SassyCon 2026

Across cultures, the humble cowrie shell has been revered as more than just a seashell — it is a sacred vessel, a symbol of divine speech, fertility, and protection. Known in African traditions as the “mouth of God,” cowries have been used for adornment, divination, and blessings, carrying the voices of the waters and the ancestors. In this hands-on class, participants will craft their own cowrie shell protection talisman by filling the shell with herbs, powdered eggshells (cascarilla), and a hand-drawn sigil of intention. Once sealed, the talisman may be buried near the home or threshold to serve as a guardian spirit, whispering protection into the earth. Alongside the crafting, we’ll explore the mythic resonances of the cowrie — its role as currency and spiritual wealth, and its connections to powerful deities of the waters such as Yemayá, Olokun, Mami Wata, and Aphrodite. Students will leave with both a completed talisman and a deeper understanding of the cowrie’s timeless role as a bridge between the sacred and the everyday.