A mala is a string of beads used in spiritual practice or dharma for doing mantra. They can be made from wood, beads or gems. The full size malas are made of 108 stones or beads. The number 108 is sacred in Hindu religious tradition. This number comes from multiplying the 12 astrological houses by the 9 planets. The malas also have a guru bead, or a tassel, to remind us of the teachers in our lives.

 

The various woods, gems, and other materials that are used to make malas all have various metaphysical associations that make each medium particularly suited to specific Deities &/or kinds of energies. There are certain neutral beads, like sandalwood for example, that are usually suited to any kind of work. However, other beads have very specific uses and energies. Knowing which ones resonate with what God/desses and mantras can help you harmonize all aspects of your japa practice.

 

One should note however, that when engaging in a blended practice the options open to one increase exponentially. Places like Ebay and local metaphysical stores often carry a whole host of prayer beads made from popular crystals and gemstones. If, for instance, you are working on increasing compassion, you may very well find that a rose quartz mala suits your intentions best. Those who work with Buddhist deities, such as Quan Yin, would also find rose quartz to resonate well with them. As this article is geared for those practicing Shakti Wicca, only the more traditionally Hindu materials and deities are discussed, as education in this vein is our primary priority - that does not mean that a Shakti Wiccan is limited to the malas presented here, only that basic knowledge of these will be very beneficial to an IndoWiccan practice.

 

There are also plenty of other traditional materials that a mala can be made from based on Joyti, or Hindu astrology, that are not addressed here - but information can be readily found on the internet, or various books about joyti that one can find.

Sandalwood malas, sometimes called White Sandalwood to differentiate them from Red Sandalwood, is an all-purpose material. It also emits a lovely aroma that can easily bring a devotee into a quiet and blissful spiritual state of mind. This aroma will last for many years, however, it will begin to wane as the wood becomes old. It is said that once a sandalwood mala has lost its scent it has lost its spiritual energies, and it should be respectfully disposed of and a new one acquired.

 

The fragrance of the sandalwood is said to be one of the most pleasing to the Gods and is considered cooling, calming and soothing. Sandalwood also promotes humility and focuses the mind to aid in meditation.

Citrine malas are primarily used with mantras to Saraswati, as yellow is one of the two colors most often associated with Her. Mantras that invoke creativity, education, spiritual pursuits - as well an any other activities that fall under Saraswati's realm of influence, would resonate very well with the usage of a citrine mala.

 

Citrine can also be used when drawing on Lakshmi's powers of Abundance, especially of the monetary variety. Citrine is known the world 'round as the "merchant's stone", as it is said to bring in wealth through one's career path. Shopkeeps sometimes keep citrine chips in their cash registers to help keep the coffers full. Businessmen can similarly keep citrine in their briefcases to aid them in their networking and upward movement within their company. Using citrine in combination with mantras to Lakshmi and to increasing Abundance can be very powerful.

 

Citrine is both physically and mentally energizing, stimulating openness and accelerating the awakening of the mind. Citrine symbolizes light-heartedness, joy, happiness, wisdom and peace, and is said to enhance creativity. It is especially useful for desires involving happiness, wealth, success and communication.

Clear quartz is said to represent the powers of the Great Goddess and the powers of Shakti. It is said to be the Shaktas mala par excellence, as it encapsulates all of the potential manifestations and energies of Mahadevi. Therefore this mala could be used with success with any mantra to the Goddess, however as the various major Goddesses have mala materials associated with Them specifically, one might choose to use a quartz mala when working with the Great Goddess herself - Parashakti, Devi Mata, Mahadevi, etc. 

 

Garnet malas represent the feminine powers of Venus. Those working towards reconnecting with the power-of-woman, restoring sensual desires after illness, re-claiming the sacred powers of the bleed, or bringing in a positive and supportive love will all benefit from using a Garnet mala. As Lakshmi also presides over many of these functions as patroness of abundance and wealth in all forms, it can also be used when working with Lakshmi.

 

Garnet lends vitality and strength, aids in raising and directing the flow of kundalini energy and increases sensuality. Garnet symbolizes fire, faith, courage, truth, grace and compassion.

