Thursday, September 12, 2013

Of Prayer Beads and Mandalas


Recently, I began making Anglican prayer beads.  I've long been fascinated with rosaries, both Catholic and Anglican, as well as malas, and always wanted to learn how to make them.  Finally, I took the plunge.  I found a good resource to guide me, A Bead and A Prayer by Kristen E. Vincent, raided my jewelry chest and set to work.  


I quickly realized that the process of making them was very calming and meditative...very much like the way I feel when creating mandalas.


Choosing the color combinations and size of the beads is another opportunity to exercise a measure of creativity.


Anglican prayer beads traditionally consist of a cross,  an invitatory bead, a resurrection bead (optional) and four cruciform beads.  In between the cruciform beads are four sets of "weeks" beads. 


 There is something so satisfying in the making of these...to know I am creating something that is both beautiful and functional.  Or perhaps it's the fact that I am reconnecting with some of my earliest spiritual longings and leanings.  Whatever it is...I'm going with it...and praying as I go.


2 comments:

Edith said...

These are so beautiful Stacy. Just to look at them is calming. Making rosaries are another thing on my want-to-do list! xoxox

Stacy Wills said...

Thank you, Edith! Kristen Vincent's tutorial was very helpful - a good place to start!