Lovely Amethyst mala necklace, 108 8mm beads, hand-knotted. Hand knotting makes the necklace soft and pliable, yet strong. Silver tone guru bead. Length is 39" plus 3.5" purple cotton tassel. Amethyst is known as a crystal for calmness, balance and peace and is a powerful aid for meditation. It is a key crystal for overall wellness and an antidote for overindulgence. Amethyst is seen as a natural tranquilizer, providing relief from stress/anxiety, soothing irritability, balancing mood swings, and dispelling anger and fear. Amethyst also represents fidelity, spirituality and provides comfort for the loss of a loved one. It is said to protect travellers and combat homesickness.

In Sanskrit, mala means garland. While mala beads are traditionally used for meditation (where you repeat a mantra for each bead), many people simply like to wear them as a necklace, to foster mindfulness, intentionality and serenity, and/or because of the properties of the particular gemstones used.

Mala necklaces are made with beads in multiples of 9 (a spiritual number) typically with 108 8mm beads, with the 109th bead being the guru bead (or Mother Bead) at the bottom of the mala. If a mala with 8mm beads is too long for you, you might look at my 6mm malas or 3/4 8mm malas, as they tend to be a bit shorter. To meditate using your mala beads, simply hold each bead and move along the strand, repeating your intention or mantra with each bead (using as many beads as you like). A mantra reflects your intentions or goals, such as
• I am confident and courageous.
• I am a leader and am fearless.
• I am at one with the natural world.
• I bow to Mother Earth and all her creatures.
• I am attracting all the love I dream of.
• I walk a path of happiness and joy.
• I am grateful for this life I have.