The Magickal ARTS

We cross the threshold of Sacred Space as we chant calling forth the energy of what will be the magick of our working. Sound echoes reverberating against wall or tree and we are now bathed in the quality of its vibration and the potency of its rhythm.

The words of the invocation spill out from throat and heart, will infusing them with the command to be present and to aid the celebration. Each syllable produces its own state of resonance and each word holds mystery of a numeric calling that awakens all who attend to its transformative energies. Quarter energies flow through container of power and Deity leaves its imprint on all that it touches.

Drums beat out syncopated rhythm, rattles provoke and stimulate energetic pattern into acquiescence. Bodies move and respond in due course and streams of light and energy coil like serpents through and around the space of magick weaving their tapestry that will become the mantle of our making.

Sound rises from throat and body taps out the path that flows cyclic in nature of release and return. All is primed and readied for release of desire as will forms it composition crafted by mind, heart and will. Energy peaks and thought is carried on winds of change breathed out from enlivened sound in anticipation of drawing what is desired in magnetic attraction.

All that is heard is the profound silence of sound that is breath, heart beat and gentle sway of foot on floor or ground. The sound arises majestic as thoughtform takes shape and creative act of manifestation waits for final calling. What is birthed in the energetic stamp of the silence is the sound of universal and cosmic response. We breathe into its essence drawing into lung and physical body the enlivened matter that will feed and sustain subtle shape and form.

Voice of thanks and bidding Hail and Farewell breaks the mystical silence and once again the space of sacred intent is restored to mundane structure as we process out leaving trail of sound and vibration, a chant of completion joyously released to enliven all who step into its magick.

The above is the experience of sound flowing through ritual. We carefully select the appropriate chants to raise the needed energy and thought and care is given not only to the words, but the rhythm and emotional response that will be evoked to stimulate the flow of energy. Sound in all of its forms, from the resonance of foot on carpet (floor or ground) to the overt sounds of chanting and drumming. The sound of air moving through lungs and the comingling of that breath within a space primed for magick contributes to the signature of sound within ritual space.

Most often when a ritual is constructed we do not give consideration to the potency of silence. This is a space of coalescing that it wisely and effectively used can be profound in its transformative qualities. It is not lack of energetic flow, but rather allows the opening of space for more to flow into the container that has been primed and readied. Think of the image attributed ti the astrological sign of Aquarius, the water bearer. Great attention is always given to the flow of waters being poured out. The great mystery lies in the empty space that is created by the pouring out that allows for new matter to fill it. This is the renewing and rebirthing process that is vital to productive growth and the evolvement of whatever it is applied towards. This is the emptiness of silence and the potential that is set by that specific pattern of vibration to regenerate and synthesize what comes into its field of dynamics.

I have for many years now used sound as a tool of growth for my meditative experiences. Some is structured as music, but most is reliant on the tones and rate of vibration of those tones in shifting consciousness and subtle body response. Rhythm and repetition also play a vital role in maintaining this shift for long enough that the body can attune itself physiologically. This is the reason why most effective rituals make use of chants that repeat and continue for long periods of time. This is also why the quality of your singing voice is of no matter. It is the intent and once you get beyond the performance jitters, the word, whether sung or spoken becomes the sound of great power, infused by the flow of breath and air and fired by the will of intent all brought to a cohesive and dynamic form of sound vibration. This is the principle of the mantra used in Eastern practice. Setting into motion a specific pattern of vibration that unlocks the keys to deepening awareness.

For this month’s exercise I’d like you to experiment with sound in sacred space. If there is a ritual you have access to attend, make note of how sound has been woven into the ritual. Afterwards, journal the highlights of what you remember and how you felt as you experienced and participated in its creation.

You may also do this as part of a meditative session. This space is in essence your sacred space and offer up the intent to become aware of the effects and dynamics experienced as you chant, breathe and move into your meditation. Take into account the sounds made as you prepare; meaning the sound of you sitting down, any candles or other tools that you may place as part of setting up the space; the lighting of a candle or any other.

Last month the focus was to deepen your awareness of sound as different genres of music and their energetic flow and effects. How does this energy change in the container of sacred space? How do you respond to these sounds differently, or in the same way?

Awareness of the impact of sound in our ritual and sacred experience opens new pathways of energetic resonance and exploration. Learning to breathe deeply into these new inroads and expanding them as needed also brings a heightened awareness of your own place as vibration of sound within the framework of sacred structure. You are part of the structure created and also distinctly unique in your own energetic signature of contributing sound to it.