Shells exude energy and it is no wonder people have been attracted to them.
Their shapes and color patterns suggest flowing movement echoing the mystery
and rhythms of Mother Ocean.
Who hasn’t succumbed to gathering a few shells when walking along a beach?
While their beauty may attract us, their energy has a far greater pull. For
this reason, we may find that we are drawn to shells that are not perfectly
formed baubles. Additionally, because no two shells are exactly the same they
serve as reminders that we are all unique and beautiful, too.
Some shells come to us as gifts and some as oracular guidance. I described
in Sea Magic how a shell came into my hand when I was doing a Wave Blessing and
my experience with the sand dollars. Shells speak to us this way which makes it
important to learn about them.
Properties
Being born of the ocean, shells are
strongly associated with the element of water. They are also associated with
the moon, which drives ocean tides. Both the element of water and the moon have
strong feminine energies that are receptive in nature, so shells are primarily
used in magic to draw things you desire into your life.
Preparation
Shells taken from the ocean need
little ritual preparation for magical uses; however, if your shells were bought
from a store or have been stashed in a box for a while, they may benefit from
cleansing and recharging. To do this, place your shells in a bowl of water mixed
with sea salt. Set them aside to soak for a day or overnight. Recharge them by
setting the bowl in the sun or under the light of the full moon for several
hours.
Love
One of the main symbols for
Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, is the seashell. Invoke the power of
Aphrodite for love spells using shells by wearing seashell jewelry or hair
ornaments to attract a mate. Use a hinged seashell with the two parts still
attached as a powerful love talisman to keep two lovers together. Write the
initials of the lovers on the inside of the shell, one on each side, then seal
it shut with glue.
Prosperity
Many cultures used shells as a form
of currency. Cowrie shells were used in Africa and North America, and Native
Americans used wampum---beads made from clam shells---as money. Because of
this, shells are suitable for money spells. Fill a small green or gold pouch
with seashells, a silver coin and mint, which is a money-drawing herb. Hang the
bag where you do business, and rub it when you desire prosperity. Place a small
seashell in your wallet or purse to continually keep money coming to it.
Protection
Protection is a shell's primary
purpose in nature, as it is made to keep small, defenseless sea creatures safe
from harm. Because of this, shells have strong protective energies. Many
cultures in coastal areas use shells in folk magic to protect the home by
placing strings of shells over windows and doors. Necklaces of strung shells
can be worn by children to keep them close to home and safe from harm. Placing a
small, round shell on the collars of your pets will keep them safe should they
wander from home.
**********
Abalone
Abalone is a beautiful shell showing
a play of bright blues and turquoise across a polished surface. Shells are the
outer housing (exoskeleton) of sea-creatures, and is an organic gemstone which
has been used in jewelry making and religious ceremonies for countless ages.
Usually found off the coasts of South America, Japan, and China. Mother of
Pearl and Paua shell is simply the dark blue and pearly lining of the Abalone
shell.
Mystical Properties:
Abalone is reported by intuitive sources to
stimulates psychic development and intuition, and promotes imagination in a
healthy way. Nicknamed the sea ears, the Abalone's flattened, oval shape with
iridescent interior was used by the Native Northwest American Indians as a
natural vessel for cleansing, offerings and prayers.
Abalone is purported to be especially useful
for handling and calming emotional situations, and be very soothing to the
emotions. Having abalone nearby when working through an emotional situation
with someone is said to be beneficial, and to promote cooperation.Mystical Lore
and Folklore says that abalone is helpful for arthritis and other joint
disorders, muscle problems, the heart, and digestion.
Abalone is very healing to the body and
especially the first three chakras. It is also calming to high strung people.
Used by athletes to help build and protect muscle tissue. Also benefits the
heart and helps in digestion.
It can be used in the treatment of hearing
disorders, calcium deficiencies, and in dysfunctions of the spinal cnanl and
nervous system. It can assist in healing the breaks in the skeletal structure
and has been useful in enhancing the assimilation of Vitamins A and D
There are about one hundred species of abalone worldwide, some of which are
used medicinally. Abalones belong to the Haliotidae family, and their
iridescent mother-of-pearl interiors glow like shimmering waves making them a
popular resource for jewelry. The interior of the paua abalone (Haliotis iris)
is called “sea opal”. Some are commonly used for food. The donkey’s ear (H.
asinina) species has a more oblong shape resembling the ear of a donkey.
