This Aristaios (Aristaius) prayer bead bracelet in African turquoise 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 god: the bee. Aristaios is the god of the bee-keeper, those who keep them. He is a god of the homely arts, including cheesemaking and herbalism.
This piece is a smaller, more easily wearable version of my pocket prayer beads and comes with the same prayer.
The bracelet is made from 8mm African turquoise gemstone 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. 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 Aristaios, 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.