This set of Demeter 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:
Grain - Demeter was a goddess of agriculture and grain; in addition to the power she held over fertility and growth, she was responsible for teaching humanity the art of farming.
Cornucopia - As goddess of the harvest, Demeter is frequently depicted carrying a cornucopia, a well-known symbol of abundance.
Seasons - The seasons of the year are subject to Demeter's might.
The golden brown color of the beads represents the fertile, nourishing soil and the harvest to come, both gifts of Demeter.
It is made with 10mm golden brown fire-polished Czech glass beads, 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" (72.4 cm) 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 Demeter 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.
