Shells

Living near the sea I am lucky enough to be able to collect sea shells easily, I love walking along the beach and always come back with pockets full of shells and hag stones.

So how about the magical properties of the humble sea shell?

Obviously sea shells are associated with water, I often use a shell to represent West when I am in ritual, I also use them in water element witches bottles.  The Moon controls the tides of the ocean so shells are also associated with the Moon.  Being associated with water and the Moon I think the shell works perfectly in spells for emotions too.

Shells also have an association with Aphrodite, so can also be used for love spells.  Use a shell as a love drawing talisman.  In the past shells were also used in some parts of the world as currency so they also have the association of money and prosperity.  Use in money drawing medicine bags or pop a small shell in your purse.

Think about what a shell is, it is a protective covering for the creature inside making shells also good for protection.  Use them in your witches bottles, or strung on a necklace for this purpose.

Shells can also be used in divination, use in a set with pebbles, crystals and bones to cast a reading.

Particular shells also have their own individual meanings:

Abalone - general use and containment of empowered herbs and stones
Clam shells - purification and love
Conche shell - love
Cone shell - protection
Cowrie shell - prosperity, money - if you look at a cowrie shell is also looks very 'feminine'
Whelks - dramatic positive change
Limpets - courage, confidence, strength
Scallops - travel, movement

If you are collecting your own sea shells please make sure that the creature is not still inside it, if you do pick up one with a living creature toss it back into the water.

If you are purchasing your sea shells in a shop or from the internet please make sure they are from sustainable and viable sources.

Sea glass

Sea glass isn’t found on the beach near me but I am lucky enough to have family that live on the Jurassic Coast here in the UK where the beaches are littered with sea glass.  What is it?  Well it is actually natures’ way of recycling broken bottles and jars that find their way into the ocean.  The pieces of glass are tumbled smooth by the natural motion of the waves.  Apparently it takes about ten years for a piece of broken glass to become proper sea glass i.e. a small piece of smooth frosted looking glass pebble.

For me sea glass can be used in magic just as sea shells would, it is directly connected with the element of water and holds all the emotional properties that water brings but as it was originally glass it also has a fiery element to it as well.

Use in any kind of magical workings but it can also be made into pretty talismans or jewellery.