Pearl is associated closely with Saraswati, due to the fact that she is often depicted in all white to symbolize her perfect purity and spiritual attainment. Those who work closely and often with Saraswati for spiritual pursuits may find that this mala resonates best with thier intentions.

Rudraksha is pretty much the only material that a devotee of Shiva could want. The wooden seed-beads that make up these malas are named after the Rudra aspect of Shiva Himself. Rudraksha beads are generally 5-faced, which are the ones most sacred to Shiva, as His number is 5.

 

Rudraksha malas can also be used with any Deities Who are considered to be Shiva's immediate family members - Ganesha (His son), Durga (His wife in many traditions), Parvati (His wife in other traditions), etc.

 

Rudrakshas do come in other face numbers - the amount of which determines which Deity it is sacred to. 9-faced ones sacred to Durga, 8-faced sacred to Ganesha, etc. These rudrakshas are often strung on beautiful necklaces and worn against the skin, or are installed on altars as manifestations of the God/dess that it represents. Be aware that these more unusual rudrakshas are EXTREMELY expensive, and are often fakes.

 

Rudrakshas, often called "miracle beads" are highly revered in India as one of the holiest of all items with numerous mystical powers. Rudrakshas are also said to maintain health, ensure protection, gain self-empowerment, fulfill all desires & wishes, and achieve all ambitions & objectives.

Red Sandalwood (Rosewood) is suited to usage with mantras to Ganesha and Durga, or that evoke energies within Their realm of influence. All things red are associated with both of these Deities - Ganesha is the gaurdian of the mudlahara, or base, chakra which is red in color; Durga is a courageous and powerful warrior, and red represents Her role as a creator and destroyer.

 

Rosewood is warming, improves circulation and protects one from negative energy.

Tulsi, or Holy Basil, is the only wood one would really consider when working with the energies of Vishnu or any of His avatars.

 

Tulsi is said to embody the Spirit of His consort, and is used by some when working with the consorts Themselves...however, depending on the scriptural source, which consort/s best resonates with Tulsi is up for debate. Some say that it is a Divine Consort - Lakshmi, or Radha. Other sources say that it is a human girl that was extraordinarily chaste and spiritually high-minded, and who's only wish was to be the spouse of Krishna. Because of this, some say that the energies of Tulsi and Radha/Lakshmi clash horribly, as Radha/Lakshmi was unbearable jealous of this other consort.

 

Use you intuition when using Tulsi with a consort of Vishnu or Krishna. If you feel that the energy is not "working", discontinue and begin again with a more neutral or Goddess-specific mala.

 

Tulsi is reported to possess remarkable physical and spiritual healing properties and helps to improve devotion and love in the heart. 

This mala combines the powers of Shiva and Shaki in a balanced fashion. A mala of this design would be perfect for those who are working with Ardhanariswara, or simply a working with an equal influence of Shiva and Shakti. This could be a great option for IndoWiccans, as the divine dance of the Lady and Lord are central to our tenants.

 

One extraordinary resource that we at Shakti Wicca have found, is an online music service called eMusic. eMusic is best known for its extensive catalog of independant artists, however they also have an absolutely AMAZING selection of Indian music and Hindu chants.

 

Devi has created a list on eMusic called "Eastern Music 4 Western Students". On this list she has provided the titles of many albums that she has found to be extremely useful in educating students on correct pronunciation of mantras, and also in devotional music that includes both traditional, and modern-Western interpritations of traditional chanting. Dedicants who also have wider musical interests, such as New Age, Electronic, World, and other hard-to-find genres will also enjoy the bounty on eMusic. (Loreena McKennitt's entire catalog can be found on eMusic!!)

 

Shakti Wicca dedicants with the monetary resources are strongly encouraged to subscribe to eMusic for at least a few months, so that they can partake of the amazing collection of sacred music and build their personal library of chant albums that are useful and instructive. The cost for eMusic is very low - the most expensive plan being $19.99 US a month, and providing the subscriber with 90 downloads per 30 day period.

 

If you are interested in a 2 week trial membership that includes 25-50 free downloads, or in subscribing, please contact us here at Shakti Wicca via our contact page, and we'll be happy to send you a referral form. This referral credits Shakti Wicca's eMusic account with additional free downloads when a new client subscribes...and this allows us to review more albums that are of use to our dedicants.