As the veil grows thinner and Samhain approaches, The Crystal Library closes out Season 2 with a stone steeped in ancient mystery, mourning traditions, and protective magic: onyx.
Often celebrated as a powerful stone of grounding and protection, onyx has a much darker and more complicated history than you might expect. From ancient burial sites and Greek mythology to Victorian mourning jewelry and its surprising association with unsettling dreams and discord, this stone has carried many different meanings throughout the centuries.
In this episode, Ashleigh explores the fascinating geology of onyx, including why not every black stone sold under its name is actually true onyx. She also uncovers its connection to Victorian mourning traditions, including the remarkable story of Mary Todd Lincoln's black onyx mourning watch.
But the mysteries don't end there. In metaphysical traditions, onyx is believed to hold memories, offer spiritual protection, and encourage the courage needed to confront our own shadows. We'll explore its connection to psychometry, ancestral remembrance, the Morrígan, and the practice of shadow work.
As the final installment of The Crystal Library for Season 2, this episode is an invitation to consider what protection really means. Is it simply about keeping darkness away, or is there another kind of power in learning to face what frightens us?
In this episode, discover:
The geology of onyx and the truth about black onyx.
Ancient mythology and the stone's surprisingly unsettling reputation.
Victorian mourning jewelry and Mary Todd Lincoln's onyx watch.
The belief that onyx can hold memories and energetic impressions.
Spiritual protection, the Morrígan, and the thinning veil of Samhain.
How onyx can support intentional shadow work and personal reflection.
Ways to incorporate onyx into ancestral altars, protection rituals, and Samhain practices.
The Crystal Library will be taking a break as Ashleigh shifts her attention toward family and the Friday episodes of Big Crystal Energy during the holiday season. But these crystal deep dives will return, with more fascinating stones, forgotten histories, and magical mysteries waiting to be explored.
Because sometimes the most powerful protection isn't keeping the darkness away. It's finding the courage to face whatever waits within it.
Historical and scientific information is explored alongside folklore and spiritual traditions. Metaphysical properties are presented as beliefs rather than scientifically established effects.
References & Sources
Crystal and Metaphysical References
Hall, Judy. The Crystal Bible. Onyx, pp. 206–207. Used for metaphysical associations, memory, psychometry, grief, and protection.
Melody. Love Is in the Earth: A Kaleidoscope of Crystals. Onyx, pp. 451–452. Used for traditional crystal properties and spiritual correspondences.
A Compendium of Stones. Onyx, p. 169. Used for historical references, ancient carvings, burial discoveries, and folklore.
Historical and Mineralogical References
Smithsonian National Museum of American History — Mary Lincoln's Mourning Watch. The museum documents Mary Lincoln's black onyx lapel watch, which she continued to use for the remainder of her life.
National Museum of American History
Smithsonian — Personal Mourning. Historical background on mourning objects and expressions of grief following Lincoln's assassination.
National Museum of American History
Pliny the Elder — Natural History, Book 37, Chapter 24. An ancient description of onyx and its contrasting bands.
Perseus Digital Library
Until next time, friends, keep bringing your own Big Crystal Energy into the world.
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