Sundial Shells - Color, Facts, Power, Mythology, History And Myths

Sundial shells are fairly unique in being a noticeably disc-shaped shell, flattened and in showing a lenticular edgewise appearance. Shell belongs to genera, Architectonica and is believed to be associated with the Sun God and "The Sun" of the Tarot Card. Ever-widening whorls of phylum Mollusc extensively distributed in warmer waters of the West and East coasts of North as well as of South America, and Indo-Pacific regions. Sundial Shells are of box-like or dome-shaped structure and hornier rather than calcareous.

The shell 8 cm in diameter has beautiful spirals in white, ashy, black and shades of brown. The body and fat tentacles are striped to match the shell of this snail. The mouth region of this shell is lined with a tough cuticle as a guard against the stings of their prey; they eat burrowing sea anemones and sea pens. In the Red List of threatened animals of Singapore, the Clear sundial snail is listed as 'Endangered’ and the original shores where they were found have been lost to reclamation.

This shell is a treasure in any collection, but as its name it does not tell time. With either gobbet (bubbled like) or a smooth surface, the bottom of the shell is curved in (concave) and bears a resemblance to a staircase. In the shell world, the design of this shell is said to be most intricate.

The shell gets its name from its circular appearance which resembles the Sun, but it too has different names like a perspective sundial, oriental sundial and painted sundial in different parts of the world. The average size of this shell ranges between 2.5 – 5 cm and belongs to class Gastropoda.

The upper side of the shell is lighter in colour ranging from white to yellowish – brown dorsal shell, whereas brown dots can be seen in the periphery and underneath the inner circle of the shell. Sundial shells dwell in shallow sandy areas, so are rarely found on the shore. The round shape of the shell allows the snail to lair in the sand around 1.5-120 meters deep.

These beautiful shells are collected by shell dealers and are easily available in curio shops. The head of the snail in the shell contains a pair of long, slender tentacles that abet chemoreception eyes at their outer bases. Two pointed lobes can be seen at the end of the slimy foot sundial snail. Being a hermaphrodite animal, they lay eggs in egg capsules embedded in a gelatinous mass. The larva of the sundial is called veliger, these larvae become an important food source for fish and other larger organisms. Truly, the clear sundial shells when polished become glossy and shines brightly like a sun catching the eye of bystanders!

Where is Sundial Shells found?

sundial shells are found in the Indo-Pacific regions, West and East coasts of North as well as of South America. These shells are normally found in beach drift and are a natural accumulation, deposits along strandings on beaches by the waves or the tides. In India, Shells are brought ashore in search nets and push nets as these nets are easily operated in sandy shallow areas.

Shells are very often sponged down onto a beach empty and clean because the animal having already died and their soft parts either rotted away or have been eaten by predators or scavengers.

Beachcombers often picked up these beautiful empty seashells.

On the other hand, the majority of seashells which are generally offered for sale commercially have been collected alive often in bulk and then cleaned, particularly for the commercial trade. This type of activity can sometimes have a strong negative impact on local ecosystems, and can reduce the distribution of rare species.

Healing Properties

Healing Properties

Sundial Shell is a colorful seashell that incorporates the beautiful colors in the life of the wearer. It does not belong to any Crystalline Family but has its own Metaphysical and Healing properties.

Shells have vibrational healing capabilities from Nature and have a strong elemental bond with the Mother Earth. Sundial Shell is believed to be closely connected to that of the Water element and the vibrations of Love, Gentleness, Caring and depicts beauty, compassion and peace.

Physical Healer

Sundial Shell strengthens the structure of the body and the functions of the heart chakra. It will give relief from arthritis, joint disorders and muscular problems, used for patterns of liver heat, digestive system as well as with symptoms as headache, dizziness, spasms, and various problems of the eyes. It is very helpful for athletes that would like to help build and protect healthy muscle tissue while strengthening the heart muscles! Shell are also supposed to treat hearing disorders and calcium deficiencies, it enhances the assimilation of vitamins A and D as well as assists the healing of broken bones. It is proved to be beneficial in general dysfunctions of the spinal canal and the nervous system.

