Tara is a meditational deity. Working with Her in Cycle II was the beginning of my being able to develop a consistent, daily meditation practice. I combine traditional and personal activities and prayers in my meditation practice. Several years ago, I was given a mala, a set of 108 prayer beads, a spiritual tool in Hindu and Buddhist tradition, one used by devotees of Tara and other deities. I use it as intended, to "count" the number of repetitions of a mantra without having to "think" about how many times I've said the mantra. When I am working with Tara, I invoke Her with each bead on my mala. Why 108 beads on a mala? Most Hindu deities are said to have 108 names, or 108 emanations. There are 108 ancient names of Tara. Some say this number comes from sacred astrology, being the number of houses (12) times the number of planets (9). Others say it has to do with the rhythm of breathing.

To meditate on Tara, visualize Her before you, with white light connecting your heart chakra to Hers, your throat chakra to Hers, and your Third Eye to Her Third Eye. Alternately, you can visualize Her, or feel Her, sitting atop your head. See the Cultural Appropriateness section on the use of traditional Tara mantras.