Welcome to the First Crystal of our weekly crystal special. This week is abalone. First off what is abalone and where does it come from? Abalone shell comes from the Abalone Marine Snail which has a thick inner layer of Nacre -which is commonly referred to as mother-of-pearl. The shell usually has an open spiral structure, and is characterized by several open respiratory pores in a row near the shell's outer edge. Abalone has been used for thousands of years for jewelry, buttons, buckles, inlays and by some of the native tribes of Africa, and in the North Americas the shell was even used as a currency. The snail itself has even been considered a delicacy in many parts of the world, and these snails are farmed for their meat. Unfortunately due to changes in the ocean and farming, it is believed this snail may go extinct in a few hundred years.
In pagan and Wiccan spaces abalone is often used to in smudging or using sage to cleans spaces. It is believed that abalone can lend a protective, healing energy to your spirit. It is supposed to help to shield you from waves of negativity. Its believed -and often seems- that the energy it gives to you is a soothing one full of peace, beauty, compassion and love.
In old Native American practices it is believed that using sage and abalone together would carry their messages to their Gods.
While the Maori people of New Zealand call abalone Paua and used it in depictions of warriors and some demi-god figures. They also believed that the shell strengthens the body and heart of someone wearing it. With a stronger heart and body, the person is thought to be able to communicate their feelings more clearly.
That’s it for today and for abalone, if you have any questions feel free to reach out and I hope you enjoyed this weeks crystal. Next week we will be covering agates. This is your friendly Tide Walker signing off. Have a good night, or day, wherever you are!