Abalones in general are nicknamed ear shells and sea ears.
Appearance: Abalones are thick and oval or elliptically shaped with a whorl
ridge that is studded with typically four to ten holes for respiration. In some
species the whorls are more like folds. Colors include brown, green-brown, dark
green, red-brown, brick red, orange-red; some with creamy streaks. The inside
of the shell is cover with iridescent silver, blue and green nacre. Some
abalones have a mottled appearance.
Magical Associations: abundance, determination, emotions (heal),
generosity, healing, imagination, insight, introspection, intuition, life
(paua), the mind, problems (avoid)
Chakras: All
Directions: Northeast, Southwest, West
Uses: These shells are frequently used as smudge bowls for cleansing the
energy of an area. Abalone’s beautiful interior energetically attracts
abundance.
Angel Wing
These shells belong to the Pholadidae family. If you find both halves of an
angel wing (Cyrtopleura costata) shell, you will see how they got their name:
when opened flat they resemble a pair of angel’s wings. The false angel wing
(Petricola pholadiformis) resembles the angel wing, but is smaller and more
refined. Despite their delicate appearance they can bore into clay, wood and
some types of rock.
Other members of this family include the piddocks, which have wing-like
shape such as the campeche angel (Pholas campechiensis), European piddock
(Pholas dactylus), and the fallen angel wing (Barrea truncate) which is also
known as the Atlantic mud piddock.
Appearance: Angel wings are whitish elongated and delicate with ribs that
run from the hinge joint to the outer edges, giving them a feathered
appearance.
Magical Associations: balance, determination, energy (angelic), freedom,
grace, hope, magic (angelic), support
Element: Air
Uses: This shell helps raise our spirits and lets our intentions soar. They
can also aid in contact with angelic energy.
Clam
Clams encompass a wide range of species from several families all of which
are known as clams: the Hard-Shelled Clam, think clam chowder (Mercenaria
mercenaria), the Soft-Shelled Clam also known as steamers (Mya arenaria) and
Surf Clams (Spisula solidissima) to name a few. Some clams are very colorful
and some almost wing-shaped earning them the nick-name Butterfly Shells (from
the Tellinidae family). Others twist around on themselves giving the shell a
ram’s horn appearance (family Glossidae). The Chocolate-Flamed Venus Clam
(Lioconcha castrensis) has dark brown zigzag lines that on some shells resemble
ancient writing.
Appearance : Clams can be circular, oblong, oval or triangular. Colors
range from white to dark brown and include most shades of the rainbow in solid
colors or patterns. Some have a papery coating over the exterior of their
shells.
Magical Associations: abundance, communication, compassion, emotions
(protect), healing, life, love, purification, secrets, self-work, sex/uality, stability,
sympathy, well-being
Chakra: Root
Uses: Clams can help us find our place in the world, hold a confidence and
protect emotions.
Cockle
There are over two hundred species of cockles, members of the Cardiidae
family, worldwide. These shells have been used for food, ornamentation and
currency as far back as 3000 B.C.E. in Mesopotamia. Prehistoric graves in
Lincolnshire, England, were discovered to be filled with cockle shells,
suggesting that they were a symbol of death and rebirth.
Cockles are also called heart clams because when viewed from the side with
both shells intact, they appear valentine-shaped. They are different from
shells in the Glossidae family which are also called heart clams. Additionally,
cockles were used in ancient medicine because they were believed to be good for
the heart.
Members of this family include the European prickly cockle (Acanthocardia
echinata), hairy cockle (Plagiocardium setosum) named for the tiny, almost
hair-like nodules on its ribbing, common European cockle (Cerastoderma edule),
yellow cockle (Trachycardium muricatum) and heart cockle (Corculum cardissa).
Appearance: Cockles are heavily ribbed and can be round or oval shaped.
Colors range from cream and yellowish to vivid yellow and brown. Some have
zigzag streaks.
Magical Associations: awareness, balance, calm, confidence, death (burial
customs), encouragement, goodness, grounding, happiness, healing, love, rebirth
/ renewal, romance, trust (in self)
Chakra: Heart
Uses: Cockles are very good for centering and calming energy. They also aid
in overcoming self-doubt.
