Rosary prayer variations (Pagan, Gnostic, etc)

[Agaliha]

Updated: June 2008

Well as I mentioned in the Rosary thread a few spaces down I enjoy saying the Rosary (well parts of it...I don't really say the Creed as it doesn't apply to me).
I also enjoy saying other variations of it. Well other non-Catholic versions that is.
I just wanted to share some sites. I put in here because well the Rosary is originally Christian and it seemed like the best area.

The Holy Gnostic Rosary (http://www.gnosis.org/library/rosary.htm#Hail%20Sophia) and here (http://www.gnostic-church.org/rosary.htm)
A Goddess Rosary (http://www.herchurch.org/id8.html)
A Gnostic Goddess Rosary (http://northernway.org/rosary.html) (Sophia, Mary Magdalene)
The Rosary of Our Lady (http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Oracle/2310/rosary.htm)(Pagan/Gnostic)
The Runic Rosary (http://web.archive.org/web/20060620012238/http://www.paganrosary.com/RunicRosary.htm) --- Link fixed! Again. 6/30/08.
The Angelic Rosary (http://web.archive.org/web/20070609094639/http://www.paganrosary.com/AngelicRosary.htm) --- Link fixed! Again. 6/30/08.
Celtic Goddess Rosary (http://www.pathcom.com/%7Enewmoon/1rose.html)
The Tree of Life Rosary --- Link fixed! Again. 6/30/08. archive version (http://web.archive.org/web/20040502075318/http://www.haelen.org/treeliferosary.html) of the page.
Ecumenical Miracle Rosary (http://www.ecumenicalrosary.org/)
Rosary to Mother Earth (http://www.geocities.com/herbgurl82/earthmother.html)
The Eleusinian Mysteries Rosary (http://www.geocities.com/herbgurl82/emrosary.html)
Mysteries of Magdalene Rosary Prayers (http://www.sacredgrove.com/1%20Magdalene%20Prayer%20beadsrosary.htm)
The Goddess Rosary--A Meditation (http://www.geocities.com/clan_elder_rune/goddessrosary.html)
ONE EPISCOPALIAN'S ROSARY (http://members.aol.com/GDCSoul/rosary.htm) (Christian)
THE EASTERN ORTHODOX ROSARY (http://www.reu.org/public/prayers/0008.txt)
A Magick Rosary (http://www.hermetic.com/dionysos/Rosary.htm) (Hermetic)
the Goddess Rosary (http://www.tradwicca.org/goddessrosary.html)
The Compassionate Hearts Rosary (http://rds.yahoo.com/_ylt=A0geuqWp5iVF0Q0BQRdXNyoA;_ylu=X3oDMTE3cGo0M282BGNvbG8DZQRsA1dTMQRwb3MDNARzZWMDc3IEdnRpZANGODI2X zEyNA--/SIG=13ib2a91r/EXP=1160198185/**http%3a//www.gnostic.org/ihsm/rosary/IHSM_Rosary.pdf%23search=%27gnostic%2520mysteries%2520rosary%27) (PDF) (Gnostic)
Another Gnostic Rosary (http://www.palmtreegarden.org/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=2754)(first post)
Thelmetic Rosary to Nuit (http://www.ceisiwrserith.com/nuit/nuitrosary.htm)

Traditional (Catholic):
Virtual Rosary (http://www.virtualrosary.org/)
How to Pray the Rosary (http://www.rosary-center.org/howto.htm)
Catholic Encyclopedia: The Rosary (http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/13184b.htm)
How to Pray the Rosary Introduction (http://www.medjugorje.org/rosary.htm)
How to Recite the Rosary (http://www.newadvent.org/faq/rosary.pdf) (PDF)
Catholic Online: The Mysteries of the Rosary (http://www.catholic.org/clife/prayers/mystery.php)
Pray the On-Line Rosary (http://www.easterbrooks.com/personal/calendar/rosary/)
How to Say the Rosary - WikiHow (http://www.wikihow.com/Say-the-Rosary)

