This set of Gullveig pocket prayer beads consists of a total of twelve beads; the nine beads on the loop recall the nine worlds connected by Yggdrasil, the World Tree, while the three beads on the pendant remind us of Yggdrasil's three roots that reach into the Well. Joining the string is a pendant, a symbol representing the goddess: three fires. In myth, Gullveig was burned three times and yet arose again.
Some scholars believe that Gullveig is one of Freyja's name, and thus the same goddess as Freyja.
It is made with 10mm fiery red fire-polished Czech 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. The loop itself is approximately 9.25" (23.5cm) in circumference and the pendant hangs from a 3" (7.6cm) string. It 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 Gullveig, 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.
