[PPActionnGuys]

In my mind,I feel rosary's are prayer beads,I use mine from time to time for deep prayers.

I have other sets of beads that I use for mediation and when I feel really down or nervous and need extra strength I will hold them in my hands and roll the beads.

[JoZertekAdv]

I've thought about making a "Pagan rosary" from beads, but I never knew how many to use on the strand.

So, no, I don't use them.

[Grieryaliny]

I have a set of rosary beads, and a set of hand carved Hindu beads. Only used the Hindu beads, and only a few times. The beads are useful for counting repetitions of a mantra or a prayer.

You can easily make your own, using any beads you like, threaded on string or whatever you like, with whatever number of beads make sense to you. There should be something at the pendant position so you can feel the start/end point.

It could even be a bracelet with beads on elastic thread. You just need the start/end spot.

The more important part is having a mantra or prayer that you want to repeat a certain number of times each day.

I think the prayer beads could work with affirmations.

Thank you for bringing this up. I'm thinking about trying it with affirmations for myself.

[ticfarentibia]

There are a couple books on this subject, one of which I have a copy of in front of me while typing this... That is "Sacred Stones of the Goddess" by Galen Gillotte (ISBN # 0-7387-0400-8 $15.95) though you can get it on eBay for less. In the back of this book there are directions for making a Goddess prayer bead rosary and a God prayer bead rosary.

The other book is "Pagan Prayer Beads" by John Michael Greer and Clare Vaughn (ISBN 9781578633845 $16.95) I do not have a copy of this book......yet. I bought the other one instead.

[MediconStop]

There are a couple books on this subject, one of which I have a copy of in front of me while typing this... That is "Sacred Stones of the Goddess" by Galen Gillotte (ISBN # 0-7387-0400-8 $15.95) though you can get it on eBay for less. In the back of this book there are directions for making a Goddess prayer bead rosary and a God prayer bead rosary.

The other book is "Pagan Prayer Beads" by John Michael Greer and Clare Vaughn (ISBN 9781578633845 $16.95) I do not have a copy of this book......yet. I bought the other one instead.

Thanks, WL, for the book references.

[phsyalcvqh]

I use Hindu Prayer Beads. I use them in various meditational practices... they help keep my mind concentrated. OM!

Hermano Luis

[Percocetti]

I like having a physical thing to help me focus my energy. It also helps me to calm down when things are SNAFU.

[JJascaxal]

SNAFU.

That's one of my favorite acronyms! Another good one is FUBAR!

As for me, I don't use prayer beads but I find myself rubbing my pentagram when contemplative, or stressed. Not really the same.

[JOR4qxYH]

I think that there is comfort in just holding/ rubbing something that has a spiritual menaing for you. These things give us a link to the divine.

(I like FUBAR, too.)

[uranbigis]

Momwolf,
the idea of Pagan Rosary beads is wonderful. For me, prayer beads are a tool to help me work with my mind. They are also symbolic on so many different levels. Just the mention of their name produces an effect on my energy.

I work with many different types of religious people. I ask for a Rosary and a lady brought me one. When she first showed it to me I could feel an energy eminating from it. When I held it, I could feel a calming effect rinse through my body.

It must have been a few weeks later I was talking with another woman about the trouble some time she was having with a child of hers and her own life situation. I instantly knew she needed the beads. I gave them to her a few days later and an amazing thing happened. Everytime she sees me now, she smiles. What an impact that made in her life.

There is truley something to it.

[Anavaralo]

I agree I like the comfort and associate a feeling of being safe and or calm holding the rosary and a feeling of completion.

[praboobolbode]

~ Our daughter is not religious but fell in love with a hematite rosary 10 yrs ago.
She carries it everywhere, it gives her comfort like a favorite blankie. {She's 23}

Personally, I'm not into beads, but I do have specific stones I rearrange & fondle at times.
Sorta beads, just not strung I guess.
Sometimes on a mirror, sometimes on wood, sometimes on sand... I don't know, they just need placing sometimes in certain ways. They're stones I found; jasper, turquoise, chrysoprase, onyx, several types of quartz, jade... just stones that feel right. I like certain stones.

[ATTILAGLIC]

I seem to collect Rosary beads, but it's been ages since I've said a full one.

[Intiltern]

Hi everyone,

I'm just curious, since prayer beads are in many different belief systems, how many here use them? Why do you like them, that sort of thing?

[cialesxtr]

I wanted to share some information about a Mala (or prayer beads)....

Mala beads (also known as tenwa) are traditional Tibetan prayer beads which are used to count mantras, prayers and prostrations. Traditionally, they are made from a variety of seeds, wood, and semiprecious stones. The large bead (usually with a tassel) is called the "guru bead" and symbolises the teacher. Malas with 111 beads include three spacing beads.

The beads may be made form many different materials including rosewood, sandalwood, bone, turquoise and other precious stones, bodhi seeds or lotus seeds.

These beads can be used for divination purposes. There are a few variations of divination using mala beads.
Visualise your question and seize the tenwa in both hands. Count off the beads by threes moving towards each hand. You will be left with either one, two or three beads. The procedure is repeated once more.

If one bead is left it is called a "falcon" — a positive sign showing good luck, success and support, success in legal affairs.

If two beads are left it is called a "raven" — a negative sign showing bad luck, misfortune and lack of support and illness.

If three beads are left it is called a "snow lion" — a sign that indicates that that although you supported by the deities, you can expect slow but stable accomplishments, but neutral results in business, weakness on the part of your enemies.

[zoppereurvito]

Hello all. Beads.. ohh a favorite subject. I am jewelry artisan by trade.I make several sorts of beads for meditation and focuse...I am surprised by my costumers at the various uses of them..
I personally use a few different kinds..one for meditating focus and one for nervous energy.
my kids all have small sets of beads they use to hold one to and fuss with when they are nervous or need to bee soothed.. my son named them for me.. we called those fidgets.


Namaste'
Stormsong

[hotsaucemidl]

Hello all. Beads.. ohh a favorite subject. I am jewelry artisan by trade.I make several sorts of beads for meditation and focuse...I am surprised by my costumers at the various uses of them..
I personally use a few different kinds..one for meditating focus and one for nervous energy.
my kids all have small sets of beads they use to hold one to and fuss with when they are nervous or need to bee soothed.. my son named them for me.. we called those fidgets.


Namaste'
Stormsong

Love it!

[JennyStewarta]

Anglican prayer beads are a shorter version of the rosary. http://kingofpeace.org/prayerbeads.htm

[InvertPrete]

I was unfamiliar with these. Thanks for the link. Great avatar, by the way!

[ffdfriendforurr]

I am a witch and I use prayer beads during my devotional chants because I find that they hold in the good energy. This becomes a great tool when I'm dragging or feeling negative. All I have to do is pick up my prayer beads and I'm that much more inspired to stick to my positive work. I recommend natural fibers for this purpose. Wood holds energy much better than plastic (in my opinion). When I went off to college years ago, I took my mother's prayer beads and all I did was hold them when I was feeling homesick. Very effective!

Blessings!

Renabka
Priestess & Witch in San Francisco