Number Of Cowry Shells Needed For Divination?

Cowrie shells, a symbol of the Ocean Goddess Yemaya, have been used in divination rituals in Santeria and other African traditions for thousands of years. The most popular system is the consecrated 16 shell divination system called Erindillogun or Diloggun. Cowrie shell divination readings are an age-old art, rich in history and tribal tradition. Each variation of the more well-known African-based religions has its own distinct form of cowrie shell divination, using a different method.

The divination process involves a trained diviner, known as a Babalawo or Iyanifa, conducting the session. The diviner begins by invoking the presence of spiritual entities and asking for their guidance. Each elemental cowrie shell divination session lasts approximately 50 minutes and can be experienced in person, phone, or video call sessions.

Mesolithic jewelry in Scotland features cowrie shells, and their powerful importance goes back thousands of years. West African-derived forms most commonly use 16 cowrie shells on a prepared table or mat on the ground, interpreting the patterns that result, known as Odu. The system uses 16 cowrie shells that have been opened, consecrated, and empowered (through blood sacrifice) to speak for the Orishas.

A set of cowry shells (either 6 or 9) is tossed onto a fabric and “read” by Amy to give a full and complete answer to the inquiry. Cowrie shells are highly symbolic in divination, representing the cyclical nature of life and the eternal movement of energy. A diviner is someone who can see into other dimensions.

In the Alafia divination system, nine cowry shells are thrown and then read by a trained diviner. The diviner will read the layout of the shells to discover rituals that might be needed. In each session, shells, coins, stones, and other items are used.

How to use cowries for divination?

The cowrie shells, known as Cypraea moneta, have a natural opening on one side and a curved side for divination. The curved side is hollowed out to ensure stability when falling, and the cowry is considered “open” when it presents its mouth and “closed” when the hollowed out side is visible. Bush spirits are said to use the cowries as drinking vessels.

The diviner asks questions aloud, and the shells answer in their non-articulate language, making a slight noise when they fall on a stone. The diviner takes the lead, asking conditional questions before each throw, and then requesting a particular cowry to present itself. To confirm the answer, the diviner can ask the cowries to “separate” themselves.

The diviner waits for three cowries to present their mouths and three others their backs, or two equal numbers of cowries fall to either side of a line drawn on the stone with his saliva. To request more pressing information, the diviner taps with his index finger on the stone or draws points or circles on the stone to indicate where he wants the cowry to land.

When a shell has answered, it is placed to the side, depending on the size of the stone and the number of cowries set aside. The interrogation continues with the remaining cowries, and a positive reply is usually punctuated by the rhythm of the ox horn tapping the stone, signaling the end of the questioning phase. This gesture and sound recall the procedure used with the stick and marks the end of this phase of questioning.

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 is 16 cowries?

Ẹẹ́rìndínlógún is a Yoruba divination method using cowrie-shells, with the number 16 being significant in Yoruba mythology. The number of shells thrown with the opening facing up is associated with a specific odu, used when consulting the Orishas. This divination is found in Latin America, particularly in Santería and Candomblé religions, and is also known as dilogun in Cuba, Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico.

Why do Africans wear cowrie shells?

Cowrie shells, once used as currency in Ancient Africa, hold spiritual significance as they bring good luck and protect the wearer’s spirit. They are particularly helpful to women, as they are believed to aid in childbirth and conceive safely. These shells symbolize prosperity, wealth, destiny, and fertility in Africa and the Americas. According to African legends, the love for cowrie shells signifies being “family to an ocean spirit of wealth and earth”.

The shell’s shape resembles that of a pregnant woman, and it is believed to bring good luck and ward away bad energy. Cowrie shells are also used in spiritual ceremonies and worn by pregnant women to aid in childbirth.

How many cowrie shells do you need for divination?

