What is a mala and how do I use it?

A mala is a string of beads used in meditation. 

​The term ‘mala’ is a Sanskrit word for “meditation garland.”
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It is a tactile guide to help you count mantras or breaths, a container for your self care time. 

​Most importantly, a mala is a tool, it is the container in which you make the magic. It is not the magic, your power of focus and intention to change your vibration is. ​​

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​The Beads

My Moon Magic mala beads are made out of consciously sourced, all natural semi precious gemstones and crystals to magnify your intentions and desires; they are wearable crystal grids! ​Each consciously chosen stone carries the healing vibration of Mother Earth's magic to magnify your intentions and help you align with the vibration of your desires. 

Malas are made of 108 (or a multiple of 108) beads. The number's significance is open to interpretation as it appears in many spiritual traditions and scientific anomalies. 108 has long been considered a sacred number in Hinduism, where Japa Mala Meditation is practiced. 

The Guru Bead

The Guru Bead is the larger bead between the 108 bead strand and tassel. It can represent the guru from who you have received a mantra or the intention of your mala.  Gu means 'from dark' and ru means 'to light,' creating space to move from questions to answers. ​

The Tassel 

The hand knotted cord running through each bead meets at the guru bead and joins the tassel to symbolize oneness. After meditating, you can run your hand down the beads, over the tassel and release all that does not serve you (see photos below). 

Hand knotted

A double strand of vegan cotton and nylon cord is knotted between each bead for strength and durability in a traditionally crafted mala. The knot between each bead also makes it easier to move your fingers from beads to bead in your meditation. The cords meet at the guru bead in two knots to represent your masculine and feminine energies. Three knots are tied inside the tassel to represent your mind, body and spirit. There is so much beautiful symbolism and intention throughout. 

The Design

There are many different mala bead designs in the My Moon Magic Shop to create the perfect meditation tool for your unique desires. Varying sizes and textures are a tactile way to guide you through your meditation, spacer beads and/or charms can also be placed throughout so that you know where you are.  Mala necklaces are made of 108 8mm or 6mm beads to fit your lifestyle and preference for wear. Mala bracelets are made of 27 8mm beads for a smaller, portable meditation. 

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How to meditate with a mala. 

Welcome to 108 deep breaths of "me time." Mala beads have been used by yogis and spiritual seekers for thousands of years to help keep their minds focused during a special style of meditation called Japa, which means, "to recite."

Some adhere to very strict guidelines but I believe that whatever works for you each day is the best. It is my mission to make self care as accessible as possible by sharing the simplest way to meditate with mala beads. We are householders, not monks, and therefore need to be creative with how we make time for what feels good. 

• Start at the guru bead and take a few deep breaths to arrive, ground and center. 
• ​​Move your fingers to the next bead (in either direction) and enjoy a deep breath or a mantra with each bead as you move your fingers along.
• You can close your eyes and feel your way along - or - gaze at the beautiful stones if you find grounding and awe in Mother Nature. 
• When you reach the guru bead and tassel again, you're done! 
• Put your mala on, run your hands down the beads and over the tassel as you release any unwanted energy or distractions to your higher power. 

A few more tips...

Some people breathe in with their finger on the bead and out when their fingers slip to the knot between the beads. Other people breathe in and out with their finger on the bead.  Some styles insist on using the thumb and middle finger, never the pointer finger to avoid activating the ego, but you'll feel what's right for you. 

My favorite pointer...There's no need to meditate sitting upright. I'm often curled up in bed first thing in the morning. Do what is easiest an most comfortable for you. 

You may find that a guided meditation or mantra music helps you focus. I suggest the mantra for removing obstacles (found on YouTube or Spotify) Om Gam Ganapatae Namaha. 

"Using a tool like mala beads or guided meditations creates a container or sacred space for “me” time. Instead of stopping when my mind thinks I should, I stay longer and discover moments of zen I may have missed. I appreciate how this container has helped me build the spiritual muscle that I am worth the time. Breath by breath, bead by bead,
I watch the world continue on around me and resign and General Manager of the Universe. " - Christina Robohm, My Moon Magic ​

Shop for or create your own Custom Mala. 

​Reach out with any questions,
I'm here to make it easy for you!