Conch
With the tip of the apex removed, this shell is blown like a trumpet in
India and Sri Lanka to “open the heavens” for ritual. The conch also symbolizes
the resonate voice of the Buddha. In Hawaii, the conch is sounded to summon
spirits or to cleanse the energy of a space. Conchs have a spiraling shape
usually with a broad flaring lip. True conchs are distinguished by a notch in
the outer lip at the lower end. Some have protruding spines and nodes. They
have a vast range of colors and patterns. Conchs are great for clearing
negative energy and preparing an area for an event or activity. Their energy
aids in moving inward for reflection.
Shells from the Strombidae family are called true conchs and can be
distinguished by a “stromboid notch” toward the front (opposite the apex) end
of the outer lip. With the tip of the apex removed, this shell is blown like a
trumpet in India and Sri Lanka to “open the heavens” for ritual. The conch also
symbolizes the resonate voice of the Buddha. In Hawaii, the conch is sounded to
summon spirits or to cleanse the energy of a space. The pink conch, also known
as the queen conch (Strombus gigas) is known to produce pink pearls.
Other members of this family include the Florida fighting conch ( S.
alatus), rooster conch (S. gallus), goliath conch (S. goliath), milk conch (S.
costatus), hawk wing conch (S. raninus), dog conch (S. canarium), silver conch
(S. lentiginosus), and bull conch (S. Taurus).
Appearance: Conchs have a spiraling shape usually with a broad flaring lip.
True conchs are distinguished by a notch in the outer lip at the front
(lower/smaller) end. Some have protruding spines and nodes. They have a vast
range of colors and patterns.
Magical Associations: awareness, banish, battle / war, clarity,
communication, creativity, danger, defense, determination, energy (move),
enlightenment, introspection, justice, knowledge, learning, life (vitality),
love, magic (love), negativity, power (occult / left spiral conch),
purification, wisdom
Goddesses: Amphitrite, Durga, Lakshmi
Gods: Buddha, Ganesh, Krishna, Manannan, Vishnu
Animal: Jaguar
Reptile: Crocodile
Uses: Conchs are great for clearing negative energy and preparing an area
for an event or activity. Their energy aids in moving inward for reflection.
Cowry
Belonging to the Cypraeidae family, cowries number more than two hundred
species worldwide. A wide range of cultures have used them for secular and
sacred purposes. In relation to the Great Mother Goddess, cowries have
represented both vulva and pregnant belly, symbolizing abundance, fertility and
(pro)creative powers. The Hindu goddess Hayagriva is usually depicted rising
from a yoni-symbol cowry-like shell. The ancient Romans associated cowries with
the goddess Venus and gave them as gifts to brides.
The cowry’s long aperture has also been likened to a mouth—and even seen as
the mouthpiece of gods. Oshun (a goddess of fresh water) taught the Yoruba
people of Nigeria how to use the shells for divination.
The money cowry (Cypraea moneta) and the gold ring cowry (C. annulus) were
used as currency in Asia, Africa and Malaysia. The first coins made of metal in
China (circa 600 B.C.E.) were cast in the shape of cowry shells. The Romans
called cowry shells porci or porculi meaning “little pigs”. In the ancient
world, the pig was a symbol of fecundity and prosperity, associated with
powerful goddesses such as the Greek Demeter whose sacred rituals included the
sacrifice of pigs. Combining the symbolism of vulva and sow, the Greek word
choiros means both pig and female genitals, and may be mistaken for the root of
the word cowry. The English word cowry is derived from the Hindi kauri.
Other fairly well-known types of cowries include the Atlantic gray cowry
(C. cinerea), Atlantic yellow cowry (C. spurca acicularis), Atlantic deer cowry
(C. cervus), brown-toothed cowry (C. angustata), cape cowry (C. capensis),
tiger cowry (C. tigris), Arabian cowry (C. arabica) eyed cowry (C. argus), hump-backed
cowry (C. mauritiana), snake-head cowry (C. caputserpentis), and the honey
cowry (C. helvola). The rarest and most sought-after is the golden cowry (C.
aurantium).
Appearance: Cowries are small and somewhat egg-shaped. They have a rounded
side and a flat underside where the aperture is a long serrated slit. The
exterior of the shell is glossy enamel-like in a wide array of colors and
patterns.
