This set of Hestia pocket prayer beads in carnelian consists 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. Joining the string is a pendant, a symbol representing the goddess: the fire. As guardian of the hearthfire, Hestia's essence is well represented by the flame itself. The word "Hestia" was not only the name of the goddess but the name of the hearth itself.
It is made with 10mm red carnelian gemstone beads, separated by gold-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 10.5" (26.7cm) in circumference and is designed to be used in prayer and meditation, to decorate an altar or shrine, and/or to adorn a statue. The small size makes it easy to keep on hand in a drawer, a purse, or a pocket.
The beads come with a prayer to Hestia, written specifically to be used with this prayer bead design, and with a cotton muslin bag for storage.
You can, of course, use the beads with any prayers, or for any god or gods, that you choose or that resonate with you.