Making Rosaries:
Making the Rosary (http://rds.yahoo.com/_ylt=A0geuuy6vCVFgAIBN8FXNyoA;_ylu=X3oDMTE3MnZvbW40BGNvbG8DZQRsA1dTMQRwb3MDMgRzZWMDc3IEdnRpZANGODI2X zEyNA--/SIG=11vfg63t8/EXP=1160187450/**http%3a//www.radiorosary.net/MakingRosary.htm)
"How to Make a Rosary" (http://rds.yahoo.com/_ylt=A0geuqrYvCVFr74AGsxXNyoA;_ylu=X3oDMTE4YnEwNm9zBGNvbG8DZQRsA1dTMQRwb3MDMTMEc2VjA3NyBHZ0aWQDRjgyN l8xMjQ-/SIG=126ai1rnb/EXP=1160187480/**http%3a//beadsforprayer.com/Rosary/making_rosary.htm)
Making Flexwire Rosaries (http://rds.yahoo.com/_ylt=A0geuqrYvCVFr74AJsxXNyoA;_ylu=X3oDMTE4ZHV2NmJ2BGNvbG8DZQRsA1dTMQRwb3MDMTYEc2VjA3NyBHZ0aWQDRjgyN l8xMjQ-/SIG=13cg4lop4/EXP=1160187480/**http%3a//www.rosaryshop.com/pdfs/makingFlexRosaries.pdf%23search=%27making%2520a%2520rosary%27) (PDF)
Rosary Army: Free Rosary & How To Make A Rosary (http://www.rosaryarmy.com/rosaryinstructions.aspx)
+Via Rosa - Knotted Cord Instructions - Rosaries and Chaplets+ (http://www.viarosa.com/VR/Peace/KnottedCordInstructions.html)


Also Yahoo has a great group with versions of the Rosary. I joined. All you need is a yahoo profile, which is free to make.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MysticRosary/ Mystic Rosary.
I don't know if I can post the articles here or not.... They have TONS of user submitted prayers from Dominican format to Anglican and others. Also there's many Gnostic and Pagan ones as well.
As well as prayer versions there are other things-- rosary construction tips and stuff.
Plus other stuff.

I'm looking for some more links...I'll add them when I find'em.

Oh and just wanted to add you can make your own Rosaries and not use Catholic ones, there are a few sites about that. I use the Catholic ones because I am drawn to them, but I know some are uncomfortable saying Goddess prayers with a crucifix on it.
Here's an example of a Pagan Rosary (http://www.apocalypse.org/%7Ehilda/ssd/ourmother.html)
There are also beaded, knotted, rope and other forms of Rosaries.
Also you can write your own prayers...I'm actually trying to do just that.

ADDED July 2007:
Article: Praying Bead by Bead: How to incorporate prayer beads into your spiritual practice. (http://www.beliefnet.com/story/114/story_11444.html)
Article: Spirituality on a String: A history of prayer beads in world religions. (http://www.beliefnet.com/story/114/story_11442.html)
Book: A String and a Prayer - How to Make and Use Prayer Beads (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1590030109/meditationsit-20/)
Article: 'Hail Persephone': Pagans Retool the Rosary (http://www.beliefnet.com/story/215/story_21571_1.html)(mentions the Yahoo Grouo MysticRosary, too!)

[TheWanderer]

Along with those, I wanted to add links to some Rosarys on CD

Dana and Fr. Kevin Scallon pray and sing the Rosary (original mysteries) (http://stellamarisbooks.com/store/viewItem.asp?idProduct=1598)
(I have this one, along with the Luminous Mysteries CD, and I love it! I love the songs, but I can see how some people might find them annoying)
Dana and Fr. Kevin Scallon pray and sing the Luminous Mysteries (http://www.autom.com/autom/Music-DVD-Video-Software_304481/Item_The-Luminous-Mysteries-of-the-Rosary-with-Dana-and-Father-Kevin-Scallon_445202.htm)
(Again, I have this one)
Dana and Fr. Kevin Scallon pray and sing the Rosary of Healing (http://stellamarisbooks.com/store/viewItem.asp?idProduct=1600)
(Haven't heard it, but I am sure it is very good)

PM me if you have any specific questions

[Agaliha]

I never thought of Rosaries on CD. Hmm. Interesting.

[Fiamma]

The Runic Rosary (http://www.djehuty.org/beads/RunicRosary.htm)


this link is broken.

[Agaliha]

The Runic Rosary (http://www.djehuty.org/beads/RunicRosary.htm)
this link is broken.

Hm. The Internet Archives didn't show it either.

Here's a site that mentions it, towards the bottom.
Runic Rosary/Heathen Prayer Beads? (http://www.runewebvitki.com/Runes%20F%20A%20Qs1.htm)

[Mesektet]

Thanks for the links.

[TheWanderer]

I never thought of Rosaries on CD. Hmm. Interesting.
I thought that as well, but I really like them.
I also found this one (http://www.amazon.com/Rosary-Gretchen-Harris/dp/B00061K2MY/sr=1-2/qid=1165436477/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2/103-6519219-9309448?ie=UTF8&s=music) on Amazon, and it has tracks you can listen to. Unfortunatly, I cannot find tracks to listen to for the ones I have.

[Agaliha]

Note: I fixed the broken links and ones that direct to spam crap. When I could I found an archived version of the page.
I'm still looking for more links. Not sure if this is helpful to anyone :2G:

[EvieLee]

This is a fantastic resource Agaliha!