Magical Associations: abundance, death (burial customs), divination, faith,
fear (overcome), fertility, growth, improvement, independence, introspection,
intuition, love, manifestation, marriage, money, prophecy, prosperity, rebirth
/ renewal, self-work, sensitivity, success, vision, wealth
Energy: Yin
Chakra: Sacral
Goddesses: Cerridwen, Hayagriva, Venus
Uses: Cowries are excellent for divination, manifesting intentions and soul
work.
Jingle
These bivalves of the Anomiidae family are almost as common as sand along
America’s Atlantic beaches. Jingle shells are rarely found intact, but you can
tell which half you have because each side is different. The right side (the
lower valve) has a circular hole near the hinge through which the animal
anchors itself to a rock or other surface. This half is found less often.
Members of this family include the common jingle (Anomia simplex), Peruvian
jingle (A. peruviana), prickly jingle (A. squamula), saddle jingle (Placuna
sella), false Pacific jingle (Pododesmus macroschisma), and false Atlantic
jingle (Pododesmus rudis).
Appearance: Jingles are irregularly shaped circles or ovals, very light,
translucent and fragile. Their iridescent sheen ranges in color from white and
yellow to black or red.
Magical Associations: abundance, death (burial customs), divination, faith,
fear (overcome), fertility, growth, improvement, independence, introspection,
intuition, love, manifestation, marriage, money, prophecy, prosperity, rebirth
/ renewal, self-work, sensitivity, success, vision, wealth
Energy: Yin
Chakra: Sacral
Goddesses: Cerridwen, Venus
Uses: Jingles help us learn to trust our intuition and to judge when it is
wise to let go and ride with the tides of life.
Moon Shells
Found throughout the world, these members of the Naticidae family are also
called necklace shells. The Atlantic moon (Polinices duplicatus) has the common
name of shark’s eye. Moon shells embody two powerful symbols: the circle and
the spiral and were occasionally used as talismans in Celtic burials, sometimes
scattered over the body, sometimes below it. These shells were also
symbolically placed near the hands and feet or in a pattern above the head.
Members of this family include the butterfly moon (Natica alapapilionis),
violet moon (N. violacea), China moon (N. onca), zebra moon (N. undulate),
colorful Atlantic moon (N. carirena), northern moon (Lunatia heros) and Lewis’
moon (Euspira lewisi)
Appearance: Moon shells are round and tightly coiled, with a short or flat
spire. Their colors and patterns vary widely.
Magical Associations: beauty, clarity, cycles, death (burial customs),
fertility, harmony, independence, insight, introspection, knowledge (seek),
magic (moon), the mind, protection (by the Goddess), rebirth / renewal
Solar System: Moon
Goddesses: Astarte, Inanna
Uses: Moons can teach us how to roll with life’s turbulence and to move
inward without losing sight of what’s around us. They can also help us find
answers to questions that are important to us.
Murex
With more than one thousand species worldwide, the murex, also called rock
shells, belong to the Muricidae family. These shells were the source of the
rosy-purple dye that became known as royal tyrian purple. Highly valued by the
ancient Phoenicians and Romans, later the dye was used by the Roman Catholic
and Episcopal churches to color bishops’ robes. The Venus comb murex (Murex
pectin) with its long thin spines is one of the most striking examples.
Others include the purple dye murex (M. brandaris), snipe bill murex (M.
haustellum), pink-mouthed murex (M. erythrostomus), cabbage murex (M.
brassica), scorpion murex (M. scorpio), lace murex (M. dilectus), rose murex
(M. rubidus), giant eastern murex (M. fulvescens) and the sting winkle
(Ocinebra erinaceus).
Appearance: Murex shells range from heavy to delicate. They have high,
pointed spires and whorls that are smooth, spiny or nodular. The siphon canal
is elongated in some species. Their coloring is variable in cream, white,
yellow, tan, pink, orange reddish and brown. Banding, spotting and patterns
vary.
Magical Associations: adaptability, anger, business, courage, dedication /
devotion, emotions, justice (legal matters), life, negativity, nurture,
protection, support, warmth
Uses: The murex can help us summon courage to overcome adverse conditions.
Mussel
Known to seafood lovers everywhere, the blue mussel (Mytilus edulis) and
its Mediterranean cousin (M. galloprovincialis) belong to the Mytilidae family.
