Two years have passed now since the tragic events of September 11, 2001, when terrorists conspired to crash several airplanes into buildings on American soil. This is a day that will go down in history as a "day of infamy," much like like December 7, 1941, which marks the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Yet the first heat of anger and grief will not last forever. We must, in time, allow history to become history-to move out constant thought and into memory. To help with this, consider: Traditional cultures set aside a mourning period for family members after someone dies, the most common length being one year. For such a great tragedy, it seems proper to add another year. Today thus marks the end of immediate mourning for this event. Now we can observe this occasion as a healing ritual that will move this date into history. To do so, set up your altar with images that are appropriate to you, including the photographs of anyone you may have lost. Light four black candles to honor the dead, and in the middle, one white candle for hope. If you can find it, myrrh is a perfect incense for both memorial ceremonies and healing rituals. When you are ready, say several times:

Let there be justice,
Let there be peace,
Let there be healing,
And then release.

Meditate for a time. You may wish to add prayers of protection for the living or the dead, for travelers, for your loved ones, and so forth. Contemplate the world being at peace and at rest. Allow the candles to burn out.