How to Make a Set of Pagan Prayer Beads

Prayer beads, or a derivative thereof, are a universal in almost every faith. The use of prayer beads is centuries old. The combination of praying and having something tangible to hold is very powerful. The rosary is the most well known version of the concept of prayer beads, and is used for counting prayers. In the pagan faith the use of prayer beads is widespread. Depending on the Divinity to which you pray, the colors used will vary (use your intuition and own preference for color association). For the purpose of this How To, we will cover how to make a set of pagan prayer beads.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Piece of cord 18 inches long
• Beads (Blue and Silver for Goddess)
• Brown Bead (for Earth)
• Red Bead (for Fire)
• Light blue bead (for Water)
• Clear or white bead (for Air)
• Spacer beads
• Charm representing Divinity (ie: Goddess or Green Man) or a pentacle
• Frankincense incense

1. Sit for a few minutes and relax. Gather your thoughts and establish your intent. To which Divinity is it that you want to pray? Ask Spirit, or whichever Divinity you feel comfortable working with, for guidance in this working. Focus your energies and purpose on the task at hand.

2. When you string the beads, speak words that make each single bead your own. Chanting the same words, or phrases, over and over that establish your intent works well. Speaking these words bind the prayer beads to you. For instance, prayers for guidance, courage, strength can be spoken as well.

3. After you have strung half of the beads, place the charm/symbol representing Divinity on the cord. You may feel the need to say a special prayer as you do this. After the charm/symbol has been placed, continue placing the beads as you had before using the same pattern.

4. Once you have placed all the beads and Divinity charm on the string, tie the two ends of the cord together leaving a bit of room between the last beads and the knot. Allowing this extra room makes working the beads much easier. Light the frankincense incense (make sure that you have it placed in a fireproof container as it burns).

5. When the prayer beads are finished, bless them by passing them through the incense smoke while saying a prayer of consecration.

6. After the prayer beads are consecrated, give thanks to Spirit.

Tips & Warnings

• Depending on the Divinity to which you pray, the colors of beads used will vary.

• Use your own intuition, and preference, to determine which pattern you use when constructing your set of prayer beads.

• Space the beads on the cord so that they have room to move, so that you are able to work the beads.

• Use your intuition and own feelings when writing prayers; try not to echo someone else's words--make the prayers and chants your own!

• Never attempt this or any other working while under the influence of any controlled, or intoxicating, substance. You need to have a clear and focused mind.

• Do not approach this or any other working with any type of anger or malicious intent. Remember, that which you send out returns to you. Harm none.