Music and Ageless Wisdom

Notes
Musician and Reality
Musician and Music
Musician and Listener
Listener and Music
Listener and Reality
Music and Reality

Music and Ageless Wisdom

Introduction

Music can be defined as "coherent sound vibration." As coherent sound, music has much in common with language and speech and can therefore be approached from a communication framework. Adapted to music, we have from as far back as Aristotle, the concept of the so-called communication triangle:

From this diagram we can deduce the following relationships of interest:

	The relationship of the Musician to Reality: In all of artistic creation, we have the artist who attempts to create something physical from out of his mental images. This is where the artist is inspired by his muse. Here we examine some principles behind this receiving and how the artist or musician can aid in the process of becoming a clearer channel for this vision to manifest itself. [more...]
	The relationship of the Musician to the Music: In order to accurately reproduce their vision, the artist must know her craft. Yet technical skill is only part of the equation. In creating a work of art, the artist impresses her will upon some form, be it clay, canvas, or sound via an instrument. One must understand the nature of that particular form in order to cooperate with it in in the act of creation. Here, we explore the artist's relationship to his/her craft. [more...]
	The relationship of the Musician and the Listener to each other: What responsibility does the musician have to his/her audience? What responsibility does a listener have to the musician/artist? Here, we look into the relationship of giver and receiver. [more...]
	The relationship of the Listener to the Music: We are all surrounded by music and use it for many purposes: aesthetic pleasure, relaxation, catharsis, exercise, concentration, etc.. Here, we consider some of the effects of music, and how it impacts us. [more...]
	The relationship of the Listener to Reality: Normally, music acts as a mediator between the listener and the musician's vision of reality. Here, we ponder how the act of listening to music can be used to help the listener approach that reality more directly. In other words, does learning to be a discriminating listener aid in one's efforts to come to know an objective reality? [more...]
	The relationship of the Music to Reality: Traditionally, the whole of music has been divided into three domains: melody, harmony, and rhythm. Here, we investigate the theoretical constructs of music itself and it's relationship to the principles of Ageless Wisdom. [more...]

The Alchemy of Music

Furthermore, observe that Tarot key 6, The Lovers, is not only a symbolic depiction of this same communication triangle, but also points the way to a deeper understanding of the higher uses of music - the healing of the mind, body and spirit.

Symbolism as applied to music:

The Scene: A man and a woman stand beneath the Archangel Raphael. The man looks at the woman who looks at the Archangel. Applied to music, this symbolism intimates that music (in the form of musical seed thoughts) has the capacity to direct our subconscious mind to be receptive to the influx of a higher type of knowing originating from the Superconscious level.

The Archangel: The Archangel Raphael, the Higher Self, representing Super consciousness. Note that the angel holds its hands over both the man and the woman. It is the Higher Self who in reality uses the musician/man/magician as its instrument for transmitting music to the subconscious levels (the woman).

The Man: He is he musician in the form of a transmitter of musical thought forms. In sacred music it is the job of the musician to free the (subconscious) minds of the listeners from bondage to false suggestions, in order for them to receive a greater degree of healing and awareness from the super-conscious level (the Angel).

The Flaming Tree: Containing twelve triple flamed leaves which represent the 36 basic sub types or personalities of musical expression.

The Woman: She is the Listener, and subconsciousness. The receiver of the musical seed thoughts within whom via the law of suggestion emotions, thoughts, and creative imagery are made manifest.

The Tree of knowledge: The Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. Contains five circular fruits - the five senses. Up the tree climbs the serpent of sensation because temptation arises from subconscious memory of sensation. The Serpent is also a symbol of wisdom and redemption because wisdom and liberation result from the right adaptation of the very forces which, at first, tempt us into mistaken action. Through its influence upon the subconscious, Music can help us to uplift and refine the senses and also to tame the serpent - the vital animal soul of humanity.

The mountain: Climbing above our present level, which is the higher purpose of music.

Illustrations from the Universal Waite Tarot Deck reproduced by permission of U.S. Games Systems, Inc., Stamford, CT 06902 USA. Copyright ©1990 by U.S. Games Systems, Inc. Further reproduction prohibited.