Also called prayer beads and mala beads, a traditional mala is a string of 108 beads plus a guru bead(s) and a tassel. The 108 beads are used for counting mantra, like a rosary is used for counting prayers. It is said that there are 108 reasons that the number 108 is considered to be sacred. A few of my personal favorites: 108 lines of energy converge to form the heart chakra, there are 108 names for the divine, and there are 54 letters in the Sanskrit alphabet, each with masculine and feminine form, for a total of 108.

Most importantly, trust yourself. A mala represents something different for each person; for some, a mala is a reminder of an intention or sankalpa, for others it may be a tool for meditation or healing. Consider your own path and practice and invite your mala to find you.

Practice trusting your intuition by closing your eyes, taking a few deep and mindful breaths, saying a prayer or invocation (whatever feels right in the moment), and allowing yourself time to leisurely browse your options. If you allow yourself to be open and to trust yourself, the mala chooses you.

I know this can sometimes be challenging when you’re looking at something on a computer screen, so if you’re in Austin, please feel welcome to contact me and set up an appointment to choose your mala in person.

Another way to select the right mala for you is to consider the metaphysical properties you desire, then select stones that support these properties. Also, if you’re working with a particular mantra, or practicing ways of healing a specific chakra, I’m happy to suggest some stones that may be suited to your practice.

You are encouraged to create whatever ceremony feels right for you to activate and charge your mala beads. One option is to create a quiet space, burn sage, incense or a candle, and sit with your mala. Close your eyes and breathe deeply while holding your beads, then call to mind your intention. Repeat your mantra 108 times as you pass the beads through your fingers, careful to avoid using the index finger. I then recommend flipping the mala and repeating in the opposite direction. If you do not yet know your mantra, you could practice chanting “Om”, “Sa Ta Na Ma”, or “Om Shanti”, while allowing yourself time to sit and be present with the energy of your new beads.

As with most things, there are many different methods and traditions for mala meditation. Some people just like wearing the beads either for fashion or for the energy of the stones. Traditionally, you pass the beads through your fingers to keep track of chanting 108 repetitions of a mantra. Different fingers represent different elements or planets and those energies can influence your meditation. Different stones can bring energy to your practice, your body, and to your energy centers.

Some say that if you are using your mala for meditation, you should not wear it in public unless you are attending some sort of spiritual/meditative event or training. So if you’re going to study with your yoga teacher, yes, it’s appropriate to wear your meditation beads. If you are going shopping or out to dinner, it is not recommended since your stones may attract undesirable energies.

A friend of mine once shared with me that he uses his mala when he gets upset or frustrated; he sits and names 108 things he loves about the situation/event/person. He says that by the time he finishes his meditation he’s no longer upset. I love this idea of filling a mala with 108 ways to be grateful!

While there are countless ways to meditate and pray, I honestly believe that whatever inspires one to sit and still the mind or reminds one of our purpose here on this planet, is the perfect way.

The stones are believed to store energy, so you may choose to clear your mala occasionally. You can do this by placing your mala beads in sunlight or moonlight, smudging it with sage or incense. You can also achieve this by grounding yourself and speaking your intention of clearing any unwanted energy, silently or aloud, while holding your mala in your hands. There are many ways to clean and clear stones and, as always, I encourage you to use the method that feels right for you.

You need not clear your stones when your mala arrives from Rebecca Moon Designs, as each one is cleared and blessed while being made, as well as upon completion.

Well, first of all, it’s not “if” but “when”. Your mala isn’t meant to last forever. When your mala breaks, it’s time for a new intention… a new chapter in your healing story. I know this can be a challenge for many of us to accept. It’s such a personal piece & we spend so much time with the stones and the energy that it can be hard to let go; but believe me, it’s time. I’ve restrung countless malas for people and almost every time they tell me that when they get it back, the mala ends up living on their altar as a reminder of where they’ve been.

Especially on this path of spiritual growth and seeking, we’re constantly changing. That’s the point, right?! So as you grow in your practice and on your path, your mala beads will also evolve over time.
While I’m happy to restring your mala for you, I recommend letting go of what’s done and embracing the next phase. Instead of thinking of a broken mala as a loss, recognize it as a completion & celebrate your progress!

If however, your mala breaks within the first 60 days, I will repair it free of charge. After 60 days, a restringing fee will apply.