Meditation Beads

Many different faiths use a set of beads for prayer or meditation.  I’ve always loved this idea, but never felt connected enough to any of these faiths to use a rosary, mala, or misbaha.

Last night my New Moon Sisters and I gathered to celebrate the New Moon in Cancer, which coincided with a total solar eclipse.  After a lovely woman’s circle, and as the sun became eclipsed by the moon’s shadow, we each made a set of gratitude or meditation beads.  The uses for them are as varied as our different designs.  Usually the beads are held in the hand while in a moment of quiet contemplation.  Gratitude, love, peace, prayer, or mindfulness are all subjects to be explored while using the beads.

It took several trips to the craft store to find my beads.  I wanted something earthy and natural, and something that felt good in the hands.  I am usually drawn to bright colors, but for this project I really wanted something subtle and simple.  I finally settled upon jade.  As soon as I held them, I knew they were the ones.  Jade has long been revered as a sacred stone.  Historically, it has been used as a protective talisman by the Mayans, the ancient Greeks, and the Chinese.  It is believed to bring wisdom, serenity, and balance.  The charm is an eternal knot, symbolizing that all things are interconnected.  I decided upon twenty-eight beads to symbolize the twenty-eight days of a lunar cycle.  I am so pleased with how they turned out.  They are beautiful to look at and a delight to hold.

You can see my sisters’ beads at: A Natural Nester and Snip and Snail.