Ideas for Cremains 

What do I do with my beloved's ashes?

Cremains are considered to be the earth part of the spirit.  It is what belongs in the physical world.  Keeping the cremains is a means of keeping the memory as physical as possible while the spirit is free. 

All living organisms have a life energy, cremation is a means to let it free.  Energy can never be destroyed, it can only change forms.  Hence the explanation for releasing the spirit or soul by fire as has been the practice for thousands of years in most human cultures.

There are indeed many options for what one can do with ashes from a departed beloved one:

Bury them with a memorial tree.  The cremains or ashes must be well diluted with topsoil as ash is very alkaline and has a high salt content. Another solution is to bury the ashes in a cedar urn which is biodegradable and will release the cremains slowly over time.  This will also release the minerals slowly as the tree grows so that all of that trees growth will share the same minerals of the ashes.  (cedar urn)  

"I have always returned a small amount of the cremains from my pets to nature. I mix about a half cup of cremains into some mulch and bury it at the root of my memorial tree. The memorial tree was originally planted with the cremains of my mother.  She loved animals so now I put a portion of the ash from all my pets whom have passed on at the base of this now glorious tree. It is a "tree of life" if you will and in my mind lets the circle of life continue. It also happens to be a Mulberry tree so it gives back to nature with a bountiful supply of berries every summer."  

  Set them free on a bridge over a favorite river or pier at a beach. 

  Separate small amounts and gift them in keepsakes or jewelry to family members. (keepsakes)

  Store them to be buried or re-cremated with the owner. 

  Hold them for dispersal when you feel ready.

  Mix them with cement or concrete for a monument or planter that will last virtually forever.

For Pets:

Communal cremation is when multiple pets are simultaneously cremated and their ashes disposed of on private cemetery grounds or taken to a local landfill.  Some services offer burial at sea for no additional charge.

A private cremation is when 2, 3, or maybe 4 pets are cremated at the same time, but are physically separated by space or cremation bricks. The pets ashes are then removed from the crematory in reverse order to retain the integrity of the private cremation. The cremains are then generally processed in a commercial blender to attain a fine ash consistency and eliminate visible bone fragments. Private cremations reduce the cost associated with “Individual” cremations described below.

Individual cremation is one pet in one cremation unit at a time.  Pure and simple, it is what most pet owners expect.   Be sure to ask your provider for what type of service you are receiving.   You deserve to know how your pet’s cremation will be performed before the decision is made.