This set of Helios (Helius) prayer beads 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.
Please note that the finish on the beads is on one side only; I tried to show this in the photographs, which is why some appear darker than others.
It is made with 10mm deep yellow pressed glass Czech beads in the shape of the sun's face with an aurora finish on one side, 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 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 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.
