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Religions around the world use prayer beads as useful guides to remembering prayers and principles. Among the Norse, Germanic, and Anglo-Saxon cultures, beads were one of the most common charms for children and adults, and found frequently as magical/ritual grave goods. While we are not lucky enough to have surviving prayers for beads from those ancient times, we have constructed prayers to the holy multitude of the northern-tradition Gods and wights. Prayer is a more important part of our faith than occurs to most people, including daily prayers. We have one set honoring some of the many gods and wights of the Northern Tradition, and a set of beads for healers working in the Northern Tradition. Excerpts from the prayers are shown for each set. Of course, you may also use the beads for silent contemplation, magical focus, decoration, or your own personal prayers. What stone or glass bead is used for what depends partly on availability of certain beads in different sizes, but largely on symbolism of color and stone. We paint the wooden beads ourselves, and shellac them. The strings for these beads are all handspun on a Viking-style soapstone spindle of wool, mohair, silk, flax, or some combination of these, but we can string on fishing line or "tiger tail" wire for added durability, if requested. |
"Freeman" style wooden prayer beads. |
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These prayer beads include the 3 Nornir, the Nine Worlds, 20 for the Aesir, 12 for Frigga's handmaidens, 7 for the Vanir, 12 for the Rokkr/Jotnir, and three for Sun, Moon, and the World Tree. 81 beads total. Spacer beads on the glass/stone sets are all bone, for counting ancestors and beloved dead. Prayer beads come without a pendant, so that you can add one of your choice. For an additional fee, we can carve a stone or wood pendant with runes, or a Thor's hammer or some other pendant can be attached. |
Prayer excerpt:
III. By the name of Urd, I seek the spinning thread of my true path. By the name of Verdandi, I weave my life with the threads of those I love. By the name of Skuld, I make peace with the blade of my final wyrd. IV. In the name of Odin, the All-Father, One-Eyed Master of Runes, may I be opened to ecstasy and inspiration. In the name of Frigga, Mistress of Fensalir, spinner of clouds, may my home be a frithstead where all are welcome. In the name of Thor, Lord of Thunder, Master of the Winds of the Western World, may my strength never fail me. In the name of Sif, Lady Gold-Tressed, may I take pride in my own skill. In the name of Heimdall, Guardian of the Rainbow Bridge, may I be able to defend my own boundaries. In the name of Tyr, Lord of Swords, may I walk with true honor in the world. In the name of Balder, Bright One who must fall, may I learn to offer sacrifice with grace. In the name of Nanna, Bright One's Shadow, may I learn loyalty in love. In the name of Iduna, Giver of Immortality, may I have health and purity of body. In the name of Bragi, Skald of Asgard, may words of beauty fall from my tongue. In the name of Saga, Keeper of Stories, may my heart ring with the tales of the ancestors. In the name of Ullr, Bow-Strong and Arrow-Sharp, may all that I seek be shown to me. In the name of Skadi, Lady of Ice and Snow, may I be focused and true of purpose. In the name of Vili, Master of the Will, may my determination know no bounds. In the name of Ve, Master of Hidden Power, may I come to see beyond my senses. In the name of Forseti, Asgard's Judge, may I be a lover of justice. In the name of Vidar, Lord of Battle-Rage, may my courage never falter. In the name of Hermod, Traveler on Hel's Road, may I never fear to walk in darkness. In the name of Mimir, Master of the Dark Well, may I be wise in the ways of the deep places. In the name of Hoenir, may I know when to remain silent. |
"Godhi" style prayer beads, Large glass/stone.
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For those who work as healers of bodies, minds and souls in our communities. Healers take a great deal of stress onto themselves, and it can be useful to have special prayers for their difficult jobs. (The prayers for the Healing Beads are written by Galina Krasskova, author of The Whisperings of Woden.)
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Prayer Excerpt:
I. Healer's Prayer 1. In the name of the Matronae, most ancient tribal Mothers, may I walk in strength and fortitude, sure in the guidance of your wisdom and your power. 2. In the name of Eir, greatest of Healers, may I be an open conduit for Your healing might. Guide my hands and heart in Your service. 3. In the name of Yggdrasil, the great Tree, may I find my center and may it never be shaken from me. II. First Nygon 1. In the name of Erda, Eoršan Mošor, may I never cease to honor the earth beneath my feet. 2. In the name of Frigga, the All-Mother, Lady of Asgard, may my mind and work be focused and clear of purpose. 3. In the name of Fulla, dearest companion of Frigga, may I guard well the integrity of my calling. 4. In the name of Angurboša, ancient, fierce and wise, may I honor wisdom in all its forms, not just those that are most comfortable or pleasing. 5. In the name of Hella may I never look upon death as an enemy but greet Her with reverence and respect. 6. In the name of Gerda, Goddess of the sacred enclosure, beloved bride of Frey, may I never violate the boundaries of the healer-patient relationship for they are sacred to healer and patient alike. 7. In the name of Grišr, mighty ally of Thor, may I never be too proud to ask for aid. 8. In the name of Baldr, the Blessed, may I seek the true face of pain and find understanding. 9. In the name of Idunn, the Restorer, may I learn to make of herbs and plants allies and friends in the healing process. |