Ammonite: Deep Lore & Mystical Properties
**Brief Description:** Ammonite is a fossilized mollusk with a distinctive spiral shell, often found in shades of brown and gray. It serves as a powerful meditation tool that connects one to the ancient life force, promoting strength, perseverance, and a deeper understanding of the past.
### Science & Origin of Ammonite
Ammonites are an extinct group of mollusks closely related to modern octopuses and squid. These fascinating creatures first appeared around 420 million years ago and vanished about 60 million years ago. The name "ammonite" originates from the Egyptian god Ammon, who was often depicted with a ram's horn. In 79 A.D., Pliny the Elder documented these fossils near Pompeii, naming them "Ammonis Cornua" due to their distinctive spiral shape resembling a horn.
Ammonites thrived in open waters, using the chambers in their shells to regulate buoyancy. While ammonite fossils are found worldwide, a significant portion of the commercial supply comes from Morocco.
During the medieval period in Europe, people often mistook ammonite fossils for petrified snakes, calling them "snakestones" or "serpent stones." A popular legend from the early 1600s tells of Saxon Abbess Saint Hilda, who was tasked with ridding her village of snakes to build a church. According to the tale, Hilda cast a spell that turned the snakes into stone, casting them off cliffs. To enhance this myth, artisans would carve snake heads onto ammonite fossils. As a result, ammonites were believed to offer protection against snake bites.
### Meaning & Energy
Ammonites are unique meditation tools that carry the ancient life force energy of a bygone era. Like petrified wood and orthoceras, ammonites lived in a vastly different world, characterized by higher oxygen levels that supported the growth of massive creatures. The energy of these early life forms is imbued with strength, perseverance, and longevity. When meditating with an ammonite, one can tap into these ancient energies, fostering a deeper understanding and acceptance of the past. By learning from our ancestors, we can better navigate our own paths of growth and change.
Ready to practice? Log your experiences and rituals with Ammonite in your Private Digital Grimoire at Starlit Grimoire.