An intriguing assortment of shell dreams! The dreams are as diverse as the
personalities that created them. Shells mean so many different things to
people.
 
A few months ago, Conch-L discussed why we collect shells, and even
ventured a little into the psychology of collecting. I've heard it
conjectured that shells are feminine symbols to at least a few men. Do
cowries come from Venus, and cones from Mars? Or are they just pretty?
 
Beauty alone cannot explain all of our reactions to shells, but neither can
hormones. You can lose yourself while gazing into the glossy surface of an
olive or cowry, or while marveling at the pink abundance of a conch
interior, and this tranquility is a great benefit. There is a real
sensuosity in the spirals of gastropods. Who has not extended a finger into
the glazed interior of a snail, just to feel the smooth, cool nacre? Our
enjoyment of shells is as tactile as it is visual, it would seem. And there
is real mystery in the spiral. We have all wondered how a snail can turn
just so, over the course of a lifetime, to secrete a perfect home. But a
snail on paper is almost as intriguing; so aren't we indulging in a pure
mathematical delight when we enjoy its pattern?
 
And I haven't even gone into the enjoyment of rarities, the delight of
discovery, or the thrill of competition. It's no wonder that we can't get
enough of shells in the daytime, but must dream about them too!
 
Andrew K. Rindsberg
Geological Survey of Alabama