This set of Bellona prayer beads consists of twelve beads, representing the Dii consentes, the twelve great gods worshipped in Rome (there were, of course, far more than twelve Roman gods, but the Dii consentes comprised a traditional grouping); it is joined by a string of three more beads, a reminder of the Capitoline triad, the three supreme deities of Rome. A pendant represents the goddess: a sword, a reminder of Bellona's martial character.
It is made with 10mm red Czech fire-polished glass beads flecked with black, 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 11" (28cm) 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 Bellona, 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.
