Cowrie shells are used as pebbles by little girls or boys and as dice in the snake-and-ladder game. I remember playing pallanguzhi with the cowrie shells when I was a little girl. Cowrie shells are available in plenty in the seashore shops and are also cheap. They are beautiful and soft to the touch.
Cowrie shells are used in traditional astrology in South India to predict the future. The traditional astrologers use six cowrie shells. The cowrie shells are held locked inside the right palm of the astrologer. The astrologer shakes the hand well and throws the cowrie shells on the ground. The astrologer then counts the number of cowrie shells that are turned upside down.
The prediction by cowrie shells is known for accuracy. In traditional astrology, each number depicts the power of a particular planet. If it is one, it is the sun and if it is two, it is the moon and so on. Common people believe this and always turn to this prediction to understand what is store in for them. Even in temples, the priests use the cowrie shells to know if the God at that particular temple permits them to move ahead with the proposed plans such as festivals or any other function at the temple.
I remember during the days when our family went through the most difficult period with problems cropping up from everywhere, my mother used to go to the traditional astrologer to know the prediction. Most of the time, the prediction turned out to be true. When my father went away from home due to mental depression, the cowrie shells helped us to know about his whereabouts and why it happened.
The cowrie shells prediction is powerful and it is believed that there must be a certain interval of time between two predictions. I have also seen instances when the astrologer could not predict with the cowrie shells.
The astrologer always restricts the number of throws of the cowrie shells. If the subsequent three throws of the cowrie shells fail to give the clue for the prediction, the astrologer stops to throw the cowrie shells. It is done at a later date after doing some poojas to the local deity.
What is cowrie shell prediction and how does it work?
Cowrie shell prediction is an ancient form of astrology practiced mostly in South India. An astrologer uses six cowrie shells, shakes them in their palm, and throws them onto the ground. Then, they count how many shells land face down (flat side up). Based on this number, they interpret which planet is influencing your life and what message it holds — whether it’s about health, money, family, or a specific problem you’re facing.
What do the numbers in cowrie shell astrology represent?
Each number from one to six represents a planet in traditional astrology:
1 = Sun (strength, leadership, power)
2 = Moon (emotions, mind, mother)
3 = Mars (action, courage, conflict)
4 = Mercury (intelligence, communication)
5 = Jupiter (wisdom, growth, luck)
6 = Venus (love, beauty, comforts)
The number that shows up gives clues about which area of life needs attention or what events might happen soon.
Can cowrie shells really predict the future accurately?
While cowrie shell predictions may not be backed by science, many people — especially in rural and spiritual communities — believe in them strongly. These readings are often guided by intuition, tradition, and the spiritual energy of the astrologer. Families turn to them during difficult times or before making big decisions, and some say the predictions have matched real events in their lives.
What if the astrologer doesn’t get a clear prediction with cowrie shells?
If the shells don’t give a meaningful result after three tries, the astrologer stops the process. They believe it means the energy isn’t ready to reveal the answer. In such cases, they may perform a simple ritual or pooja to the local deity and wait for a better day to try again. This shows the deep respect they hold for the spiritual side of the process.
How were cowrie shells used in ancient India apart from astrology?
In ancient India, cowrie shells were used as a form of money, especially in coastal areas. People used them to buy and sell goods before metal coins became common. They were also used in jewelry, decoration, and temple offerings. Their shape and shine made them symbols of beauty, protection, and even fertility in some traditions.
Are cowrie shells still used today in astrology or rituals?
Yes, cowrie shells are still used in many traditional households and temples across South India. Some astrologers continue to use them for personal readings, temple decisions, and spiritual rituals. Despite modern technology, many people still trust these age-old methods for comfort and guidance.
Growing up in an environment enriched with colours of nature adorned with sounds of machines, I enjoyed life with all challenges. Nature is always a great teacher that teaches empathy to live and let live others. Though I am now living in an urban environment, the lesson that nature taught me motivates and allows me to keep on writing. I will always remember the cool afternoons in the shades of trees that made me write more on love.