Mystic Rosary on Yahoo is a fantastic group that I only stumbled upon a few weeks ago.

I've struggled to find rosary type prayers to say over my rosaries so have always just settled on affirmations, breathing exercises or the typical goddess chant. I didn't think to write something myself. Fantastic idea.

[Agaliha]

You're welcome Evie :)

MysticRosary is awesome. The stuff people have written is great. I love the Rosary to Mother Earth (http://www.geocities.com/herbgurl82/earthmother.html) (it's posted on there too).

I love the Anglican rosary format (I just come across it too, I've only focused on Catholic ones), there's many prayers in their files section there using the Anglican. It seems easier to write one's own Anglican rosary than a Catholic one (mostly because the length). I love rosaries though so finding new methods and ways to use them is pretty cool. :)

The Anglican format:

Centerpiece (cross, nature symbol, etc):
Invitatory Bead:
Cruciform Bead: (the "Our Father" beads)
Week Beads: (the "Decade" beads)
1st:
2nd:
3rd:
4th:
5th:
6th:
7th:
Exit Centerpiece (again):

As for writing one yourself, that's just what all those people in Mystic Rosary did! There's a file there about how to write them. It has some tips. In the end it's up to you as it's your prayer.

I found an older poem of mine to Saint Lucy that I thought to make into a sort of rosary prayer (more so for others than myself, but also as a practice). I'll see how that goes. I plan on having my other versions more nature orientated though.

This site explains the Anglican rosary: King of Peace - Anglican Prayer Beads (http://rds.yahoo.com/_ylt=A0oGkxwGTZtGQyIBJYRXNyoA;_ylu=X3oDMTFic3E0cHQ1BHNlYwNzcgRwb3MDMwRjb2xvA3NrMQR2dGlkA01BUDAxMl8xM zEEbANXUzE-/SIG=11uhg0m5p/EXP=1184669318/**http%3a//www.kingofpeace.org/prayerbeads.htm) so you can see the format. You can then write whatever prayers that work, to whatever deity (or theme or whatever).

I have the perfect beads to make my own! I already have 3 Dominican (Catholic) ones, so it'd be cool to make one based off the Anglican. It'll be a watery theme!

[Agaliha]

Another idea:

Prayer Beads, A Tradition of Prayer (http://rds.yahoo.com/_ylt=A0oGkj6KVJtGQFIAwPtXNyoA;_ylu=X3oDMTFicXZwaHM5BHNlYwNzcgRwb3MDMQRjb2xvA3NrMQR2dGlkA01BUDAxMl8xM zEEbANXUzE-/SIG=120pik9l4/EXP=1184671242/**http%3a//www.ourroserosary.com/prayerbeads.htm)--


The Earth Rosary This is a generic type of rosary in which the owner can devise prayers specifically suitable toward and occasion or devotion The ones I've seen have four sets of 13 beads, the information that I have seen indicates that they represent 13 weeks in each season - winter, spring, summer, and fall. This totals 52 beads, representing the 52 weeks in the year. This is a colorful rosary and lends itself to a rainbow of beads used together. Heightened spirituality is always needed in every society and if these sets of beads bring that to the individual than they are good thing. Truly a nondenominational and nonsectarian prayer bead.

[LadyCelt]

I had an idea for one. Either a pentacle or something like the tripple moon and then horns for the god and goddess (maybe all three would work too.) Then, have purple for spirit in the part that's usually above the crucifix. And then, have four parts with the colors for the elements.

[Agaliha]

I had an idea for one. Either a pentacle or something like the tripple moon and then horns for the god and goddess (maybe all three would work too.) Then, have purple for spirit in the part that's usually above the crucifix. And then, have four parts with the colors for the elements.

Sounds great! :)

*

I was thinking about the Anglican form and thought of various symbolism that could apply to non-Chirstians.

The 4 "weeks" could be the 4: winds, elements, cadrinal virtues, directions, seasons, etc.
The 7 beads: planets, days of a week, etc.

Also a lunar symbolism can be found: Since 4 lunar phases made a complete lunar cycle of 28 days, each phase was 7 days, which defines the week.

Here's a page that talks about cross symbolism: http://kspark.kaist.ac.kr/Jesus/Cross%20Symbolism.htm (http://kspark.kaist.ac.kr/Jesus/Cross%20Symbolism.htm)
The cross was used in many cultures before Christiany to symbolize the sun and things like that. There's also the Sun cross - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://rds.yahoo.com/_ylt=A0oGklEdLpxGHCsBqmdXNyoA;_ylu=X3oDMTE5bGtlYjh1BHNlYwNzcgRwb3MDMQRjb2xvA3NrMQR2dGlkA0RGRDVfMTQ4B GwDV1Mx/SIG=11qou7t96/EXP=1184726941/**http%3a//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sun_cross).

