03/04/2020
Did you know that shells have various uses in spiritual practices?
The most widely known in North America, is using abalone shells to catch the embers of burning sage in Native American traditions. With the burning of the sage, it is also a perfect balance of representation of the water element mix with the smoke of the sage to represent the air element.
Conch (Shanka), shells are used by the Hindus and Buddhists as a musical element to call to worship and is typically shown in the hand of the god Vishnu.
And of course the most iconic is the Birth of Venus. Standing in her shell on the beaches of her birth. Yemaya, the Ocean mother in the Yourba tradition from one of the oldest known religions in Africa. She is often depicted as a mermaid and adorned with shells.
Their are so many ways to use various forms of shells in practice. How do you use shells in your spiritual practice?