Ghost (Spirit) Beads

Ghost (Spirit) Beads
Represent interconnection with the earth, trees, animals and humans. Wear it to bring about peace, harmony and safety. It wards off negative energy, bringing about protection from evil spirits, ghosts and nightmares. Give them as gifts or buy for yourself! If you're not wearing them, you can hang them in your bedroom, office or on the mirror of your vehicle to bring you peace and harmony.
Ghost beads are actually dried juniper berries. The juniper berries are collected after ants have found the berries on the ground. They nibble off one end and eat the inside of the berry. The berry is then hollow and dry. Sometimes the berries are lightly smoked to further preserve them. A hole is made in the other end by artisans and then strung. You will see ghost beads referred to being made from cedar seeds, juniper seeds or juniper/cedar seeds. If you want to be technically correct, they should be called juniper seeds or berries.
Early Navajo Beliefs surrounding ghost beads: They held a strong belief in the spirit world and practiced many rituals to ward off negative energy. In addition to wearing juniper berry necklaces, Navajos smeared juniper ashes on their skin prior to venturing out in the dark. The beads also kept the spirits happy when Navajos entered ruins. They believed if an individual shook out their beds sheets at night, they would attract ghosts or evil spirits. Sprinkling juniper ashes around the bed was thought to provide extra protection.