There are as many possible patterns and meditations to design these beads as there are stars in the sky they are endless. Below are listed but a few possibilities.
Sample Patterns:
Modified Unitarian Universalist Pattern:
The majority of the bead strings on this website were designed using this pattern - using approx. 34 beads. The string begins with the Centering bead (the large bead on the end) 4 Warm-up beads 1 Naming bead 7 Breath beads 1 Knowing bead 7 Breath beads 1 Listening bead 7 Breath beads 1 Loving bead 4 Cool-down beads and back to the Centering bead to complete the cycle.
Unitarian Universalism is a liberal religion with Jewish-Christian roots. It has no creed. It affirms the worth of human beings, advocates freedom of belief and the search for advancing truth, and tries to provide a warm, open, supportive community for people who believe that ethical living is the supreme witness of religion.Simplified 5 Bead Pattern:
Same basic pattern the Centering Bead and Warm-Up beads make a 5 bead sequence then 5 larger beads sequence.
Moon Phase Meditation Beads:
29 beads for the lunar cycle plus the full moon.
Labyrinth Pattern
Depending on the labyrinth pattern being used - 1 intentional bead in the beginning 4 quadrants (for the Chartres pattern)- number of beads determined by number of turns Center would have six beads one representing each pedal/kingdom
This is still a work in progress.
For use with the Universalist Pattern Basic Structure:
On the Centering Bead: You would say your chosen prayer (Lords Prayer, St. Francis, Serenity, etc.) or mantra to fit you.
On the Warm-Up Beads: (Opening the Meditation) You might honor the 4 directions, or say the four lines of the Serenity prayer, etc.
On the Naming Bead: Here you name the sacred, count your blessings, offer praise and thanksgiving.
The First Set of Breath Beads: Here you praise the Creator (Creator of light, Creator of life, Creator of death and transition, etc.)
On the Knowing Bead: Here you try to know yourself, confess your failings and shortcomings and resolve to do better next time.
The Second Set of Breath Beads: Listing the failings and their remedy (When I am generous, help me be generous; When I am greedy, help me to content, etc.).
On the Loving Bead: Here you ask for blessings on others and yourself.
The Third Set of Breath Beads: Ask for blessings (Please bless my family, Please bless my friends, etc. see example)
On the Listening Bead ( The same bead as the Naming bead): Sitting silent and listening for the voice of God within.
On The Cool-Down Beads: (Closing the Meditation) Same as above Warm-Up.
On the Centering Bead: Repeat the prayer you said in the beginning to complete the cycle.
Sample Meditations for the Universal Unitarian Pattern:
Centering Bead: your favorite prayer
On the 4 Warm-up Beads:
[4 Direction Example]
I look to the East, and I see you in light of the sun rising. I feel you in the soft, moist breeze of spring.
I look to the South, and I see you in the high light of mid-day. I feel you in the shimmering heat of summer.
I look to the West, and I see you in the last lights of the day, the amazing light of autumn.
I look to the North, and I see you in the clear stars of the night, the crisp dark winter.
[modify for you]
The Naming Bead: name what is sacred to you, count your blessings, offer praise and thanksgiving.
First Set of 7 Breath Beads:
[For each bead]
You made the light of the stars and the vastness of space
You made the blue green earth
You made the ever-changing cycle of the seasons
You made the new-born creatures
You made the sweet rest of death & sleep to teach us not to fear
You made our human hearts filled with both violence and love
You made hope that lights candles and sings in the darkness
[modify for you]
The Knowing Bead: - Try to know yourself, confess your failings and shortcomings and resolve to do better next time.
Second Set of 7 Breath Beads:
[For each bead]
When I am selfish, help me be generous
When I am greedy, help me to be content
When I am angry, help me to be patient
When I am grouchy, help me to be kind
When I am gossipy, help me to be silent
When I am frightened, help me to be brave
When I am anxious, help me to be wise
[modify for you]
The Loving Bead: - Ask for blessings on others and yourself.
Third Set of 7 Breath Beads:
[For each bead]
Please bless my family
Please bless my friends
Please bless my enemies
Please bless our leaders - help them to be wise
Please bless those in sickness, pain & poverty
Please bless those in captivity and danger
Please bless me
[modify for you]
The Listening Bead: - Sitting silent and listening for the voice of God/Higher Power/Universal Creator within whatever this is for YOU.
On the 4 Cool-down Beads:
[4 Direction Example]
I look to the East, and I thank you for the light of the morning sun in the spring.
I look to the South, and I thank you for the mid-day sun and the shimmering heat of summer.
I look to the West, and I thank you for the amazing light of autumn.
I look to the North, and I thank you for the light stars in the dark sky of winter.
[modify for you]
Centering Bead: - Repeat what you started with to complete the cycle.
Other Examples for the Universalist Pattern:
[Possibly for those in recovery]
Centering Bead:
Through my prayers and meditation I seek to be honest, open and willing to receive guidance for positive thought and action. I pray for humility and the continued opportunity to connect with all living things and increase my faith.
4 Warm-up Beads: Each bead is one line of the Serenity Prayer.
God grant me the serenity
To accept the things I cannot change
The courage to change the things I can
And the wisdom to know the difference.
Naming Bead name the sacred to you
7 Breath Beads:
[basically stays same as above]
Knowing Bead Recognize your character defects and resolve to do things differently
7 Breath Beads:
[basically stays same as above]
Loving Bead - Ask to place yourself and those you love in the care of your higher power.
7 Breath Beads:
[basically stays same as above]
Listening Bead Sit in silence and listen for guidance from the voice within yourself.
4 Cool-down Beads:
Repeat the 4 lines of the Serenity Prayer.
Back to the Centering Bead - Repeat what you started with giving thanks for the opportunity for connection.
For use with the Simplified 5 Bead Pattern:
[Also could be used in recovery or replace with a favorite prayer or mantra of your own]
Same basic pattern the Centering Bead and Warm-Up beads make a 5 bead sequence then 5 larger beads sequence to match the Serenity Prayer just keep repeating over and over:
God
Grant me the Serenity
To accept the things I cannot change
The courage to change the things I can
And the wisdom to know the difference
This is a small strand to carry easily in ones pocket to be used in fearful and anxiety ridden times of stress.
For Use with the Moon Phase Pattern:
Full Moon
Waxing and Waning Gibbous moons
1sst and last Quarter moons
New and Crescent moons
Focus Bead for luck and blessings
Small pyramid to balance the flow
Example Mantra:
[to repeat on each bead of the cycle]
Sister moon fill me with wisdom
Compassion and light
Teach me to move serenely through
The dark and storm of the night.
This is a small strand to carry easily in ones pocket.
For Use with Labyrinth Pattern:
Still a work in progress -- will be coming soon.