The Modern Merlin’s Corner: The Magick in Music
Photo Credits: Shutterstock photo “Spiritual Music”
As I began writing this column entry, I realized that to some, this entry may seem as if I’m bragging, etc., so I wanted to take a moment to explain my reasoning for writing about it at all, which is two-fold: 1. To give thanks, and 2. To Share Wisdom and Magick I’ve learned and gained through these experiences. Before moving any further, I want to thank the Gods and Goddesses, Ancestors, and Spirits for the blessings I’ve received this year. This article is a direct result of those blessings and lots, and lots of hard work on my end to make certain goals come to fruition. Without my allies on the otherside, and the ones with me on this side, I would not be where I am today. As harvest season begins, I wish to give thanks to those folks who have helped me, spirit or human.
That said, I hope it’s understood that I’m not gloating or bragging in the content below. The fact that I obtained the season pass I did I give to Luck, Fate and a dash of divine help. I understand many people are struggling right now, and this includes myself. Despite having the experiences I have this summer, I am still a humble laborer. I want to extend my thanks to my readers as well for being with me on this journey of growth, and continuing this journey as I, and hopefully you all, continue to grow and develop spiritually, and every other way. This column entry is a public display of thanksgiving in this early part of the harvest season, a practice I believe is needed alongside, yet not given enough attention, the harvesting of rewards for efforts prior to the harvest season, and I hope that is it seen as just that, and not an attempt at self aggrandizement. I too, struggle with various issues, just like any other human being, despite my spiritual knowledge and experience; the material and spiritual can never be untangled. Without further ado, my entry of thanksgiving and magick begins.
The Best Summer of My Life
This summer has quite honestly been the most eventful, fun, and enjoyable summer I’ve ever had in my 30 years (at least in this lifetime). I purchased season lawn tickets to a well-known concert venue in my area, smack-dab in the middle of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park: Blossom Music Center. To note, I’d only been to 6 concerts previously, and 3 of them were for my favorite band, Green Day (who I unfortunately am going to miss on their current tour). The shows I’ve been going to have ranged in genre from Pop Punk, to Hard Rock, Punk, Classic Rock, Pop, Country and even a Rap show. Some of the music I’ve been listening to since I was a child, like Hootie and the Blowfish (coincidentally my first concert) and Collective Soul, while others are more for fun, just to say I’ve seen them, like The Doobie Brothers. These shows have been a wonderful experience for multiple reasons; beside the obvious, connecting with nature has been so easy, as we’re in the CVNP. And Concert season isn’t over yet, I’ve still got 5 or so shows remaining!
The trees, animals and critters roaming alongside us are constant reminders of the magick all around us. Some even seem to appear for certain kinds of music. For instance, Bats seem to like the more edgy, deep music, perhaps because of the bass and heavier guitar. Raccoons climbed to the roof of the pavilion for Alanis Morissette on her Triple Moon Tour. Dragonflies flutter all around, checking things out and presumably looking for a snack. The Moon often hangs in the sky once the sun has set, and I frequently sit by a friendly Oak tree who offers shade, comfort and friendship for each show. “Meet by the Tree” has become the Lawnie Group saying.
What’s so magical about music? It’s been used to reach altered states since man could beat a drum; it’s brought people together for millenia, offering solace in times of despair, community and friendship in times of celebration. Music has been offered to the Gods of various religions since time immemorial. Music is magick.
Alright, Merlin, where are you going with this?
I’ve laughed, I’ve screamed, I’ve cried, I’ve sang; I’ve released some deep emotions simply by being present, singing the words to songs. I’ve relived wonderful memories, and I’ve celebrated myself and all of my quirks. Music is healing; the amount of stress relief these concerts has brought is unlike anything else I’ve ever experienced. Connecting with nature by simply being present at the venue has strengthened my relationship to the Land around me, as I live near Blossom and the CVNP.
The magick that’s inherent in music can be captured with your AirPods, too. I often use music when I perform rituals, or use it in addition to Entheogens to reach an altered state. Even “regular” music can be used for magical purposes. I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention my affinity for certain songs, like Voodoo by Godsmack, Season of the Witch by Donovan, and even a few Nine Inch Nails songs when practicing spellwork and the like. Past that, if you’re undergoing shadow work, music can be one of your best allies to get you through some of the harder ends of that work. Music can help you release, even if it’s painful. Music can also bring joy, and help lighten a down mood. This seems simple, but I don’t think many people, let alone witches, realize the power words, music and rhythm have. Play a favorite love song during a love spell, and watch it work, possibly faster and/or better than you’d imagined or hoped. There’s also been a shamanic end to this whole experience-meeting animal allies, learning their wisdom, and even a couple of shamanic experiences during certain sets.
On top of all this, there’s been a chance at community building; sharing experiences with like minded folks, and getting to know them. Whether or not the discussion turns spiritual (and it rarely has), it’s a chance to embody certain animistic practices in my newfound quest to Elder well, as S. Kelley Harrell put it in her new book From Elder To Ancestor, my review of which can be found here.
I’m usually one that’s looking forward to Fall, Samhain and the late Harvest in July or August, but this summer has found me living with the seasons in a much more mindful way.I’ve been able to fully embody the Wheel of the Year and ebb and flow with the rising and setting of the Sun, the Moon and her phases. It’s not that I’m dreading Summer being over; quite the contrary, I’ve been able to establish a mindful state concerning the seasons and their change, but I would be lying if I said I wasn’t a little sad that such an amazing summer was coming to an end.
Tying it all together
My point in this column entry, as I said before, wasn’t to gloat or brag; nor was it any attempt at self-aggrandizement. Connecting with nature, magick and the wonders in the sky can be done anywhere, anytime. Even at concerts. You only have to stay mindful, present in your current location. Ask for signs, symbols, or even lyrics in songs. I can almost guarantee you’ll have something come to you, if you pay close enough attention. Weave spells with the music as you sing along. Ask our animal allies for help during especially trying times, or harsh weather conditions. Connect with Gods and Goddesses through sacred association. Magick doesn’t have to be a ritual laid out on a beautiful, ornate altar (although it can be, and that does have its place). This summer, I’ve found my most effective magicks this summer were practiced alongside my Bat, Dove and Dragonfly friends at Blossom Music Center. I hope that in this article, you’ve found grains of wisdom, and that you’re inspired to use music in your magickal practices as I’ve grown to.
As always, sending all of my readers the brightest blessings, and a Happy Labor Day weekend to those in the U.S.
~The Modern Merlin
About the Author:
Hello there! I’m the Modern Merlin, and I’ve been a Polytheist and Animist Pagan, Witch, Sorcerer, Wizard, Druid, Mystic, Ceremonial Magician and Soothsayer for 15 years, worshipping and casting magick with deities and spirits from many cultures, including Ancient Greece, Rome, Norse & Germanic, Celtic, Egyptian, Sumerian, as well as many Faeries, Nymphs, Dryads, Ancestors and other nature and land spirits and spirits of place. I practice Necromancy and Deathwalking, as well as Traditional Witchcraft and Ceremonial Magick. I study and practice Astrology as well as Tarot and other forms of divination. I give readings and spiritual services on my Facebook Page, The Modern Merlin, as well other free informational posts for everyone to see!
