My introduction to mala beads was simultaneously through reading Elizabeth Gilbert's Eat Pray Love and working at a gorgeous little hippie shop that sold them. I was instantly drawn to them and especially because they were, in this case, made from gemstones. I bought them in every colour and now make my own.

I want to share a small part from Elizabeth Gilbert's Eat Pray Love to explain the meaning of the beads and my love for them ...

"When you're traveling in India - especially through holy sites and Ashrams - you see a lot of people wearing beads around their necks. You also see a lot of photographs of naked, skinny and intimidating Yogis (or sometimes even plump, kindly and radiant Yogis) wearing beads, too. These strings of beads are called japa malas. They have been used in India for centuries to assist devout Hindus and Buddhists in staying focussed during prayerful meditation. The necklace is held in one hand and fingered in a circle - one bead touched for every repetition of mantra. When the medieval Crusaders drove East for the holy wars, they witnessed worshippers praying with these japa malas, admired the technique, and brought the idea home to Europe as rosary.

The traditional japa mala is strung with 108 beads. Amid the more esoteric circles of Eastern philosophers, the number 108 is held to be most auspicious, a perfect three-digit multiple of three, its components adding up to nine, which is three threes. And three, of course, is the number representing supreme balance, as anyone who has ever studied either the Holy Trinity or a simple barstool can plainly see . . . 

Every japa mala has a special, extra bead - the 109th bead - which dangles outside that balanced circle of 108 like a pendant. I used to think that the 109th bead was an emergency spare, like the extra button on a fancy sweater, or the youngest son in a royal family. But apparently there is an even higher purpose. When your fingers reach this marker during prayer, you are meant to pause from your absorption in meditation and thank your teachers."

There are many other meanings to the number 108 found across many cultures so you can give it the meaning and purpose that specifically suits you. And this is further done through allowing the gemstones that possess the healing properties you need in your life to pick you.

I also knot between each bead to give pause and space, to remind us not to rush through our lives, to give strength and stability and fill each creation with all the love and blessings I have. I wear my beads as both necklaces and wrist wraps, and you can too!

The beads for this mala are Rose Quartz, Amethyst, Lepidolite, Howlite, Pyrite and Dyed Howlite.
 
Rose quartz is known as the crystal of unconditional love. It's said to boost feelings of self-love and foster loving relationships with others. Smoky quartz is considered a grounding stone and may help you feel rooted to planet earth. It's believed to be mood lifting and is used for protection.
 
Known as "the all purpose stone", Amethyst is a protective stone that helps to relieve stress and anxiety in your life, and the symptoms that accompany it, namely headaches, fatigues, and anxiety. It also aids in cell regeneration (supporting your bones and joints) and is reputed to improve your skin.
 
The meaning of Lepidolite is said to help with emotional balance and inner peace.
 
Howlite strengthens memory and stimulates desire for knowledge. It teaches patience and helps to eliminate rage, pain and stress. A calming stone, Howlite calms communication, facilitates awareness and encourages emotional expression. Howlite balances calcium levels in the body.
 
Pyrite is a powerful protection stone which shields and protects against all forms of negative vibrations and/or energy, working on the physical, etheric, and emotional levels. It stimulates the intellect and enhances memory, helping to recall relevant information when needed.
 
These beads are made with approximately 6mm and 8mm beads with a larger guru bead. The beads are strung and knotted with a deep sage green macrame cord. It is approximately a 27 inch necklace/wrist wrap with beads and thread hanging 1.5 inches below the guru bead.

*This information is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment.