A bead is a small, decorative object that is pierced for threading or stringing. Beads are the most common items found in archeological digs around the world and are some of the oldest manmade items dating back 40,000 years. Beads have been made by every culture and used as money, adornment, status symbols, curative powers, talismans, and amulets. The word bead comes from the Anglo Saxon words bidden (to pray) and bede (prayer.) Prayer beads have aided users with prayers, mantras, and meditations. Worry beads help with decision-making, and keep the hands busy.  

The classic shape of beads is circular which is symbolic of totality, perfection, unity, eternity, and completeness. A round bead is a microcosm of a medicine wheel, which is the symbol for the wheel of life. The circle represents life's never ending cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.  

Glass, plastic, and stone are the most common materials but beads are also made from bone, horn, ivory, metal, shell, pearl, coral, gemstones, polymer clay, metal clay, resin, synthetic minerals, wood, ceramic, fiber, paper, and seeds. Beads range in size from under a millimeter to over a centimeter or more. 

The beaded items I create are smudged with sage for cleansing & purification and charged with Reiki life force energy.