Beaded mala and necklaces have been a part of human culture since ancient times. They are powerful spiritual accessories and meditation tools widely used by practitioners. But the use of Mala is not just limited to a spiritual and meditation tool. They can also be used as fashion accessories. But what is a beaded mala? A mala or a beaded mala necklace is a string of prayer beads. But in modern times, they are used as fashion accessories as well. Whether you are embarking on a spiritual journey, being involved in a spiritual practice, or simply want an aesthetically pleasing accessory, there is a beaded mala for all. You can find the perfect mala for all your needs. But with such a wide range of mala, you may wonder: Which Mala should I choose to wear?
Which Mala Should I choose?
The simplest and the most honest answer to this question is – it depends. There is no straight answer to this question as many factors contribute to you choosing the perfect mala for you. Here we will talk about these factors and try to answer your question of “Which Mala should I choose?”
Following are some ways to choose the perfect mala for you.
1) Define your intentions
One of the first things you should do before in your mala selection process is to define your intention for using the beaded mala. State why you want to wear mala. Is it for finding peace? Is it for finding love, or is it for spiritual growth and meditation practice? Or do you want the mala to use as a fashion accessory? The right mala for you will vary depending on your intention and personal choice.
For instance, if you want to enhance your spirituality, then mala like Amethyst mala and Lapis Lazuli mala would be a good choice for you. Similarly, if you want fortune in love, then rose quartz mala would be a decent choice. If you want to meditate with Lord Buddha and Lord Shiva, then Bodhi seeds and Rudraksha mala are respectively great choices for you. If you want a mala for meditation, then japa mala is the right choice for you.
2) Explore the Gemstone/Bead’s meaning and significance
After figuring out your intentions, you can also explore the meaning and significance behind the gemstone and beads. You can follow this process immediately after determining your intention. In this process, you simply select the gemstones related to your intention.
For instance, Jade mala is a perfect choice if you intend to boost your financial fortune and reflect harmony and virtue. Bodhi mala is a perfect choice if you want to show your desire for wisdom. If you want to show devotion to lord Ganesha, then sandalwood is a good choice. The point here is to choose the beaded mala that reflects your intention.
Depending on how familiar you are with the beads and gemstone meaning, this process can take long or short.
3) Consider your Zodiac Sign
Now choosing your mala based on your zodiac sign is a simple yet effective way in your mala selection process. As per Vedic astrology, your birth time, place, and zodiac sign greatly impact your fate. There are special gemstones and beads associated with your zodiac that can aid you in traversing through tough times.
The best gemstones based on your zodiac signs are as follows.
- Aries: Red Coral, Garnet, Aquamarine
- Taurus: Opal, Diamond, Black Onyx
- Gemini: Pearl, Emerald, Jade
- Cancer: Moonstone, Pearl, Ruby
- Leo: Yellow Sapphire, Matte Onyx, Red Spinel
- Virgo: Lapis Lazuli, Emerald, Green Tourmaline
- Libra: Opal, Lapis Lazuli, White Quartz
- Scorpio: Topaz, Malachite, Red Carnelian
- Sagittarius: Ruby, Topaz, Yellow Sapphire
- Capricorn: Amethyst, Sapphire, Garnet
- Aquarius: Amethyst, Aquamarine, Blue Sapphire
- Pisces: Aquamarine, Moonstone, Pearl
These are the primary gemstones associated with the zodiac sign. So if you ask, “Which Mala should I wear?” Choosing the mala with gemstones based on your zodiac is a good option.
4) Choose your mala based on chakra
There is a belief that seven subtle energy centers in the body are located along the spine. These are called chakra points, and each is associated with a set of organs and systems. These correspond with the area where the astral energy flows. As per this belief, when the energy flow gets blocked or excessive, it can lead to physical, mental, and emotional issues.
There are specific beads that, when worn and meditated on, can balance the energy alignment and flow. When done properly, it can lead to a higher quality of life. You can choose the mala to uplift the energy flow within these chakra points. The Chakra points, their effect, and their associated gemstones are as follows.
