Creating a Sea Altar

There is a certain power to an altar because it is not just a thing that holds a collection of objects. Intention and energy transform it into a space that transcends the mundane level of our world. Using an altar strikes a familiar chord within us. We may not understand why this happens but we can sense a shift in energy away from ordinary awareness. Altars hold objects of inspiration and devotion which results in a space that is visibly and energetically linked to the spiritual and physical worlds and provides clues to our inner-most thoughts and feelings.

Sea altars can be as simple or elaborate as you like. My altar is constantly morphing: Like the tides ebbing and flowing, it has its own rhythm. For a while I will add things until it resembles the shore at low tide strewn with a plethora of shells and other things I find during my beach excursions. When the balance tips and the energy flow isn’t right, I remove things, occasionally down to the bare tabletop where I will start with one shell or seagull feather and let it evolve again. It is never the same for long. Following are a few suggestions for creating a Sea Altar.

If you use candles on your altar, choose ones in sea colors as previously noted. In addition, white is appropriate to represent sea foam as well as the cleansing aspect of the ocean. I sprinkle a little sea salt in the bottom of candleholders for tapers before placing a new one in to provide a connection with the ocean. Pictures of the ocean and images or figurines of sea deities can also be used to forge your link with the ocean’s energy. A depiction of your sea fetch, totem or other sea creature that resonates with you may also be appropriate.

Sea glass is particularly relevant on an altar that is used for healing meditation. Although the glass is not originally from the sea, it has been touched and transformed by the ocean. Its broken, sharp edges have been softened and it has become a thing of beauty; not unlike the effects Mother Ocean can have on us.

Seashells are, of course, the most obvious tool on a Sea Altar. A scallop, clam or cockle shell works well as a water vessel. Depending on the size of a scallop, clam, muscle or cockle and your purpose, shells can be used to hold sand or sea salt.

Many thick shells handle heat rather well and can serve nicely as incense burners and smudging bowls. I have a six-inch wide clam shell that I frequently use for this purpose. Be sure to set them on a heat-resistant tile or surface.

Shells for the Cardinal Dirctions
East: Represents dawn and the element air. Air is the breath of life. Use shells the color of the rising sun. A yellow or pink scallop can represent radiant beams of light. Alternatively, jingle shells are delicate and light as a breeze.

South: Represents mid-day and the element fire. Fire is the spark of spirit that burns within us and connects us with the Divine. Use a white clam shell the color of the noonday sun which can also serve as an incense burner.

West: Represents dusk and the element water. Water is a force that shapes our physical world and symbolically cleanses our souls. Use a shell with the colors of the setting sun or one filled with water.

North: Represents night and the element earth. Earth is the solid foundation of our world. Use a dark colored moon shell, a sand dollar or star fish. Unlike fish and other ocean dwellers, these critters spend their time in contact with the earth on the ocean floor.

The round single-shelled mollusks that sport a spiral design such as the Moon Snail, Giant Sundial, Ram’s Horn or the Common Periwinkle are particularly relevant on a sea altar. The spiral is one of the oldest and most enduring symbols of the Great Mother Goddess. On a seashell, of course, it represents Mother Ocean. In addition, the yoni symbol of female (pro)creative power has been represented with the Cowrie Shell since ancient times.

Shells that represent male energy include the Florida Horse Conch, Crown Conch with its strong bull-like horns, and the giant Eastern Murex. A Pink Conch, also called a Queen Conch and a Horse or a Crown Conch together on an altar represents the balance of male and female energies.

Excerpted from
Sea Magic
© Llewellyn