A Sea Witches’ Guide to Ethical Seashelling

Hello and Merry Met fellow sea and water witches. A while back when I was snorkeling for shells for my altar I got asked, “is it really okay to take shells from the beach? isn’t that unethical and harmful?” So, heres my answer I gave to share with you guys in more depth. (DISCLAIMER: THESE RULES ALSO ARE UNDER THE ASSUMPTION IT IS LEGAL TO COLLECT SHELLS ON YOUR BEACH. ALWAYS DOUBLE CHECK)

1. Know What Shells to Take and Leave - In Pensacola we have plenty of Olives, Augers, Whelks, and conches. Though so tempting and pretty its better to leave fully intact conches and spiral shells. These can serve as perfect potiential homes for any shore or tidal dwelling creatures. I’m sure youd be mad too if someone took your potential home cause they thought it looked cool. Also see what shells are most abundant. For me I saw piles upon piles of Olives snorkeling so they were my biggest grabs.

2. Make Sure They Are Empty - Hermit crabs and especially augurs are VERY good at hiding deep in shells. Always make sure you triple check and even if you still are unsure, leave it behind. Better safe than sorry. Another thing is if you come across a shell that is occupied in a crowded beach area try to move it so another diver or kid wont take it away.

3. Avoid Shells in Shops - If you can. Normally if they arent fake or plastic, the perfect seashells you see in stores were collected with the occupant ripped out. It’s just sad and not right.

4. Bring an offering for the Ocean - Before taking anything from the ocean bring her something and ask permission. If you ever take something from the ocean be sure to give something back to her in return.

Thank you for reading. Good luck and Blessed Be 🌊

Seashells are wildlife products, just like fur and bones and ivory. There are ways to get them ethically but if a shopkeep says they got hundreds of polished conch and nautilus shells from people who find them already dead on the beach, that’s probably not true. This article doesn’t mention whether or not a significant portion of shells at beach gift shops come as leftovers from animals harvested for their meat, but that’s what Atlantic Coral Enterprise claims is the source of “the majority” of their products. 

Sea Shell Magic

Sea shells, As I’m sure we all know are the outer shells that protect the shell fish from outside forces. They become a home, Guarding them from predators.

So how can we use them magically you say?

For Protection and Banishments of course!

They can be made into Talismans by carving sigils, or spells into them.

They can be used to protect, or banish someone by inserting a name, doll, or piece of clothing to them and sealing it with wax.

They can be made into candle holders, sensors for your altars, smudging bowls, offering bowls, spell holders, The list goes on. Creativity is everything, and you can find magic everywhere!