Virtual Hekatesion

I am drawn to these beads. Originally bought for a slightly different purpose, they became such a part of my devotion to You that I felt the need to alter them. Take off the little figure at the end, change it to a key. But then I was forcing prayers to fit a format that didn't feel best, so I completely took things apart and restrung the beads, tying the knots between each of them. It was months of writing the prayers. Editing. Swapping. Rewording. When they were finally right, I expected them to change again because that's what kept happening. But, no... this time , they were right! But then the beads weren't. The key was right, but needed different beads. I chose beads carved from the right stones, tied the knot...but they needed a different key. I put the right key on them. They felt so beautiful in my hands...and then I knew they weren't for me to use. You know those beads. They lay on Your altar. But there were other beads, made from a different stone!...

Glorious Mother Hekate, I asked for Your guidance when it comes to my recent thoughts about prayer beads, and I thank You for blessing me with guidance. I hope I have understood correctly, or at least started in the right direction. I think there's a lot here I still don't understand, or has not been revealed to me yet. I'm learning this is a much deeper thing than I previously recognized. As is so often the case with photos of my devotional work, I feel compelled to turn photos of my new prayer beads to black and white. It's interesting to me that they look like light beads on a dark background, and then dark beads on a light background. Oh, and You know, Mighty Hekate, how the greyness holds all the colors when holding the actual beads! They feel so delicate in my hands. The material I used to string and knot them connects me to my grandmother, one of my most beloved Ancestors. I'm not sure yet if they are more durable than they feel, or if...

Sometimes I think to replace my prayer beads with something fancier. I pay attention to choices of materials, colors, the spacing...I look for options where the numbers would be meaningful. Something inside me says my devotional practice of prayer should include beautiful beads because You are so glorious! Every time, I feel that nudge to stick with the beads I already use. I've asked why many times. Today, I felt the answer enter my awareness. Because I made those prayer beads. I chose the beads and the cord. I tied the knots. I gave meaning to the numbers are the spacing. I did the work with the wire to attach the key. And I have prayed with them to You over and over. They are simple. That doesn't mean they aren't beautiful. They are an offering on multiple levels. It's difficult for me to see my own work as being worthy as an offering to You, but I also see a major flaw in that thinking. I see how that leads to questions about why I would give it at all if it isn...

Key: Hekate Kleidoukhos, Keeper of the Keys of the Cosmos, guide and protect me always. Three beads of the tail: 1. Clotho, let my thread be spun flexible and strong. 2. Lachesis, let my thread be long and woven beautifully. 3. Atropos, let me find peace with when and how my thread ends. At the Crossroads (the Y-shaped connection of the tail and the rest of the beads): Hail Hekate, Mistress of the Seas! 27 beads (9 groups of 3): 1. Hail Hekate, Mistress of the Three Realms, Keeper of the Keys, Soul of the World! 2. Honored art Thou amongst the gods, and blessed am I in Your presence. 3. Holy Hekate, Pammetor and Soteria, gladden my heart as I devote myself to You. Single bead: Hail Hekate of the Earth! Repeat 27 beads. Single bead:  Hail Hekate of the Starry Skies! Repeat 27 beads. Three beads of the tail (once for each bead): Askei Kataskei Eron Oreon Ior Mega Samnyer Baui  Key: Phobantia Semne