This set of Ares 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 god:
Sword - The sword is a reminder of Ares' responsibility as god of war and battle.
Helm - Ares was the protector and patron god of soldiers, represented by the warrior's helm.
Shield - The arts of Ares include defense, symbolized by the warrior's shield.
The red of the beads remindsd us of the blood spilled on the battlefield and the sacrifice made by those whose calling it is to protect others.
It is made with 10mm bright red 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 27" (68cm) 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 Ares, 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.