Mussels are the most abundant of all mollusks. The larger brown variety is
known as the horse mussel (Modiolus modiolus). Mussels are usually found
attached to rocks and piers or in the mud and sand of shallow water.
Other members include the channel mussel (Perna canaliculus), Atlantic
ribbed mussel (Geukensia demissa), variable mussel (Brachiodontes variabilis),
common date mussel (Lithophaga lithophaga) and the tulip mussel (Modiolus
americanus).
Appearance: Mussels are elongated, pear-shaped shells, ranging in color
from purple-black to blue or brown. The interior is pearly.
Magical Associations: abundance, adaptability, affection, attachments,
dedication / devotion, determination, growth, guidance, stability
Solar System: Moon
Goddess: Amphitrite
Uses: Mussels help us see that we have the strength to weather life’s
storms and that the ordinary can be extraordinary.
Oyster
Sources of food since pre-historic times, true oysters belong to the
Ostreidae family. The ancient Greeks believed that dew or rain taken in by an
oyster would ripen into a pearl. Pearls are formed around grains of sand or any
other irritant. Oysters of various families produce pearls as do several other
types of shells such as conchs.
Examples include the common European or edible oyster (Ostrea edulis) and
crested oyster (O. equestris). Wing oysters (Pincyada imbricata), black-lipped
oyster (Pincyada margaritifera) and pearl oysters (Pteria hirundo) are members
of the Pteriidae family.
Appearance: Oysters are irregular, rounded or elongated in shape and have a
variety of colors.
Magical Associations: abundance, beauty, fertility, life (vitality), love
(unconditional), luck, lust, prosperity (attract), sex/uality
Uses: Oysters can help attract prosperity as well as a lover.
Periwinkle
Fifty to one hundred species of these shore-dwelling snails of the
Littorinidae family are found throughout the world. The smallest is the rough
periwinkle (Littorina saxatilis). Next in size are the northern yellow or
smooth periwinkle (Littotrina obtusata) and the common periwinkle (Littorina
littorea), respectively. Usually found clinging to rocks in tidal pools,
periwinkles are in “mid-passage” evolving from marine animal to land dweller.
Other members include the zebra periwinkle (L. ziczac), marsh periwinkle (L.
irrorata), angulated periwinkle (L. scabra angulifera), pagoda periwinkle
(Tectarius pagodas), beaded periwinkle (T. muricatus), and the false prickly
winkle (Echininus nodulosus).
Appearance: Periwinkles are solid little shells with short spires and
circular apertures. Colors vary widely. Smooth periwinkles are bright yellow or
orange with virtually no spire.
Magical Associations: adaptability, change/s, concentration / focus,
determination, friend/ship, grounding, growth, integrity, the mind
(deliberation), transformation
Uses: These shells can help us hold our focus and stay centered.
Sand Dollar
The sand dollar is a type of sea urchin that is related to the star fish.
This creature moves between the worlds of water and earth, burying itself in
the sand and soft mud on the ocean floor. The common sand dollar
(Echinarachnius parma) and the keyhole urchin (Mellita testudinata) are easily
recognized by the five-petaled shape etched in their centers.
The sand dollar has been associated with the life of Jesus, its
five-pointed pattern representing both the star of Bethlehem and the five
wounds inflicted at the crucifixion.
Appearance: Sand dollars are irregularly shaped, round and flat with a five-pointed
flower-like pattern and five holes. Their color is usually white or tan.
Magical Associations: awareness, balance (seek), compassion, knowledge,
protection (emotions, financial), messages / omens, protection (emotional,
financial), purpose, secrets, transformation, wisdom
Uses: Sand dollars help us find wholeness and acquire knowledge. They aid
in keeping confidences and protecting emotions.
Scallop
Not only were Aphrodite and Venus depicted arising fully formed on scallop
shells, so too were a number of Aztec and Mayan goddesses. Throughout ancient
Europe, the scallop shell was used “as a symbol of religion, mysticism and of
sex”. Belonging to the Pectinidae family, more than four hundred species can be
found worldwide.
As a design motif, the scallop has been used in personal ornamentation,
fabric and furniture décor and architecture. In the early years of Christianity
it was used as a badge of pilgrimage—originally to the shrine of St. James in
Spain. On heraldic banners, a scallop with two slits (or “eyes” as they were
called) indicated that a knight had been in battle and had searched for the
Holy Grail. The energy of a scallop is radiant and healing.