Oh! I found this site that gives tips to writing your own Anglican rosary prayers:



There are no set ‘formulae’ of prayers for the Anglican Rosary. You can begin using your Rosary with the examples included in this pamphlet. Or you can write your own using the guide below. The Rosary can be said either on its own individually, or as part of a group meditation.

Personalising Your Rosary
Once you become familiar with using the Rosary as a tool for prayer and meditation you might like to write your own prayer ‘formula’’.
*Select an overall theme you wish to reflect in your prayers. E.g. morning prayer, healing, peace, scriptural meditation.
*Gather material which reflect your theme from the Bible, prayer books, poems, hymns, chants, sayings, or write your own. Be creative.
*Write brief prayers for each group of beads and the cross.
*The Cross might be a statement of faith or acclamation.
*The Invitatory might be a general invitation to prayer.
*The Cruciforms might broadly reflect the chosen theme.
*The Weeks might specifically reflect the overall theme.
You might like to use the same prayer for each type of bead (invitatory, cruciform, week) or use a different prayer on each type of bead (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th cruciform for example).

http://www.franciscan.org.au/wp/anglican-rosary/ (http://www.franciscan.org.au/wp/anglican-rosary/)


I'm going to write tons up!
:dancy:

[SoulFire]

Cora Anderson used to make a beautiful kind of Feri "rosary" (she called it a "rose wreath"). She gave me one as my initiation gift. Unfortunately, I don't think she's selling it anymore. Some Feries have made Iron Pentacle, Black Heart, and Decagram "rosaries" also.

[Kylie]

Awesome post!! Thanks. (=

[Agaliha]

Updating and fixing all the links! Seems like every so many months it has to be done :2G:

Sadly, I had to deleted these links:
Rosary Spell for Healing (http://www.djehuty.org/beads/spell.htm) (link broken, looking for other source)
Wiccan Rosary (http://web.archive.org/web/20070118105620/http://homepage.ntlworld.com/mascara/user-allwitch/rosary.html)

Internet Archive was unable to find an alternative copy. Later, I'll see if it's online else where.

:)

ETA! Here's something interesting, a sort of Pagan version of the Divine Office/Hours:
The Pagan Book of Hours (http://www.cauldronfarm.com/bookofhours/index.html)
I think it's an interesting concept!
They even mention prayer beads, here (http://www.cauldronfarm.com/bookofhours/beads.html).

[Sage Rainsong]

There is also an interesting book Called Pagan Prayer Beads:

http://www.amazon.com/Pagan-Prayer-Beads-Meditation-Rosaries/dp/1578633842/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1214827136&sr=8-1

[tallwoman.9169]

I found a site that makes pagan rosaries, they also have some prayers. they made a set they called druid meditation beads, and give the directions on how to make a set like it. here's the link

www.sacredgrove.com

[patch]

Here is a format I really want to try. :)

'A Garland for Zeus: Modern Prayer Bead Devotions'
http://www.hellenion.org/campbella/garland_drewcampbell.html

[BlackLili]

What about Chaplets?

I know some are used with a full rosary and just have variations on the standard prayers, and some are shorter prayer beads...some to specific saints, etc.

Chaplet resource (http://campus.udayton.edu/mary/resources/chaplet.html)

[Theres]

slightly off-topic, but oh well...

in one of my favorite movies, 'Bull Durham', Susan Sarandon (who plays 'Annie', the team groupie) is talking about the spiritual nature of Baseball. she says "There are 108 beads in the Catholic rosary, and 108 stitches in a baseball."

well there are indeed 108 stitches in a baseball, but nowhere near that many beads in a Catholic rosary! however, there ARE 108 beads in a Hindu rosary (called 'mala beads').
this seems like a rather blatant and unusual error for Annie to have made.

hmmmm...

[Agaliha]

Here's an "Isis Rosary (http://www.paganspace.net/profiles/blogs/an-isis-rosary)" and "The Mysteries of Isis (http://www.paganspace.net/profiles/blogs/the-mysteries-of-isis)" to be used along with it.

And here's, what looks like a Dianic (?) rosary:
All the Rosary Prayers "translated" for use by devotees of Our Mother God (http://www.mother-god.com/rosary-prayer.html) &
Rosary Meditations (http://www.mother-god.com/rosary-scriptural-meditations.html)

A Unitarian Universalist Prayer Bead Practice (http://www.uua.org/religiouseducation/curricula/tapestryfaith/spiritpractice/workshop2/workshopplan/handouts/59197.shtml)

[Maggie-in-the-Mead]

Thanks for this thread!

Pagan rosaries on etsy (http://www.etsy.com/search_results.php?search_type=all&includes[0]=tags_exact&search_query=pagan+rosary&page=1).