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Why should you own a Mala?
At Elements of Avebury we pride ourselves on ‘handmade’ its part of our ethos, and our trademark.
I have been creating spiritual jewellery for over 24 years and in 2018, I embarked on a deep training course to learn how to design and create Mala beads to the Buddhist methods. I was taught how to select the beads, charge up the Guru bead, tie in the important knots between each bead – ensuring the Mala was created properly.
And then the true magic began!
Once I started making Mala myself, Spirit shared how I was able to tune into someone using their photo – this gave me such a divine insight into exactly what that person needed – that was when the real work started!
Of course back then I had no idea how profound and remarkable it was going to be for me personally to create these very special Mala beads, how humbling it was to be in service in this way…. And the delight it was going to be for my customers. It became so popular that Shanane has joined me on the incredible journey to create these gorgeous Mala beads.
What makes a 108 mala so special?
The number 108 holds significant spiritual and mathematical symbolism. In Vedic culture, 108 is considered a sacred number, representing the universe's wholeness. There are 108 energy lines converging to form the heart chakra, linking the individual soul with the divine. In astronomy, the distance between the Earth and the Sun is roughly 108 times the Sun’s diameter, symbolising cosmic unity. This imbues the mala with a sense of universal connection and completeness.
A 108 bead mala is an extraordinary spiritual tool, revered across various traditions for its significance and multifaceted utility. With deep historical roots, the mala, a string of 108 beads, is steeped in ancient history. It is prominently used in Hinduism, Buddhism, and other spiritual practices for meditation and prayer. Each bead represents a single recitation of a mantra and has a hand tied knot between each one, it serves as a physical aid in keeping count and maintaining focus during meditative practices among other things.
Using a 108 bead mala in meditation can greatly enhance focus and mindfulness. The repetitive motion of moving from one bead to the next provides a tactile anchor, which helps to quiet the mind and deepen concentration. This physical act of counting beads also serves as a reminder to stay present, bringing a sense of calm and tranquillity whilst ensuring the mind has ‘something to do’ whilst you are meditating.
A mala can be used in various spiritual practices beyond meditation. Each bead can represent a prayer or a specific intention, transforming the mala into a versatile tool for different spiritual needs. This adaptability makes it valuable for individuals of diverse spiritual backgrounds.
Mala beads can be personalised to resonate with the user’s spiritual goals, this is something we really specialise in at Elements of Avebury using your photo. We source our beads from all over the world and we keep them varied such as Rudraksha seeds from India, gemstones from around the world, sandalwood, or lotus seeds, each carrying distinct energies and properties and ALL hand selected for quality.
Choosing a mala that aligns with your personal intentions—such as healing, protection, or spiritual growth—can enhance the effectiveness of these beautiful pieces – and this is why we call them ‘Spiritual or Sacred Tools’
Using a mala can instil a sense of discipline in spiritual practice. The act of completing a full cycle of 108 recitations encourages consistency and commitment. This regular practice can lead to profound inner transformation, along with greater spiritual awareness and growth.
The repetitive chanting of mantras while using a mala can amplify intentions and facilitate manifestation. The vibrations produced by chanting are believed to have healing properties, balancing energies and promoting overall well-being. This makes the mala a powerful tool for both spiritual and physical healing.
Selecting the perfect crystal is an enriching journey that combines intuition, knowledge, and personal resonance. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you choose a crystal that best aligns with your needs and energies.
If you are choosing a Mala for yourself – here are our tips!
Trust Your Intuition
First and foremost, trust your gut feeling. When you walk into a crystal shop or browse through a selection of Mala beads, pay attention to the Mala that catch your eye or seems to draw you in. Often, our subconscious mind knows what we need even before we do. Hold different Mala in your hand and notice any sensations or emotions that arise. One that feels warm, calming, or simply “right” is likely a good choice for you.
Identify Your Needs
Reflect on what you seek to achieve with your Mala. Are you looking for emotional healing, spiritual growth, protection, or perhaps enhanced creativity? The different crystals used in a Mala have unique properties and energies that can support various aspects of your life. For instance:
Amethyst: Known for its calming energy, it is excellent for stress relief and spiritual growth.
Rose Quartz: The stone of unconditional love, it can help heal emotional wounds and attract positive relationships.
Citrine: This vibrant crystal is associated with abundance and manifestation, making it great for those looking to attract success and prosperity.
Black Tourmaline: Perfect for grounding and protection, it shields against negative energies and environmental pollutants.
Lepidolite: Great for someone who is anxious or has trouble remaining calm.
Perhaps it is worth considering your Chakra Points as they offer a brilliant insight into what you might need. Reading through this list – is anything catching your attention – that’s where I would start!
Root Chakra (Red Jasper, Smoky Quartz): Grounding and stability.
Sacral Chakra (Carnelian, Orange Calcite): Creativity and sensuality.
Solar Plexus Chakra (Tiger’s Eye, Yellow Jasper): Confidence and personal power.
Heart Chakra (Green Aventurine, Rose Quartz): Love and compassion.
Throat Chakra (Blue Lace Agate, Aquamarine): Communication and truth.
Third Eye Chakra (Lapis Lazuli, Amethyst): Intuition and insight.
Crown Chakra (Clear Quartz, Selenite): Spiritual connection and enlightenment.
Once you’ve chosen a Mala, spend time with it by wearing it. Meditate, carry it with you, or place it in your living space. Notice how it affects your mood, energy, and overall well-being. Over time, you might find that your relationship with the Mala evolves, and you may discover new benefits.
I have mentioned the Guru bead… this is a very important part of the Mala as it represents you in your highest vibration. When we create your Mala at Elements of Avebury, it is a circle, created within the sacred circle of Avebury. There is no higher vibration or frequency than this.
It’s very important that no-one else (over the age of 7) touches your Guru bead as it may drop the vibration to the level of the person touching it. There are many Mala available now both online and in many shops – and if they have not been knotted between each bead then it is not a real Mala….
A 108 bead handmade mala from Elements of Avebury is more than just a string of beads, it is a profound spiritual tool that enhances meditation, mindfulness, and connects you to ancient traditions. Its significance in numerology, versatility in practice, and potential for personalisation make it an invaluable aid on your spiritual path. By incorporating a mala into your life, you can deepen your meditation, manifest intentions, and create a greater sense of peace and connection with the universe.
The Mala at Elements of Avebury are hand created in Avebury by myself and Shanane, there are no two the same. Each one is handmade with love, respect and honour. Our Mala beads change every day...
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