Others include the Atlantic bay scallop (Argopecten irradians), calico
scallop (Argopecten gibbus), Atlantic deep sea scallop (Placopecten
magellanicus), leopard scallop (Anachlamys leopardus), Asian moon scallop
(Amusium pleuronectes) and the folded scallop (Decatopecten plica).
Appearance: Scallops are fan-shaped and somewhat flat. Of the true scallops
(Pectin family) one shell, or valve, is more concave than the other. Their
colors range from white to a variety of brilliant hues as well as a wide range
of patterns.
Magical Associations: beauty, calm, change/s, clarity, compassion, energy
(move), grounding, harmony, healing, the home, introspection, leadership, luck,
obstacles, prosperity, rebirth / renewal, relaxation, spirituality, travel
Goddesses: Aphrodite, Chalchihuitlicue, Coatlicue, Venus, Xochiquetzal
Uses: As a symbol of pilgrimage scallops aid in spiritual rejuvenation.
They are instrumental in removing energy blocks and keeping us centered. With
them we can search the depths of our souls. They help us know that we are
beautiful.
Slipper Shell
From above, slipper shells appear as rounded little mounds; underneath is a
protective shelf that covers part of the animal’s body and gives the shell a
moccasin-like appearance. When I was a child I thought of them as rowboats for
fairies. Slippers live in colonies attached to rocks and each other. They can
change sex (from male to female) as colony necessity dictates. These shells
belong to the Crepidulidae family.
Members of this family include the common Atlantic slipper (Crepidula
fornicate), convex slipper (C. convexa), spiny slipper (C. aculeate), northern
white slipper (C. nummaria), onyx slipper (C. onyx), spotted slipper (C.
maculosa) and the ribbed slipper (Maoricrypta costata)
Appearance: The flattened oval shell has an interior “shelf” that forms the
slipper-like shape. Their colors are cream, yellow, brown or reddish brown to
purple.
Magical Associations: adaptability, balance, challenges, change/s,
community, family, generosity, support, transformation
Uses: Slippers aid us in weathering transitions and support us as we help
others.
Triton
These rugged yet decorative shells from the Ranellidae family are related
to the murex shells. With a hole drilled into the apex they are used as horns.
Triton’s trumpet (Charonia tritonis) is the largest and best known because it
is used to call people to worship. Another name for it is the Pacific trumpet
triton. There is also an Atlantic trumpet triton (Charonia variegata). In Greek
legend Poseidon’s son, Triton, blew this shell and subdued floods that
threatened to destroy the world. This story was depicted on Roman coins in 400
B.C.E.
Other members of this family include the knobbed triton (Charonia
nodifera), angular triton (Cymatium femorale), lotorium triton (Cymatium
lotorium), ruby triton (Cymatium rubeculum), and the little frog triton (Ranella
olearia).
Appearance: Tritons are solid and sculpted with strong rib-like areas. The
thick outer lip is often toothed. These shells have a wide range of colors and
patterns.
Magical Associations: communication, confidence, dedication / devotion,
emotions, faith, happiness, leadership, motivation, power, relationships, youth
Gods: Neptune, Poseidon, Vishnu
Uses: Triton shells aid in sending forth our intentions and prayers.
Whelk
About eight hundred species of whelk can be found worldwide. The lightning
whelk (Busycon contrarium) is one of the few shells with a left-handed coil.
For this reason, it is commonly mistaken for the sacred Indian chank shell or
simply employed as a substitute—adding to the confusion over these seashells.
The columellae of whelks were strung together and used as money by Native
Americans. White wampum beads were also made from whelks.
Other whelks include the horn whelk (Buccinulum corneum), New England
Neptune whelk (Neptunea decemcostata), spiral Babylon whelk (Babylonia spirata),
knobbed whelk (Busycon carica) and the channeled whelk (B. canaliculatum).
Appearance: Whelks are globular-shaped near the apex with a long tapering
siphon. Their colors and sizes vary greatly.
Magical Associations: change/s, guidance, imagination, improvement,
inspiration, luck, release, spirituality, wisdom
Uses: Whelks help us find the guidance we need, especially for spiritual
development
Sem comentários:
Enviar um comentário