How to choose your mala

by Carol Fung on 28 May, 2021 0 comments

Your mala is a very personal spiritual tool and choosing your mala could be seen as a ritual in itself. Take the time to consider what mala is right for you. There is no wrong way. Mala beads mean something different or serve a different purpose for each of us.

Here are some tips to help you through the process.

Intention

You can choose your mala based on the intention or energy that you would like to cultivate more of in your life.

When selecting your mala you might like to consider what it is you would like to manifest. What would you like more or less of in your life?

Sit with these questions for a while and reflect on the answers that come to you as you mull them over. Use this information to guide you in making your decision.

Mala beads properties

The materials used to make mala beads all have their own unique and specific vibrations and metaphysical properties. These can guide you when choosing your mala beads.

You might be drawn to a mala with lava stones and Rudraksha seeds to help with grounding or an Amethyst mala to help with healing and to encourage you to feel calm and gain focus.

Not sure where to start? The Crystal Bible will show you all you need to know about which crystals you might like in your mala.

Handmade agate mala necklace on wooden table with two white gardenias

Colour

You can also select a mala based on the colour of the stones. Specific colours resonate with us in different ways and are considered by many to have different meanings and properties.

Pink mala beads

Represents: love, compassion, tolerance
Associated properties: loving kindness, harmony, self-compassion
Suggested crystals/stones: Rose Quartz, Rhodochrosite, Pink Tourmaline

Orange mala beads

Represents: prana (life force energy) enthusiasm, determination
Associated properties: abundance, joy, creativity
Suggested crystals/stones: Carnelian

Yellow mala beads

Represents: self-esteem, energy, intellect
Associated properties: confidence, vitality, focus
Suggested crystals/stones: Amber, Citrine

Purple mala beads

Represents: knowledge, intuition, insight
Associated properties: transformation, healing, reflection
Suggested crystals: Amethyst, Kunzite

Green mala beads

Represents: growth, harmony, fertility
Associated properties: soothing, cleansing, restoring
Suggested crystals/stones: Green Aventurine, Jade, Peridot

Brown mala beads

Represents: nature, earthiness, stability
Associated properties: nurturing, grounding, supportive
Suggested crystals/stones: Smokey Quartz, Rudraksha seeds, Tiger’s Eye

Blue mala beads

Represents: communication, truth, clear thought
Associated properties: calming, serenity, understanding
Suggested crystals/stones: Lapis Lazuli, Angelite, Amazonite

White mala beads

Represents: innocence, purity, cleanliness
Associated properties: balance, harmony, simplicity
Suggested crystals/stones: Moonstone, Opal, Howlite

Black mala beads

Represents: power, elegance, security
Associated properties: protection, shielding, clarifying
Suggested crystals/stones: Black Tourmaline, Obsidian, Lava

Chakras

Chakra is a Sanskrit word that means ‘wheel’ or ‘disk’. Essentially a chakra is a spinning orb of energy or light. It holds your Prana or life force energy.

When your chakras are open and balanced or aligned this energy flows freely. In this state of flow there is a calm that exist within you and your mind, body and spirit are in harmony.

If one or more of your chakras are blocked or unbalanced it is suggested that it can manifest in your life either mentally, emotionally or physically.

Each chakra is associated with particular colours and connected to different crystals that are said to help with unblocking and balancing their corresponding chakras.

Chakra points and related colours

1st Chakra: Muladhara – root chakra

Crystals/stones: Smokey Quartz, Black Tourmaline, Obsidian
Colour: red

2nd Chakra: Svadhisthana – sacral chakra

Crystals/stones: Carnelian, Bloodstone, Orange Aventurine
Colour: orange

3rd Chakra: Manipura – solar plexus chakra

Crystals/stones: Tiger’s Eye, Citrine, Amber
Colour: yellow

4th Chakra: Anahata – heart chakra mala

Crystals/stones: Rose Quartz, Rhodochrosite, Green Aventurine
Colour: green

5th Chakra: Vishuddha – throat chakra

Crystals/stones: Topaz, Angelite, Amazonite
Colour: turquoise/aqua

6th Chakra: Ajna – third eye chakra

Crystals/stones: Lapis Lazuli, Sodalite
Colour: indigo/dark blue

7th Chakra: Sahasrara – crown chakra

Crystals/stones: Clear Quartz, Moonstone, Labradorite, Amethyst
Colour: purple

If this method of choosing a mala resonates with you check out Seeds of Wonder’s chakra mala collection.

Zodiac birth stone

You might like to select a mala that includes stones linked to your zodiac sign. Here are some ideas to consider.

Aries: Bloodstone, Clear Quartz

Taurus: Rose Quartz, Smokey Quartz

Gemini: Labradorite, Moonstone

Cancer: Moonstone, Black Tourmaline

Leo: Peridot, Tiger’s Eye

Virgo: Amazonite, Green Aventurine

Libra: Tourmaline, Opal

Scorpio: Citrine, Rhodochrosite

Sagittarius: Lapis Lazuli, Turquoise

Capricorn: Tiger’s Eye, Obsidian

Aquarius: Garnet, Silver

Pisces: Amethyst, Ocean Jasper

Intuition

Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, pay close attention to your intuition. If you feel drawn to a certain mala, it is likely the one that you need in that moment. Let your heart and soul lead you.

Gifting a mala?

If you are looking to gift a mala to that special someone it can feel overwhelming knowing which one to pick. Here are some questions that might help guide you to the perfect gift.

Are they struggling with something at the moment?
Are they looking to manifest a dream or achieve a goal they are passionate about?
Do they have a favourite colour or crystal?
What is their birthstone?
Do they prefer simple or intricate designs?
Will they use it for meditation?

Consider the answers to these questions and keep the answers in mind when you are choosing. They will help guide you to a mala that will resonate with your friend.

If you are repeatedly drawn to a particular mala when you are shopping for your friend listen to your intuition. If you are strongly connecting to a particular design it is likely that this is the right one to pick. It really can be as simple as that!

Handmade Rohodochoriste and Rose Quartz Mala on wooden table with pink and green flower