This set of Rhea prayer beads 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. Joining the string is a pendant, a symbol representing the goddess: the lion. Rhea was often depicted in art with lions by her side, riding a lion or driving a lion-drawn chariot.
Rhea, consort of Kronos, was a Titan goddess of fertility and motherhood, and the mother of Zeus and his siblings. It was she who saved Zeus from his father. She is sometimes associated with the goddess Cybele.
It is made with 10mm deep green fire-polished glass beads with an aurora finish, 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 10.5" (26.6cm) 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 Rhea, 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.
