Hi elf,
Thanks for that clarification and permission to post away. The first thing to know about Sand dollars is that they are not mollusks, like clams or oysters, with shells. They are echinoderms, like sea urchins and starfish. However, I am by no means a purist, so I have included echinoderms in Ocean Oracle because they share their environment and contribute to the vocabulary. Sand dollars have many traits that have been connected to the life of Jesus.
If you find yourself drawn to Sand Dollars, their message is to inform you that something is being overlooked. Initially, this may be at a very superficial level, but at the deepest level, Sand Dollars are a reminder of the fact that Divinity dwells within us all. Many years ago, someone noticed the connection of the Sand Dollar to the life of Jesus. This was expressed in the poem, The Legend of the Sand Dollar.
Written on this little seashell
There is a beautiful story
About the birth and death of Jesus
In all its wondrous glory
His wounds were five
And if you look closely here
You’ll see four from the nails
One from a Roman’s spear
There is also the Easter Lily
And in its center a star
One to remind us of his resurrection
The other of shepherds from afar
Now turn the dollar over
And here on the other side
A reminder of his nativity
The Poinsettia, sign of the Yuletide
Also during that season
We speak of Good Will and Peace
So if you break open the center
Five doves will you release
The five “doves” in the center are actually the Sand Dollar’s teeth. Whatever your religious beliefs, whether you consider Jesus to be the Son of God, or a masterful teacher, Jesus represents the possibility of a connection to Divinity. If we recall that we are all composed of the same energy, than if the Sand Dollar contains evidence of God dwelling within it, it reflects the fact that God dwells within all of us. If we are feeling victimized in any way, Sand Dollars are here to help us understand that we create, or co-create, our lives and sometimes this creation is occurring from hidden parts of ourselves. Consciously, we may feel miserable, but some inner part of ourselves is benefiting from the situation. It may be the part that feels “nothing ever works out for me”, or “everyone abandons me”. However, if nothing does work out, or everyone does abandon you, that part is delighted to be right. It is creating your life exactly as expected. If you constantly experience some negative pattern in your life, the source of that experience lies in your belief system. We often assume our identity based upon what society, family or friends dictate we should be. Sand Dollar energy is designed to aid you in gaining awareness of those imposed hidden beliefs to grant you the opportunity to change any belief that no longer serves you. Altering beliefs is what allows you to change the direction of your future. It may seem difficult to accept the notion that we create our misery. However, if we didn't, then everything is imposed upon us and we are powerless. Sand Dollar is teaching us that, far from being victims, we are powerful beings who create our lives based upon our belief system. The good news is we are not victims. We have the power to create a Hell on Earth or paradise…through awareness, the choice is ours.
Shell reading is a constant work in progress. After I wrote Ocean Oracle, some shells continued to teach and took on deeper meanings. Sand Dollar was one of these. If you will allow me to go a bit deeper, we can take the lesson of Victimization and the Sand Dollar one more step. Although we create our reality, this does not occur in a vacuum. We are all in this together. What enhances one enhances all, and what belittles one belittles all. It is beneficial to realize that polarization of any kind is of our own making. As long as we function from an “us v. them” mentality, we can’t create the paradise we seek. When we discuss creating our reality, it is apparent that due to human conditioning, the playing field is not level. As long as some are treated as privileged, and others are left in lack, there will be the “haves” and the “have-nots”. To level the playing field, the “haves” must be willing to change the belief that their status is privileged. In order for a privileged position to exist an underprivileged position must exist, too. This thought process creates separation and neither the “haves” (privileged) nor the “have-nots” (underprivileged) benefit. It is easy to see why the “have-nots” are unable to create their paradise due to this exclusion. However, if the privileged must devote their energy to defending and guarding their position, they are not truly free to create either. Anyone who requires the perception of superiority creates from fear. As the Course in Miracles states, “What is real can’t be threatened.” If the privilege requires vigilance to safeguard, it is only illusion anyway. The truth is that there is more than enough for everyone. To manifest a world beyond polarity requires changing our beliefs regarding our identity as human beings. In a level playing field, all are welcome to contribute manifestations from their Divine selves. Sand dollars connect to our crown chakra.
So, since you mentioned that pearls and sand dollars have been vying for your attention, if we combine your connection to pearls and sand dollars, it could mean that your connection to your Divinity will help you recognize that you are not a victim. You can find the gift in the irritation and the purpose for you creating that irritation in your life. (or being the irritant in other's lives
You also mentioned a preference for pink pearls. Pink is the color of love, and I would guess that this irritation manifested to assist you in growing in your capacity for love, including self-love. I hope you don't mind my speculation, but I felt that this message might hold value for you, and your shells seemed to be speaking loud and clear.