Root Chakra
- Location: Base of spine or tailbone
- Effect: Keeps you grounded and confident
- Gemstones: Garnet, Ruby, Black Onyx
Sacral Chakra
- Location: Lower Abdomen
- Effect: Aids in finding connection, uplifts happiness, pleasure, and creativity
- Gemstone: Carnelian, Citrine, Amber,
Solar Plexus Chakra
- Location: Upper Abdomen
- Effect: Uplifts confidence and control
- Gemstone: Citrine, Amber, Tigers eye
Heart Chakra
- Location: Just above the heart
- Effect: Opens up our hearts to love
- Gemstone: Jade, Emerald, Rose Quartz
Throat Chakra
- Location: Throat
- Effect: Aids in communication and enhances expression
- Gemstone: Turquoise, Aquamarine, Sodalite
Third Eye Chakra
- Location: Forehead between the eyes
- Effect: enhances awareness
- Gemstone: Lapis Lazuli, Sapphire, Kyanite
Crown Chakra
- Location: Top of the head
- Effect: Enhances spirituality and visions
- Gemstone: Amethyst, Labradorite, Clear Quartz
These are the seven chakras, their function, and the gemstones associated with them. By wearing the beaded mala with its associated gemstones, you can enhance the functionality of each chakra point.
5) Consider Color and texture
You may have noticed that all of our previous points are somewhat spiritual in nature. But what if you are not into spirituality? Which mala should you wear if you are not into spirituality and more into jewelry? Well, you can start by selecting the mala based on the color and texture. This is one of the simplest ways to choose the mala. Decide on the mala that aligns with your intentions and personal style and preference.
For instance, if you want a brown mala with a rough texture, the Rudraksha mala is your choice. If you want a rough black mala, then lava stone mala. Want a smooth black mala? Then obsidian and Black Onyx are here for you.
Besides this, you can also choose the mala based on the significance behind the color.
For instance, red is the color of love, courage and vigor. Purple is the color of mysteriousness, blue is the color of spirituality, and green is the color of royalty and finance.
6) Consider the mala length and the number of beads
You should also consider the mala length and bead numbers when choosing the right mala. That said, we do understand that depending on your religion or your purpose, you might not have a choice at times. That said, if you have a choice, you can choose between a wide range of lengths and bead numbers. Additionally, you can also choose between a mala necklace and wrist mala as well.
Some of the most common bead numbers used in beaded mala are 108, 54, 27, 21, and 18. Additionally, you can also choose between the bead size. The common bead size includes 6mm, 8mm and 10mm beads. When put together, the bead size and bead number contribute to the length of the mala.
7) Personal Preference
If you are using the mala just for aesthetics, you can simply choose the one that fits your style well. In this case, you can ignore everything we have said so far and simply follow your likes and choose the mala you feel attracted to. When picking the beaded mala for personal use, personal style and visual appeal matter.
Conclusion
Overall there is no straight answer to the question of “Which Mala Should I Wear?” The simplest and most honest answer to this is “It depends”. It depends on a wide range of factors, such as your intention, the significance of gemstones, your zodiac signs, chakra, color, personal preference and more. Naturally, you can choose the mala based on your intuition as well. However, we hope that the points we mentioned here were helpful to you.
If you want more insights regarding mala beads and other spiritual accessories, do check out some of our other blogs. And as always, thank you for reading till the end.
FAQ on Mala
Q: Which Mala is Best to Wear?
A: The best mala to wear is the one that resonates with you and aligns with the purpose for which you are wearing it. Your intention for wearing a mala could be for prayer, meditation, mental and spiritual peace, healing, protection from negative energies, making a cultural or fashion statement, or pursuing other personal goals.
Q: What are the four types of Mala?
A: The four types of mala are:
- Traditional Mala
- Wrist Mala
- Healing Mala
- Manifestation Mala
Q: What are the factors that affect my decision to choose Mala?
A: Some of the factors that affect the decision to choose the mala are as follows:
- Intention
- Gemstone
- Colour
- Bead Number
- Bead Size
- Zodiac sign
- Chakra
- Intuition