Ref.WD0450

Ref.WD0450 - Gold plated on silver wand with ammonite fossils, mother of pearl carved guards, laser quartz crystal, fluorite, garnet, amethyst, and emerald gemstones.

Ammonites, extinct marine mollusks with spiral, ribbed shells, hold profound symbolic significance rooted in their ancient origins and striking form. Found as fossils from the Devonian to Cretaceous periods (400-66 million years ago), their presence in cultures worldwide—from Indigenous traditions to modern esotericism—lends them layered meanings tied to time, transformation, and the mysteries of life.

Symbolic Significance

    Eternal Cycles: The ammonite’s spiral shell symbolizes the continuity of time and life’s cycles. Its logarithmic growth—expanding outward in a consistent curve—mirrors natural patterns like galaxies or whirlpools, representing endless renewal, evolution, and the flow from past to future.
    Transformation and Growth: As creatures that grew by adding chambers to their shells, ammonites embody personal and spiritual development. Each segment reflects stages of life, suggesting adaptation and resilience—an invitation to embrace change while building on what came before.
    Earth’s Memory: Fossils of ammonites link us to deep time, acting as relics of a lost world. They symbolize the planet’s history and endurance, a tangible connection to ancient oceans and extinct ecosystems, evoking awe at life’s persistence across eons.
    Protection and Stability: In various traditions, their hard, coiled shells signify shelter and grounding. Used as amulets (e.g., by ancient Egyptians or Native Americans), they’re thought to ward off harm and anchor the wearer to the earth’s steady rhythms.
    Mystery and the Unknown: Their extinction and intricate, labyrinthine shells evoke the enigmatic. Ammonites symbolize hidden depths—whether of the ocean, the subconscious, or cosmic secrets—prompting curiosity about what lies beyond the visible.

Broader Contexts

    Cultural Ties: In Hindu lore, ammonites (shaligrams) are sacred. Medieval Europeans called them “snake stones,” weaving myths of petrified serpents. Native tribes saw them as buffalo stones, tied to abundance.
    Science and Art: Their Fibonacci-like spirals align with mathematical beauty, symbolizing order in nature, while their fossil art inspires wonder at creation’s design.
    Esoteric Use: In crystal healing, ammonites are said to balance energy or unlock past-life insights, reflecting their temporal depth.

Their extinction after thriving for millions of years symbolizes impermanence—life’s brilliance can fade, urging us to cherish the now.
Ammonites weave cycles, growth, memory, protection, and mystery into a spiral of meaning—an ancient echo of resilience and wonder.

Size: 196mm/7.72in approx.