Venus In The Fifth

Thorny Oyster:

From the spondylidae family, these “oysters” are cousins to the scallops. Example include the American thorny oyster [above photo] and Pacific thorny oyster. They are also called Chrysanthemum shells.

Appearance: Creativity, defense.

Uses: Thorny oysters can help us reach out to project energy or intention.

Turkey Wing Shell

A type of ark shell, the turkey wing [Arca zebra] is a member of the Arcidae family.

Appearance: These shells are elongated, wing-shaped and yellowish-white in color with red-brown striping.

Associations: Freedom.

Uses: These shells help us lift moods and shift emotions.

Coral

History and Legend: The ancient Egyptians places pieces of coral in tombs as protection against evil spirits because they believed that each piece contained a drop of divine blood. According to Greek mythology, when Perseus chopped off the head of the Gorgon Medusa, some drops of blood splashed into the sea and there solidified coral. 

Healing Properties: Basically, coral protects against negative energy while also preventing loss of energy. That is why coral is recommended for menopausal women. Coral is also beneficial in the treatment of blood and circulation disorders. Psychologically, it strengthens love and the need for partnerships and makes the wearer immune to envy and resentment.

Magical Properties: Coral symbolizes joy and happiness. It enables the wearer to enjoy life.

Chakra Classification: Red coral should be used on the root chakra and pinl coral on the heart chakra.

*Because there are many fakes, it is important to trust the person you are buying from. Coral is cleansed by being left overnight in salt water once a month. It can also be placed dry in sea salt.

Slipper Shell:

From above, slipper shells appear as rounded little mounds; underneath is a protective shell that covers part of the animal’s body and gives the shell a moccasin-like appearance. They can change sex (From male to female) as necessity dictates.

Appearance: The flattened oval shell has an interior “shelf” that forms a slipperlike shape. Color is cream, yellow, brown or reddish brown.

Associations: Balance, community, generosity, nonconformity, transformation.

Uses: Slippers aid in weathering transitions, and they support us as we help others.

Triton Shell

These rugged yet decorative shells, related to murex, are of the ranelliade family. With a hole drilled into the apex they can be used as horns. Triton’s trumpet (Charonia tritonis) is the largest and best known because it is used to call people to worship. Poseidon called his son Triton to blow this trumpet and subdue floods.

Appearance: Tritons are solid and sculpted with strong riblike areas. The thick outer lip is often toothed. These shells have a wide range of colors and patterns.

Associations: Community, joy, the element Air.

Uses: With Tritons we can send out intentions and prayers.

Frog Shell

To picture this member of the Bursidae family, think of a squat (froglike) triton shell. It looks very similar, but can be distinguished by a groove in the upper corner of the aperture.

Appearance: Yellowish to brown, frog shells are solid and thick with angular whorls. Their round apertures have a distinctive groove.

Association: Momentum

Uses: Frog shells can help us mobilize a situation and shake things up.

Top Shell

Found worldwide, there are hundreds of members of the trochidae family, which has a number of genuses. The West Indian Top Snail (cittarium pica) is frequently an ingredient in Caribbean chowders.

Appearance: Top shells have conical spiral and a pyramidal shape. Colors and patterns vary widely.

Associations: Dynamic energy for the circle and spiral; pyramid power.

Uses: Top shells aid in us centering; they also help get energy flowing.

Spider Shell

This type of conch with spiderlike appearance has nine known species.

Appearance: The Spider conch has “Fingers” - up to six inches long - that extend from the shell’s flaring lip.

Associations: Maturity, responsibility, self-defense

Uses: Spider shells help us to stand our ground.

Lion’s Paw

A member of the Pectinidae family of scallop shells, the lion’s paw is sought after by collectors.

Appearance: Lion’s Paws are robust, heavy shells with broad folds. They range in color from reddish brown to bright orange.

Associations: Protection, strength.

Uses: Lion’s Paws help us build inner strength and confidence. 

Miter Shell

Appearance: Miters are somewhat elongated and conical, with smooth or spirally sculpted texture and a tall, pointed spire. Most are brightly colored.

Associations: Peace, spirituality

Uses: Because of their association with clergy, these shells calm our energy and help with spiritual introspection.