Stone Stories: The use, origin, myth, or cultural attributes of...Apache Tears
Apache’s Fallen Tears: The man walked into the shop and looked around. “This Nevada vacation is intense. I’m learning about my heritage, the land I’m from. I’d like a souvenir, maybe something to remind me of my culture.” As he browsed about solemnly, the older man with a face etched like a cliff behind the counter with a feather weaved into his long hair, met his eyes. “Welcome home Son. The land has been awaiting your return. What is it you seek to tie you to the past and your ancestors?”
As the shocked man looked over the leather-clad shop keep, he pondered what would serve him the best and a sadness overtook him while in thought. “I’d like a stone. Something to keep my aura free from grief as I see this world falling into despair. A rock that can help protect me from my feelings and impulses that make me weep when I think of my bloodline's past and troubles. A protection amulet to absorb the negativity that people let take over their lives. I want a talisman to keep me from danger, one that helps me forgive myself for not sharing their suffering.”
“Son,” the shop keep bowed his head, “The tears for those who have fought have already fallen. You need not carry this burden in their stead.” He walked over to the man and placed an oval pitted obsidian in his hand. “This stone comes with a legend: * “In the 1870's, a small group of Apache warriors met the American Cavalry in a battle. They were sorely outnumbered and it became clear that they could not win the battle. Instead of conceding defeat and being captured and murdered, they decided to ride their horses off the side of a mountain to their deaths. According to the story, when the wives and children of these warriors heard [of] this, their tears turned to gemstones when they touched the ground where their warriors fell.”*
“This stone will do what you have asked for. Keep it close to your heart so you will be closer to the past. The love for our nation runs strong and deep, just like the lava where this came from. It is the same as the blood in your veins. That is what connects you to the Earth. Do not be so hard on yourself, set the example you wish to see others follow, but start with forgiveness of your past.”
*Excerpt credit to:
