Church of the Earth of NC

Written by Su Windsong Do you pray? Prayer is not just for Christians, Muslims and Jews.

Praying with beads is a spiritual practice with a long history in most of the world's religions, one that modern Pagans are now rediscovering, scholars and practitioners say.

 

No one knows how many modern Pagans use prayer beads. But there are now a sprinkling of Pagan-oriented rosary Web sites where people can find prayers for an "angelic rosary," a "runic rosary," and a "Celtic goddess rosary," among others. The rosary movement began in earnest about four years ago

Prayer beads, or prayer rosaries, are really another form of the "witch's ladder," a knotted rope or cord used to count repetitions during a spell or ritual. In 2007, Druidess Clare Vaughn and John Michael Greer co-wrote a new book, "Pagan Prayer Beads," that describes the history of such beads, including how to make your own personal rosary.

As an Interfaith Minister specializing in helping people transition from Christianity to modern Paganism without burning bridges (or witches!), I am drawn personally to the concept of a Pagan rosary. I have written a general rosary prayer, and created several unique rosary sets that can be worn as jewelry. I use significant numbers of links and charms to enhance the magical value of the rosary. Many of the people I spoke with at PPD 07 were surprised and delighted by the idea of a Pagan rosary.

Why the surge of interest? Kimberly Winston of Religion News Service wrote, "One explanation is that neo-paganism has simply grown up. Many contemporary pagans come to their faith after rebelling against the religion of their youth. They have now matured to the point where they can reach back and borrow practices that once worked for them."

I respect the Catholic Christian tradition enough to not want to just change the words of the Holy Rosary “Hail, Mary” Prayer to be more Pagan, as some do. In order to give the Pagan rosary credibility, I feel it should have its own words. Too often in modern Paganism we change words to Christmas carols and give Pagan meaning to secular events, but to non-Pagans, this cheapens us and proves how unoriginal (they think) we are. While sad and narrow-minded, I can see why they would think that. If we truly want modern Paganism to be seen as a religious alternative, not just ‘a place to say you do magic,’ we must develop mature spiritual traditions that fill the needs of our congregants.

It is a known fact that repetition builds and reinforces neural pathways. It is the power of our thoughts that fuels our connection to the Universe and our ability to change the fabric of reality using magic. To forge a strong connection to Deity, or even as a tool for self-affirmation, a string of prayer beads can be invaluable. I also believe in the power of prayer, since it is another kind of magic spell – will manifesting desire. I think using a prayer rosary is a great way to honor and feel connected to Deity, or to rededicate oneself to her/him/them as a supplicant.

~Su Windsong

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