How To Make Divinations Using Cowrie Shells?

Cowrie shell divination is a centuries-old practice in West African divination, with its most popular system being the consecrated 16 shell divination system called Erindillogun or Diloggun. This ancient art, rich in history and tribal tradition, uses cowrie shells to reveal messages and guidance from Orishas and other spiritual entities. The shells can be cast like bones or shells, or they can be used as portals of spiritual communication with the shells and related divination systems like cola nuts and coconuts.

The person conducting the divination holds four shells in their hand, praying over the question. The Oloricha blows on the shells, cleansing and charging them to align them with the intention. The reading may begin with the person speaking to the shells and the shells, followed by moving the items in the center of the cloth. Different methods of using cowrie shells for divination include meditation, taking the shell with you, holding the starting bead between your middle finger and thumb, and repeating your affirmation.

Cowrie divination can be an effective tool to blast through blockages, dead ends, and grief, especially when one is not progressing in life. By incorporating modern adaptations, journaling, meditation, and meditation, we can deepen our connection with the shells and gain profound insights from their timeless nature.

How many cowrie shells are used in divination?

Cowrie shells are still used in Yoruba divination rituals, such as merindinlogun, where a diviner communicates with 16 original orishas by casting 16 cowrie shells on a wooden tray. The cowries, called “the mouth of the orishas”, answer the diviner’s question by landing either positively or negatively. The shell’s connections to prosperity and destiny make it popular for use in jewelry, adornment, and African art, from simple bracelets to elaborate garments and headdresses. Atlanta artist Fahamu Pecou used cowrie shells in his work, the New World Egungun, a contemporary version of the historical Egungun from the Carlos Museum’s African collection.

What are the benefits of keeping cowries at home?

Raja Cowrie Shells are believed to bring prosperity, wealth, protection against negative energies, and spiritual significance in Hinduism. They are often kept in homes and workplaces to promote financial stability and success. In amulets and talismans, they safeguard the wearer. In Hinduism, cowrie shells are associated with the goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity. The natural energy of cowrie shells is believed to promote physical and emotional healing, bringing balance and harmony to one’s life.

What do people use cowrie shells for?

Cowries have a long history in African cultures, dating back to their use as decorative beads in jewelry, hairstyles, and status symbols. They were also used as talismans and protective charms for warriors and hunters. In South Africa, cowrie shells are used for healing by the Sangomas, renowned traditional healers. In northern Ghana, the Lodagaa people believe that a deceased person must pay twenty cowries to cross the River of Death. In Mende culture, cowries are used as symbols of femininity, especially for pregnant women. Some African fashion designers use cowries to pay homage to their history and identity.

In the contemporary fashion industry, Lafalaise Dion, a Côte d’Ivoire-based fashion designer, is known for her intricate designs using cowrie shells. Beyoncé wore one of Dion’s face masks, “Labadja”, in her music video, “Spirit” for “Black Is King”. Dion also uses cowrie shells as a medium to re-establish her connection to her ancestors’ power. Miss Côte d’Ivoire and Miss World Second Runner Up Olivia Yacè is pictured wearing a handcrafted cowrie gown, showcasing the beauty and relevance of the shell’s history.

What is the spiritual power of cowrie shells?

Senegal is a spiritual country where cowrie shells are believed to bring good luck, protect the wearer’s spirit, and signify femininity and fertility. Women wear these shells to help them conceive and give birth safely. Cowrie shells have the energy of an ocean goddess, bringing prosperity and good health. They have become popular in the Western world, but they are made from genuine, Senegalese shells, not plastic. The jewelry made from these shells is made by Senegalese hands, ensuring authenticity and authenticity.

The jewelry aims to give the positive female goddess energy that Senegal has been giving women for centuries. The jewelry is a beautiful part of Senegalese culture and a symbol of the positive energy they invoke.

What is the meaning of the cowrie shell in divination?

Importance in Various Divination Practices. Cowrie shells have played a significant role in the divination practices of numerous cultures throughout history. They have been used to gain insights, seek guidance, and make important decisions. The unique shape and markings on each shell were believed to carry hidden messages from the spirits or the divine. Diviners would interpret the patterns formed by the shells, as well as their position in a specific spread, to understand the deeper meaning behind a question or situation. Cowrie shell divination was considered a sacred and revered practice, often performed by individuals with special spiritual gifts.

