Abalone / Paua Shell

[Silverfire Darkmoon]

OK, so I was given a large, highly polished (inside and out!) and extremely beautiful abalone shell for my Dedication on Sunday and I'm wondering: what are the magical applications of abalone? Would it be the same as for mother-of-pearl, but on a stronger level because of the more intense colours? I can't use it for a water dish because it has holes in it (as does all abalone) and that way I wouldn't be able to enjoy the colours on the convex side of the shell, and I will *not* use it as an incense burner, that's just insane - to ruin a beautiful treasure and gift with incense coals would just be crazy. So, yes. Any information on the magical uses of this shell would be appreciated. Google doesn't give me anything, I've already looked. Thanks!
(Obviously as an object to put on a Water altar or as an offering to the Goddess of the Sea)

[lightdragon]

OK, so I was given a large, highly polished (inside and out!) and extremely beautiful abalone shell for my Dedication on Sunday and I'm wondering: what are the magical applications of abalone? Would it be the same as for mother-of-pearl, but on a stronger level because of the more intense colours? I can't use it for a water dish because it has holes in it (as does all abalone) and that way I wouldn't be able to enjoy the colours on the convex side of the shell, and I will *not* use it as an incense burner, that's just insane - to ruin a beautiful treasure and gift with incense coals would just be crazy. So, yes. Any information on the magical uses of this shell would be appreciated. Google doesn't give me anything, I've already looked. Thanks!
(Obviously as an object to put on a Water altar or as an offering to the Goddess of the Sea)
the holes are a real bummer aren`t they? Usually these shells are used in smudging and to a certain extent fertility,but i would think more on the female aspect as cowries do the same thing and resemble a vagina ,hence female fertility.

[Cerulean_damselfly]

http://sangre-de-cristo.com/land/..%5Cwestcliffe%5Ccms%5Cmount_lindsay%5Cindex.htm

Check out the sixth paragraph...perhaps that might suggest something to you? An association that might be interesting?

I sent abalone shells to some Dine/Navaho in Arizona, via my teacher--it was two bamboo-handled shakers with green abalone shells. The smallest shaker was six shells
and also used blue-green cords and seedlike beads--it made the sound that seemed to be as rain. The shells of animals that offer food, beauty and the blessings of water as life might be suggestive of something even stronger than just the element of water--in Arizona, the thirst in this dry region is as the thirst for life itself! In the legend above, I thought the creation aspect was a very strong association and might do for creativity.

I had read some of the Pacific Northwest populations might have used the decorative shells to remind one of beauty. And so when my poetry teacher talked about his friends in an Arizona canyon who have a ranch and allowed the students to learn about Dine (Navaho) stories and culture, I asked if such rattles would be welcome or silly...if they wanted, perhaps just to use for guests or kids to play...?

The grandmother allowed one of the children to gently play with them; and they were also allowed to be used for a special ceremony for a woman guest who had a pivotal birthday...while they were not used to directly symbolize water, they did symbolize blessing and a flow of energy in those contexts.

In a Western wiccan sense, I saw an abalone shell was used in a semi-public ritual near where a candle was burnt at the appropriate area for the element of water--it 'enhanced' the alter or offering aspect of thr quarter. It wasn't specifically for a sea goddess, but I could see that you already alluded to it's use in a water alter. (It would similar to a situation as if using a stone for an earth element.)

Perhaps could be used as an offering dish if you place small sweets or for folded notes or flowers ? Is it big enough for charms or a tarot deck?


Cerulean_Damselfly

[Saleheim]

Some info I found:

Physical
Abalone is a type of mollusc from the same family that includes clams, scallops and others. Its iridescent shell strengthens all body structures, but particularly the immune system, muscle tissues, the heart and the functioning of the heart chakra. It also improves protein assimilation, can be an aid to digestion and may be helpful in cases of arthritis and/or other joint disorders.

Mental/Emotional
Abalone Shell stimulates our intuition and imagination. It increases our ability to be more emotionally expressive and encourages co-operation between ourselves and others. Abalone is very much an emotional healing stone and is invaluable when working through emotional issues with someone as it encourages calmness and soothing in emotional situations, but still allows us to be unique individuals and to be expansive.

Spiritual
Abalone is extremely useful in stimulating our psychic development.

Hope it is of any use to you.

[Silverfire Darkmoon]

Thanks!
Yes, it is large enough that I could keep smaller things in it.
It's funny you mention a rattle made of abalone shells, I saw one at the store yesterday and really liked the noise. Maybe if I ever end up making that shrine for Isis...*ponders*

[Wolfsong]

Bits and pieces I hope are helpful...


It has long been believed that the many shimmering colors of the paua shell balance and align the chakras of the human body, and some believe that the paua shell aids in creativity and strengthens the heart chakra. Paua is only found around New Zealand coasts.

Abalone
Used by athletes to help build and protect muscle tissue. Also benefits the heart and helps in digestion. 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.

Paua Shell
Paua is a type of mollusc from the same family that includes clams, scallops and others. Its iridescent shell strengthens all body structures, but particularly the immune system, muscle tissues, the heart and the functioning of the heart chakra. It also improves protein assimilation, can be an aid to digestion and may be helpful in cases of arthritis and/or other joint disorders.
Paua Shell stimulates our intuition and imagination. It increases our ability to be more emotionally expressive and encourages co-operation between ourselves and others. Paua is very much an emotional healing stone and is invaluable when working through emotional issues with someone as it encourages calmness and soothing in emotional situations, but still allows us to be unique individuals and to be expansive.
Paua is extremely useful in stimulating our psychic development.

[Pesha]

Well everyone has just about covered it. I am late as usual. But I was given a abalione shell that some one had used to burn something in and it has some scorched parts to it. but I uase it lovingly. I put treasures in it and use it for workings. Especially when I want to bring in the Seas element.

BTW congrats on your dedication.

[Silverfire Darkmoon]

BTW congrats on your dedication.
Thanks! Now I'm officially Wiccan Church of Canada soup, as the clergy put it :P (apparently they've been waiting a while for me to ask!)
I think the association with strength and healing are because abalone is a very strong shell due to the way the proteins are structured. That is also what causes the beautiful flashing colours.

[CzechWoods]

maybe its time to resurrect the shells thread ? ;)

[lightdragon]

good idea

[CzechWoods]

:hailmol: