Abalone shells are a thick seashell that shimmers with the gorgeous colors of mother-of-pearl. It is great for use as home decorations or as an ash catcher for the Sage Stick. Each shell does have its own uniqueness with the colors, texture, and patterns.      Abalone shells are used in smudging rituals because they are practical as they catch the hot cinders that fall away from the smudging stick after it has burnt, but also because they are a beautiful gift straight from Mother Earth's ocean. They hold the energy of the ocean and bring a strong calming and healing energy, allowing you to remain connected to the sea.    Traditionally, smudging is a ritual performed prior to a ceremony to clear out any negative energies, thus creating a space suitable for healing and positive energies to emerge. In day-to-day life, however, smudging can be used to clear unwanted or negative energies or to lift an anxious or ‘spiritually low’ mood.