This Hestia prayer bead bracelet consists of twelve beads, representing the Greek dodecatheon of twelve gods; there are many more than twelve Greek gods, but most cities had their own group of twelve. At the end of 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.
This piece is a smaller, lighter, more easily wearable version of my pocket prayer beads and comes with the same prayer.
The bracelet is made from 8mm orange Czech fire-polished glass 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. It is approximately 7 inches (17.8cm) long with a 2-inch (5cm) chain to adjust for size and fit; it adjusts from 7-9 inches (17.8-22.9cm) in length and fits most 7-9" wrists (but can be made for other wrist sizes as well--please contact me for more information on customization!). It is designed to be worn and used in prayer or meditation, but may also be used to decorate an altar or shrine, or to adorn a statue.
The beads come with a prayer to Hestia, 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.
