Shell Meaning & Spiritual Symbolism

Long worshipped and considered sacred, sea shells have a very special spiritual significance. Whether Greek, Catholic or African, shells were widely used to decorate outfits, as currency or as good luck charms. They were considered religious, spiritual and even warlike accessories. Owning a seashell meant that the ocean gods were with you.

These little shells that populate the seas, beaches and oceans can come in many different colors and shapes, from blue to white to purple. Some are the size of a coin, while others weigh tons. Cowries, scallops, abalone or conch shells... Discover the spiritual significance of shells and their virtues for body and mind!

Sheels, between well-being and spiritual significance.

As in lithotherapy, seashells can help you through the difficult stages of your life! But what are seashells, and what are their spiritual benefits?

First, What is a shell?

A shell is the empty shell (or "skeleton") of a marine mollusk. The shell grows with the animal, providing protection from predators as well as a habitat. Some marine animals, such as the Bernard Lhermitte, change shells quite frequently, since they don't build their own shells.

Their structure is mainly made up of minerals and can be divided into several layers. It regenerates as the mollusk grows.

There are 3 types of shellfish:

1. Univalves: they have only one part and are generally hollow with an original shape, such as cowries, nautiluses and turbos.
2. Bivalves: these are composed of two shells and are often edible: oysters, abalone, mussels, etc.
3. Multivalves: these are much rarer.

Within each group, there are hundreds of families and tens of thousands of subspecies. It's mind-boggling!

The virtues of seashells for the body

Like stones in lithotherapy, shells are capable of healing deep-seated aches and chronic pain. Although their therapeutic virtues will never be proven, many peoples have used them in lotions, masks or creams. Generally, the shells were collected on the beach and ground to a powder. Water and plants could be added to this preparation to accentuate its restorative properties.

In Africa, cowrie shells are often crushed and used to treat acne in young girls, or as a purifying mask using sand or sugar. The powdered shells have a peeling and regenerating action.

Combined with other plants such as nettle, shell fragments could be used to seal wounds and prevent them from becoming infected. This technique was widely used by islanders and warriors.

Shells, spirituality and spiritual benefits

Between spiritual uses, religious traditions, warrior ceremonies and benefits for the mind, shells are more than just sea creatures. The main spiritual significance of shells is their ability to bring good luck. Whether placed on a bedside table, hung around your neck or on your wrist, they will be your most faithful ally in times of trouble. Believe it or not, seashells will give you confidence thanks to their purity and beauty.

Above all, shells are symbols of the sea and the ocean. In fact, Tahitians and Hawaiians consider seashells sacred. Spiral-shaped shells tend to increase energy.

Each seashell possesses significant positive spiritual energy, which will be transmitted to you through skin contact. It's often said that hugging a tree or wearing a stone bracelet regenerates, because these elements are linked to the power of the Earth. It's exactly the same with shells and the spirit of the ocean! Even if Westerners aren't accustomed to this type of belief, most Asian and African peoples use shells on a daily basis.

Color is also important. White represents elegance and innocence, black confidence and courage, red love, orange or yellow are very bright colors that symbolize liveliness of spirit. As for green or blue, they represent serenity and calm.