This set of Rhea prayer beads consists of three groups of twelve beads, to represent the Greek dodecatheon of twelve gods (there are many more than twelve Greek gods, but most cities had their own group of twelve), and the mythic division of the world into three realms--the sea, the heavens, and the underworld. Separating these sections are three hanging pendants, each a symbol representing the goddess:
Lion - Rhea was often depicted in art with lions by her side, riding a lion or driving a lion-drawn chariot..
Shield - Rhea is attended by the Kouretes, who raise a great clamor with the clash of their shields.
Fir-tree branch - The evergreen fir tree is sacred to Rhea.
It is made with 10mm dark green fire-polished Czech glass beads with an iris finish, separated by silver-toned metal spacer beads, and glass seed beads to provide a comfortable transition from one bead to the next and to make the piece lightweight, supple, and easy to handle. The string itself is approximately 28.5" (72.4cm) in circumference and can be worn if desired, although it is designed to be used in prayer and meditation, to decorate an altar or shrine, and/or to adorn a statue.
The beads come with a prayer to Rhea, written specifically to be used with this prayer bead design (you can, of course, use the beads with any prayers, or for any god or gods, that you choose or that resonate with you) and with a cotton muslin bag for storage.
