weight that was gained during the winter months.

  Tree Agate is a white chalcedony with green mossy or dendritic inclusions that resemble trees. Tree agate helps you to see the beauty of nature. It is also a good stone to use for a grid around your garden to improve the growth and health of the plants.

 

  Garnet is an energizing gemstone that helps you to take action. It is also known as a stone for successful business.  

   Amber is technically not a gemstone or mineral, but a fossilized sap from prehistoric trees that has aged over the course of millions of years. Just as the sap is starting to run in the trees, the energy of amber will help you to get those creative juices flowing!

 

    Want more pep in your life? Carnelian is an energy booster! Keep a carnelian with you and feel the energy flow to you. It strengthens the physical body, bringing health and vitality.

   You use a sunstone and moonstone on your personal altar to represent the balance of solar and lunar energies.

  Also an egg shaped gemstone will make a great meditation piece at this time.

These a just a few of the gemstones that can be your ally at this wonderful time of year. I’m getting my mojo bag ready! If you need any of the crystals or would like to receive a reiki treatment with crystals to balance your chakras, please email me at tharris@charmcityconjue.com or call (443) 390-MOJO (443-390-6656).