The Beauty of Abalone
The larger the shell, the older, and they have more fabulous natural 'imperfections' & characteristics from aging and living in the oceans. These larger shells' interiors are highly iridescent with colorful blues, greens and silver, with black accents. The exterior of the abalone is sturdy, rough calcium carbonate, sometimes with evidence of barnacle friends! The interior of the abalone is Mother-of-Pearl(nacre) which gives the abalone their pearly, iridescent colors.
These colors range from pink, blue, green, purple, gold, and white; sometimes all in one shell! Move the shell around in any light and watch the colors change!
CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE OF THE SHELL
MAORI PEOPLE, NEW ZEALAND
The Maori people of New Zealand call abalone Paua. It can be found in the coastal waters off of New Zealand. Paua shells are usually about five inches and oval-shaped. They believe the shell strengthens the body and the heart of the wearer. With a stronger heart and body, the person is thought to be able to communicate their feelings more clearly. The Maori believe the Paua will bring connectivity and harmony to relationships. The way the colors of the shell shift in the light is also a symbol of change and transition in Maori culture.
NATIVE AMERICAN CULTURES
In some Native American cultures, the shell of the abalone is to burn sage. They believe the combined spiritual power of abalone and sage would take their messages to their Gods. The smoke of the sage is used to cleanse evil spirits. This is used in modern-day cleaners also, which we explore later.
APACHE NATION, NORTH AMERICA
There is an Apache story that explains the significance of this shell in their ancient culture. The Apache nation believes there is a connection between the shell and the first woman - known as Esdzanadehe or Changing Woman. She survives a flood in the shell of an abalone. As the floodwaters recede, she walks the land. She is impregnated by the sun and has a son. This son becomes the Killer of Enemies, protecting her from evil. She is later impregnated by the rain and births the Son of Water. At the end of the woman's life, she walks east until she finds her young self. The two merge, and in this way, she is born over and over again, through endless generations.
NEW AGE SPIRITUAL MEANINGS
If you believe in the psychic powers of ancient organic gemstones, the abalone stone has much to offer. It stimulates psychic development such as intuition. It can improve your ability to express your emotions with clarity. this can encourage cooperation with those around you at work and in your personal life. Perhaps your work or family life is stressful at the moment. The shell gemstone will attract tranquility and clarity of mind. Many swear by its ability to help us work through emotional situations, be they now or things that happened far in our past or past lives.
CONNECTING TO CHAKRA
The chakras linked to the shell of abalone are the third eye, the crown, and the heart. These are areas linked to intuition, that harmonize with the intuitive properties attached to the shell of the abalone.
CLEANSING RITUALS
In cleansing rituals, it is believed that holding onto the iridescent shell of the abalone increases feelings of purity. This deepens the effect of the spiritual cleanse. These rituals involve the burning of sage to clear negative energies from within, or from a specific space. Couples and families can do these rituals to cleanse a space in their household after an argument or when they move to a new home. The smoke from the sage is thought to clear the bad energies and bless areas with a positive light.
A SYMBOL OF WATER
Many cultures think of the abalone as a symbol of water. Its calmness and tranquility protect us from life's unsettling passions. To wash away any unpleasantness and shield us from the darkness.
A WAY TO HEAL AND PROTECT
The shell of abalone looks like a kind of shield. It's no surprise then that it has protective and healing qualities.
It brings safety from harm and emotional balance. It can protect the heart - in the physical and metaphysical aspects.
FERTILITY AND MOTHERHOOD
The abalone mollusk is fecund - or fertile, for its species. As such, many people trying to conceive or wanting to guarantee the health of a new child or grandchild wear the abalone stone. fertility aspects can bring wealth, abundance, or new opportunities at work. The shell has been used as a sort of currency in many native cultures. For new mothers, what better gift than the mother-of pearl? It can provide much needed emotional, physical, and mental support to new moms. It can remind a new mother of the extraordinary act she carried out in creating and nurturing of an individual spirit.
TO CALM US
The relaxing sound of the ocean waves has surrounded the abalone during its entire life. It is thought that these waves of relaxation transit to the wearer of the abalone shell. As such, it can calm the mind and relax the spirit. There are those not attuned to its psychic attributes. Holding the shell and admiring its natural beauty alone can remind us of the everyday miracles around us. It can be a reminder to take stock of what we have and to appreciate and celebrate it. When we are going through troubling times it can be a reminder of the inherent peace in nature that we can connect to if we choose to. The abalone stone can remind us of the uniqueness of each of us. It can help us to tolerate the imperfectness in each of us, and in each of our personal relationships.
AS A POWER BOOST
By improving our power to communicate our emotions clearly, this gemstone can be used as a symbol of empowerment and feminine power. It has protected the soft core of the mollusk. It can protect the more sensitive aspects in us. Projecting an image of strength and beauty to the outside world.
AS A MAGICAL GIFT
The abalone stone is an excellent gift. The Maori people believe it can bring luck, peace, and prosperity to the person wearing it. Perhaps the wearer loves water, and the abalone shell can be a special reminder of the sea.
