This set of Helios (Helius) prayer beads in sunstone 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 god: the sun. In myth, Helios drove the sun-chariot across the sky each day, drawn by fierce and fiery horses.
The sunstone beads represent Helios' association with the sun, both its blessings and its dangers--as the father of unwise Icarus, Helios knows well of both. The rosy tone of the beads reminds us of the light of the sunrise at dawn.
It is made with 10mm sunstone 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. 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 statu. 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 Helios, 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.
