Sound, tone, voice, and music are powerful forms of magick and celebration. Before I became a witch, the part of traditional religious services I loved the most was the music; using song as celebration. When I got involved in Wicca, the traditions I first learned were very stoic and formal. There was no real song or chant involved in our Moon and Sun celebrations. I missed it a lot, but felt there was no place for music in my new practice. At the time I was a professional musician, completing my degree in music, but our training in music history only delved into the sacred music of the Christian era. Not much time was devoted to ancient civilizations or tribal lore. I knew music was a part of the pagan world, but was not exposed to it. When I explored other traditions of witchcraft—as well as mystical traditions in yoga and Eastern religions—I found mystics using sound, chant, and rhythm to do magick and create ritual. The more shamanic, primal traditions would use chant and simple dance to raise energy and connect with the spirit of the ritual. Simple repeated rhythms and melodies could induce altered states and focus the will. I was so excited to find a religious outlet for my musical expression. Later in my practice, I found myself the celebrant (or officiating high priest) for a public pagan group that celebrated at Unicorn Books in Arlington, Massachusetts. I had originally replaced a priestess who was no longer able to commit to the group, and due to this shift, the group only included around five participants at any time. Soon we formed an identity and theme together, and the group began to grow. The rituals went from intimate groups of five to ten people to larger and larger gatherings. Soon we filled the room's forty person capacity. Everyone was great, but coming from different backgrounds they lacked a cohesive sense of tradition or ceremony. We loved being eclectic, but needed to have some focus to bring our group together. I needed to find a way to let everyone contribute to the ritual and create a sacred space. After many fumbled attempts with a variety of ritual techniques and tools, I relied on music as a common denominator. Chant became the key! As part of each of the eight Wheel of the Year celebrations in our little loft space, I wrote a short chant with a simple melody, which we used to raise energy. Those chants became the basis of the chants recorded on The Outer Temple of Witchcraft CD Companion. We sang about the gods and goddesses relating to each of the holidays. The chants focused our attention, raised energy, and helped get us into the moment as we passed the chalice or anointing oil. The songs also helped teach newcomers the basic meaning of the holiday, quickly relaying powerful themes and key words with the melody. The use of music in our rituals totally transformed them, and is one of the most popular parts of our celebrations. Because of my experience, I started to encourage the use of more and more music in my smaller celebrations and private coven rituals. I even use chants when I am doing rituals and spells all alone. I highly suggest adding some music to your own rituals, no matter the size. Here are some tips in using music in your own circles:
Many blessings on your magical path and I hope music lightens your step and opens your heart. |
Christopher Penczak is a Witch, teacher, writer, and healing practitioner. He is the founder of the world-renowned Temple of Witchcraft and the Temple Mystery School, and he is the creator of the bestselling Temple of ...