The Yoruba religion uses a cowrie-shell divination method called Ẹẹ́rìndínlógún, which involves casting 16 cowrie shells on a table or mat to interpret patterns known as Odu. The priest/priestess invokes the Orishas and asks questions, which the Orishas answer by influencing the shells’ fall on the table. The number 16 holds significant significance in Yoruba mythology as it is believed to be the number of original divinities that established life on earth. The number of shells falling with the opening facing up is associated with a specific odu, used when consulting the Orishas.

What are male and female cowries used for?

The cowrie shell, also known as “Cypraea Annulus” or “Cypraea Moneta”, is a natural gift from nature that connects humans with supernatural spirits. These shells are commonly used for divination and were once used as currency in Nigeria. They hold significant cultural significance, including being worn for good-luck and good-fortune, or “Wuri” by the Hausa of northern Nigeria.

In Nigeria, cowries have been used as a medium of exchange in trade, a powerful spiritual position for divination, and a treasured artifact in museums. They are also used as traditional home decorations, customized necklaces, jewelries, and clothing, and adorn hairstyles of both men and women who respect their native costumes and cultural heritage.

The Eshu amulet, a great deity in Yoruba, is considered the divine messenger of God and the most important Orisha. The Eshu is a guardian protector, divine communicator, and spiritual master who guides and guards the fate of people through divination. It is believed that the god will bless the bearers who seek good fortunes.

The Ibeji-Twin Figure, another Orisha of the divine twins by the Yoruba of western Nigeria, is the Orisha of joy, mischief, abundance, and childish glee. They are the first twins born on earth, the children of the great Shango and Oshun, and bring joy, happiness, and abundance to their believers.

In summary, the cowrie shell is a symbol of fertility, childbirth, and protection, and is often worn as an amulet for traditional folk medicine and celebrations. The mystical perceptions of these cowries continue to pave the path for fortune seekers, despite the modern world’s tighter beliefs of ancient times.

How many cowrie shells were there in an astrologer day?

The astrologer’s professional tools included cowrie shells, a cloth inscribed with mystic charts, a notebook, and a bundle of palmyra writing material.

What shells are used for divination?

Cowrie-shell divination is a religious practice involving the use of cowrie shells in rituals and beliefs. It is primarily found in West Africa and Afro-American religions like Santería, Candomblé, and Umbanda, but has also been recorded in India, East Africa, and other regions. West African-derived forms typically use 16 cowrie shells on a table or mat, interpreting patterns known as Odu. Before casting the shells, the priest/priestess invokes and salutes the Orishas, who then influence the shells’ fall on the table.

How do you use cowrie shells for good luck?

Growing up in Senegal, the author grew up with jewelry made with cowrie shells, which were believed to bring good luck and protect the wearer’s spirit. Cowrie shells are a sign of femininity and fertility, with women wearing them to help them conceive and give birth safely. They have the energy of an ocean goddess, bringing prosperity and good health.

Cowrie shells have become popular in the Western world, with mass production of them from plastic and shipping them here. However, the author insists on ensuring the authenticity and Senegalese craftsmanship of the shells in their jewelry. They want the shells to give the positive female goddess energy they have been giving to women in Senegal for centuries. The author encourages others to let their inner goddess shine and embrace the positive energy cowrie shells bring to their lives.

What are cowrie shells used for spiritually?

Cowrie shells, believed to resemble a woman’s genitalia, were associated with fertility, protection from evil spirits, good luck, and abundance in Ancient Africa and Asia. They are still used in some parts of the world today, such as India, during prayer ceremonies to ward off negative energy. Cowrie shell items range from necklaces to bracelets and earrings, with men’s necklaces being popular for their masculine look and bold statement. Long cowrie shell necklaces are fashionable among women for their elegant touch.

Cowrie shells have a long history as a form of currency, dating back to ancient civilizations in Africa, Asia, and the Pacific. Valued for their beauty, rarity, and difficulty to counterfeit, cowrie shells were often used to purchase goods and services, as well as exchange in trade and business transactions. Wearing cowries is sure to make you stand out from the crowd.

Are cowrie shells lucky?

It is thought that cowrie shells represent destiny in both Africa and America, bestowing magical power and good fortune upon those to whom they are directed.