The History and Symbolism of Smudging With Abalone Shells

We are all creatures born from the lifespring of the ocean. As we embark on the journey of life, we sometimes disconnect from the origins of our existence. Smudging with abalone shells is a powerful method for grounding yourself in your most organic form. The earth’s oceans are both torrential and tranquil. Much like humans experiencing seasons of calm and chaos, our emotional and spiritual journey echoes the ocean’s tides, storms, and currents.

Going back to the sea, reconnects us to our ancestors and their sacred traditions. A great way to bring the sea into your healing practice is to start smudging with abalone shells. 

What are abalone shells, and why are they useful for smudging? Join us on a journey through the past to discover the origins of smudging with abalone shells. While you’re here, we’ll share pointers for how to incorporate this sacred tradition into your everyday healing routine.

The waves are calling, ready to answer? First: let’s briefly define the art of smudging.

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What is Smudging?

Smudging is a centuries-old tradition dating back to antiquity. From the moment humankind first discovered fire, people have burned herbs, roots, and wood for purification purposes. Smudging is the process of clearing out stagnant or negative energies to make room for positive love and light. 

In holistic tradition, smudging and abalone shells go hand in hand. Presently, people smudge for a variety of reasons, including:

• To lift anxiety or depression
• For purification of negative or evil energy
• To stimulate creativity and inspiration
• For cleansing a new home or workspace
• To reconnect with nature
• And to create harmony between the physical and metaphysical realms

Where do abalone shells come into play with smudging? They are a prime ingredient for your practice. Let’s explore what makes abalone shells optimal for smudging.

What Are Abalone Shells?

Like many of Mother Nature’s trinkets, abalone shells are multi-faceted. The bowl-like shape makes them optimal for catching cinders falling from your sage stick. 

And that’s not the only reason to start smudging with abalone shells. 

When you hold one of these shimmering shells, the iridescent colors illuminate the colorful heart of the ocean. Abalone brings the intrigue and organic essence of nature into the home to keep you rooted in the soil and waters of the earth. 

Abalone shells harness the power of the ocean to instill you and your atmosphere with calm, healing energy. During times of stress, smudging with abalone shells veils your mind, body, and spirit in utter quietude. The noise of the world falls away, and you tune into your heartbeat; the constant beat reminiscent of the sonic joy of hearing waves kiss the sand.

If you’re wondering what kind of bowl should be used for smudging, abalone shells are an excellent choice!

Smudging: A Fusion Of Four Elements

Smudging with abalone shells means you’re incorporating all four earth elements into your practice:

1. Water – From the abalone shell
2. Earth – Brought in with the herbs and smudge sticks
3. Smoke – Represents the air and connects you to divinity
4. Fire – You ignite the smudge stick with fire

Each element is crucial to harmonize and balance your smudging ritual. When you hold one of these miraculous natural treasures, you tap into an oceanic frequency filled with calm, soothing vibrations.

What does the abalone shell symbolize? Anything from the sea is naturally going to evoke an aura of tranquility. Abalone shells symbolize patience, love, compassion, and calm. Herbs and roots serve as an air element. 

We can thank our ancestors for introducing the art of smudging with abalone shells. 

When Did People Start Smudging With Abalone Shells?

You may have only recently heard of smudging, but it’s far from new. Our earliest ancestors smudged long before we learned about it in yoga or on Instagram. American indigenous tribes burned incense before ceremonies to absolve negative energy and evil spirits.

Thousands of years prior, Asian and European cultures burned sage to ward off disease, plagues, insects, and evil spirits. 

Since the dawn of humankind, smoke has served as a divine liaison between the earth and the heavens. Smoke billows upward toward the sky, connecting our intentions and manifestations to the universal realm.

From ancient profits to modern yogis, smudging is inclusive to all cultures, societies, and peoples. Truth is: everyone can benefit from smudging with abalone shells, including you!

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Tips For Smudging With Abalone Shells

Are you ready to plug into the celestial, universal healing line? Smudging is the best way to do that! There are a few fundamentals of smudging with abalone, but your practice is ultimately your own. You can smudge with a variety of dried herbs. Most people smudge with sage sticks, but each herb has unique benefits. 

For example, lavender is naturally calming, while mugwort stimulates creativity and vivid dreams. White sage is the most popular material, thanks to its natural purification and cleansing properties. 

It’s a good idea to keep a variety of herbs on hand so that you can tailor your practice to your needs. 

Ready to get started? 

Here are our top tips for smudging with abalone shells:

• Grab a good-sized abalone shell. You don’t want it to be too small, because it needs to catch fallen ash and embers as you burn your smudge sticks.
• Line the inside of the abalone shell with a thin layer of sand. Doing this will ensure the shell is protected from burn spots from the fallen embers.
• Light the smudge stick over the abalone shell, and gently blow to release the healing smoke into the air.
• Use a feather to waft the smoke throughout the room and around yourself.
• Cleanse every room in your home or space with the smudge stick. Carry the abalone shell with you to catch any ash as you travel through your home.
• When you’re finished, gently extinguish the burning smoke by rubbing it against the abalone shell until the smoke ceases.
• Be careful not to let the burning stick rest too long against the shell; you want to prevent the shell from getting too hot to hold.

And that’s all there is to it! Smudging with abalone shells is an ancient tradition beloved by people for thousands of years. You can bring these earth elements into your space to restore and ground yourself in this purifying ritual. 

Once you’ve got your four elements gathered, get ready for a major transformation! Happy healing!

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