General Information

• Malas are lengths of 108 beads, usually with a guru/larger bead and a tassel to finish it off. Sometimes pendants are used instead of guru beads/tassels.

• The length of the mala can differ but generally, they adhere to multiples of 9 (smallest being 27 beads, half mala being 54 beads, 3/4 malas being around 81-84 beads and a full mala being 108 beads).

• All sorts of materials can be used for making the mala with - commonly used are different types of crystal beads.

• Each bead is hand knotted into the mala - and as a result, malas take some time to create and have a lot of the makers intention and energy infused into it. They are also quite strong/durable.

• Although the integrity of the mala is strong because of the hand knotting, please treat your mala carefully like any other piece of jewellery you own. You can still chip beads and pendants if they knock into anything solid, and its best not to wear malas when swimming, washing or exercising.
  Store them in a safe place away from other pieces of jewellery (in a material bag or flat in a box) - to avoid tangling with other pieces or damage.

• Malas can be used for meditation (the repetition of a mantra or intention while moving through each bead of the mala - similar to the use of rosaries) or can be displayed or worn (around the neck or around the wrist).

• You can never have too many malas (!), and you can buy your own malas. Its important that you buy a mala that resonates with you - trust your intuition when selecting your piece!

• Some mala makers also like to make pieces customised for you - this is a great option if you have a specific intention you would like designed into your mala.

• Talisman - A talisman is a special object that you can carry around with you - its energy has a specific intention that you can call on whenever you need it - by holding it, carrying it with you wherever you go, meditating with it, keeping it close. A lovely way to bring some colour and magic into your everyday. For me, all malas are like talisman, but specifically for MoonAmaia, we call the smaller versions of malas that we make (27 beads) ‘Talisman’ - they are very easy to carry around with you and have with you day to day.

MoonAmaia Malas and Talisman

• All malas and talisman listed on this website are made by me - with lots of enthusiasm, joy and gratitude. I use my intuition to design them, but I also research relevant crystal and tarot related energies and meanings to create a piece with a specific message or intention. I love the creation process and the end product - I actually find it quite hard to part with any of the pieces I make!

• I use crystal beads and instead of guru beads and tassels I mostly use crystal pendants - specifically picked for mala or talisman making. Pendants are my preference - I have had malas with tassels and the tassels tend to start looking a little untidy after a while (maybe its just me?).

• Each bead/pendant is unique and as such may have perceived ‘imperfections’. Often I think that this gives the mala/talisman character and the beads and pendants are specifically chosen to be a part of the piece they are knotted into.

• I use nylon beading thread - and I like to use two different colours to thread into the mala/talisman - they also add to the meaning and intention of the piece.

• I don’t use tools as part of the knotting process - just my hands!

• Three quarter malas: Although malas are usually 108 beads, I like to make malas that are slightly shorter - usually three quarter length (81-85 beads). I find them a bit less cumbersome to wear (and less prone to getting hooked up or dipped into things!) and I can price them a little lower also.

• Talisman or Pocket malas: One quarter length of a standard mala (27 beads, usually with a pendant or large bead), these are great for keeping in your bag, car or travelling with given their size. They are just as great to meditate with and sometimes good for meditation on the run (when you’re a bit pressed for time). I like to use them when I need to focus for a tarot reading or to charge my cards with the talisman’s energy - so handy!

• There is the option to request a custom mala or talisman to be made just for you. You will need to fill in the Custom Mala or Talisman Request Form (see the button above) with all relevant information.

Mala Meditation Tips

• Start by sitting in a quiet, calm space away from distractions, with your mala held in your hands or worn around your neck - breathe deeply.

• Think of a mantra or intention that you can say out loud or in your head - what do you need to embody today? What do you need to achieve today?

• Hold the mala in your hands and breathe in and out - then loop the mala over the middle finger of your dominant hand, and bring the pendant up so you can cup it within your hand. Hold the mantra you have chosen in your head and repeat it three times.

• Using your thumb, move to hold the first bead above the pendant between your thumb and middle finger (never your index finger - its associated with ego and this should not be part of your meditation practice). Repeat the mantra once. Close your eyes and focus on the mantra and the feel of the bead. Go whereever your mind takes you…

• Repeat this for the next bead (using your thumb to move to the next bead), and the next until you get to the pendant again.

• Once you get to the pendant, pause, hold the pendant, and repeat the mantra 3 times. You could stop now, or to continue, hold the pendant and turn your mala so you are going back the way you came. Don’t cross over the pendant at all during your meditation.

• You can continue your meditation as long as you like - once you reach the pendant for the last time, curl the mala into your hand, place your other hand on top and repeat your mantra one last time.