Significance of Cowrie Shells in Divination. Symbolism and Meanings. Cowrie shells are highly symbolic in divination. Their spiral shape represents the cyclical nature of life and the eternal movement of energy. The smoothness of the shell surface symbolizes harmony and balance. The pattern on the shell’s back, resembling the eye of a cat, is believed to provide protection and ward off negative energy. Each shell carries its unique energy and meaning, which can vary depending on the divination system being used. Cowrie shells can symbolize prosperity, love, fertility, or protection, among other things, making them versatile tools for psychic insight.

Connection to the Spirit Realm. In many cultures, cowrie shells are believed to possess a special connection to the spirit realm. Diviners would use them as a medium to communicate with the ancestors, spirit guides, or deities. The shells were seen as portals between the physical and spiritual realms, allowing the diviner to access higher wisdom and receive messages from beyond. By holding the shells and opening themselves to the divine energy, the diviners established a sacred connection and sought guidance on behalf of those seeking answers in their readings. The shells were seen as divine messengers, delivering wisdom and enlightenment to those who sought them.

What was a problem with using cowrie shells as an early form of money?

Marco Polo chronicled the importation of cowries from India to China, which were known as “porcelains” by European traders. Nevertheless, due to the identical monetary value of Cypraea moneta and C. annulus, substantial quantities were necessary for specific transactions.

How to use cowrie shells for money?

Cowrie shells, fastened together in strings of forty or one-hundred each, represented a dollar in Africa due to their greater value than European traders’ supply. The trade was lucrative, with gains of up to 500. However, as currency imports increased, inflation took hold, damaging local economies. Shells were used in remote African regions until the early 20th century before giving way to modern currencies. In China, cowries were so important that many characters related to money or trade contain the character for cowry: 貝.

Cowry shells or copies of the shells were used as Chinese currency over three thousand years ago. The Classical Chinese character radical for “money/currency” originated from a pictograph of a cowrie shell.

What is the power of the cowrie shells?

The cowrie shell, a small, shiny shell found in warm, shallow ocean waters, was once considered an object with immense spiritual power in Ancient Africa and Asia. Its shape resembled a woman’s genitalia, symbolizing fertility, protection from evil spirits, good luck, and abundance. Cowrie shells were used as currency in many cultures, including Africa and China, and were believed to bring wealth and prosperity.

In Africa, they were often used as currency in business transactions and were associated with the goddess of the moon, who brought fertility and abundance. In China, cowrie shells were also used as currency and gifts for newlyweds, as well as in religious ceremonies to appease the gods and ensure a good harvest.

What is the power of cowrie shells?

The cowrie shell, a small, shiny shell found in warm, shallow ocean waters, was once considered an object with immense spiritual power in Ancient Africa and Asia. Its shape resembled a woman’s genitalia, symbolizing fertility, protection from evil spirits, good luck, and abundance. Cowrie shells were used as currency in many cultures, including Africa and China, and were believed to bring wealth and prosperity.

In Africa, they were often used as currency in business transactions and were associated with the goddess of the moon, who brought fertility and abundance. In China, cowrie shells were also used as currency and gifts for newlyweds, as well as in religious ceremonies to appease the gods and ensure a good harvest.

What is the cowrie method?

Cowrie divination is a Kabbalistic technique that employs the use of cowries, angelic seals, and the names of Hebrew gods for the purpose of divination.

How to keep cowrie shells at home?

Tiger Cowrie, Yellow, and White Cowrie shells are popular in various settings, including altars, cash boxes, work desks, entrances, and living rooms. They bring good fortune and luck and can be placed on a shell or glass bowl to add a positive effect. Kaudi shells are significant in Feng Shui as a harbinger of good luck, promoting long-distance relationships and travel. They are considered a natural tool for protection, stress relief, and wealth attraction.

A small collection of Kaudi shells is considered lucky in Feng Shui and can be placed near the entrance door to bring in prosperous and stable career energies. Cowrie shell jewellery and accessories, such as necklaces and earrings, have been worn worldwide for centuries. In ancient times, Kauri shells were included in bride attire and were used for divination, predictions, and protection of children from evil energies. When selecting cowrie/cowry shells, ensure they are not broken or cracked to serve their purpose.