Small Abalone Sea Shell 2.5" - 3.5" - For Smudging, Burning Sage Sticks, Incense, Crafts, Display etc

This small 2.5" - 3.5" +/- natural shell is ideal for use burning sage sticks, powders or leaves or incense resin, etc. They also make great little display pieces for holding tumble stones, general home decor, etc. Abalone shells are a great accessory to aid your smudging ritual. The natural shape of the shell makes them super easy to hold and carry and the shells can take the heat of the burning sage. Each Abalone shell is natural and unique so do expect some color and minor size variance from the posted picture - we posted several different pictures of shells to demonstrate the variance possible.

Natural item so please allow for some variance in appearance and size from item to item.

All our abalone shells are super nice retail grade quality, not museum quality. They are real. The backs may have cuts, scrapes, holes, scars and blemishes. If you look at the posted pictures you will see the holes which are common to 99.99% of these shells. Some of the edges may have an odd small chip. Some have a clear glaze or polished interior to reveal beautiful shades of greens, blues and silver and many other colors, many with some black accents. Black on the inside does not mean the shell has been used – it is a natural coloration in some shells. These shells are perfect for smudging ceremonies and can also burn resins, etc. They also can act as a storage home for your smudge sticks or as a beautiful natural home decoration, great for holding and displaying tumble stones, etc.

Smudging:

Smudging ceremonies using herbs, resins, Palo Santo Wood and incense are a custom of many indigenous cultures throughout the world, including North American indigenous peoples. Traditionally used in rituals, ceremonies and for spiritual purification, house blessings and spiritual cleansing. The smoke is believed by many to cleanse either a space or the body and aura, drive away negative energy and help reconnect with mother earth.

▪ Make sure the room where you are smudging is well ventilated. Open all the doors and windows. This is essential to not only drive out the negative energies (provide them with a route out) but also as a health precaution. Do not use if you suffer from Asthma or have respiratory issues. Do not use near infants or young children or anyone who is or may be pregnant. Do not leave burning smudge unattended! If you have ceiling fans turn them on. Set a container to one side with a little water to extinguish the stick safely at the end of the ritual.

▪ How to light the sticks. Hold the stick as far from the end to be lit as possible. Hold at an angle of about 45 degrees. Light the end of the stick and let the flame take a good hold – about 20 seconds or so. Once the flame is well lit gently blow out the flame so you just see the end smoldering, not burning. The stick should now be giving off a light smoke and you are ready to start! As an option you can place the smudge stick in a shell or similar to collect the ash and embers.

▪ If you are just starting out with smudging don't be too worried about which instructions are 'correct' or 'work best'. Do what works best for you and 'feels right’ for you. Your 'intention' is a key component of the ritual so be clear on what you want to achieve and keep that in mind as you perform the ritual.

▪ Start off offering the flame in four directions – East, South, West and finally North. Bring to mind your 'intent', focus on it and keep it at the front of your mind as you perform the ritual. State your intentions out loud as you walk around the room. Wave the smudge stick around as you move around. You may want to use a smudge fan or feather but just waving the stick is fine. Make sure you allow the smoke to reach all corners of the room, along all the walls and the windows. Visualize the smoke absorbing the negative energies and feelings left in the room and watch the smoke exit the room through the doors and windows carrying away the bad energy and leaving only fresh positive energy in the room. Keep focusing on (or saying) your intention throughout.

▪ At the end of the ceremony make sure the stick is extinguished. You can crush the end in sand or dirt, place the cover of the pot over it or simply place the stick in the open water container. Just be sure the stick is extinguished before it is left. It’s fine to use only part of the stick and save the rest to use again later – store it in a dark, cool place for best results when used again.

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