Emotional Healer

Sundial shell enhances the four C's--communication, cooperation, commitment and compromise and proves to be an excellent companion when needing guidance in relationships. Sundial Shell will help with anxiety and stress related issues in emotionally disturbed individuals. It will encourage psychic development and fuel intuition while promoting the power of imagination. It has a soothing vibration which helps to calm emotions support the growth of Self. Seashells are said to have the natural ability to disband negative energy and instill positive vigour. As said, their home being the Ocean which is concentrated in sea salt, shells have a protective covering in which negativity finds hard to make a way into. Shells are supposed to harness, boost and develop Reiki healing according to their size, shape and structure. They are thought to possess gentle but thorough healing energy which works as the healer to harmonise chakras and cleanse, balance the aura. Shells have the ability to remove karmic imprints & cut down the etheric cords.

Spiritual Healer

Sundial shell can heal the body surrounded by the Chakras. By resonating inside Third Eye Chakra, it helps in stimulating psychic intuition, sensitivity, imagination and adaptability. As a spiritual healer Sundial Shell, when resonates in the Heart Chakra, it provides cohesive energy for groups furthermore release sentiments and feelings of fear, sorrow or any other negative feelings held within. It will use the power of Nature and resonates within the Solar Plexus to re-instill the Power of Self and enhance mental clarity. By providing insight into decision-making, shell promotes cooperation between the self (within the individual) and others, over and above within the self.

Heals and Balances Chakra

Sundial Shell can heal the body within the Chakras but resonates most with the Third Eye, Heart and Solar Plexus Chakras. It is healing to the body and especially for the first three Chakras. While dealing with the heart chakra, human Heart is considered to be the strongest generator of both electrical and magnetic fields in the body. Shells are the exoskeleton of sea-creatures, so it is an organic shell stone which has been applied in jewellery making and religious observance for countless ages.

Very powerful organic stone of transformation, Sea- Shells are gentle healers and messengers. As seashell has the power of snails DNA it has a bundle of information to share with us. Whenever the wearer holds or wears it the strong positive vibes transmit from the shell to the wearer. The Seashell is believed to be a remarkable stone for self-discovery and life illumination, they are merely beautiful objects from nature. Shells are believed that they help and talk to the people who seek their guidance.

Sundial Shells Facts

Some facts about Sundial Shell

The shells of sea urchins are known as tests, and the moulted shells of crabs and lobsters are known as exuviate. While most seashells are outer coverings, some cephalopods have internal shells.

Seashells have been used by humans for many different functions throughout times gone by and pre-history. Apart from these shells, there are shells from freshwater animals like freshwater mussels, snails, and shells of terra firma snails.

Metaphysical Properties

This shell coating can range from white to rainbow color. It can have a low lustre or be highly iridescent.
Sea Shell is a species of mollusc; there are about 93,000 recognized species of the shell. Whether from Seashell or other species, the properties of all the shells are the same.
Created by certain species of molluscs, the shells are made up of calcium carbonate.
Shells are related momentously to the ocean and carry the energy of water with them.
Sea Shells are considered and trusted to arouse all the senses of the person and brings in the feeling of well-being and relaxation. Holding them makes you feel beauty, solace, comfort and peacefulness.
Shells are supposed to be caring, delightful with feminine gentleness and are the symbol of love.
In China, a shell is highly accolade as a stone that attracts fortune and happiness. It is regarded as a good luck amulet and is good to present to the loved ones to wish them good luck and prosperity in life.
It can easily handle and calm emotional situations and promote cooperation and is also considered to be best to bring harmony in relationships.
Sea shells stimulate psychic development and intuition and promote imagination in a healthy way.
This healing crystal strengthens the structure of the body and improves protein assimilation in addition to its shells can help with allergies, rashes or any skin complaint.