At the last study group of the Coven I'm in, I had another one of my crazy ideas: a "song", or more properly a "melody", made from a sequence of symbols, rather than a sequence of notes. The following is an edited email I sent to a member who wasn't able to attend (in part so she could also have the joy of the homework we set ourselves :D ... ).
There is a book called "The Glass Bead Game", by a German author Herman Hesse (who was a pacifist, and left Germany in the 30s because of Germany's rising militarism), for which he won the Nobel Literature prize in 1946. To simplify a whole lot, many of Hesse's books have a spiritual theme, and this one is more or less about the contrast between living in the "commercial" world, or withdrawing to focus on - in this case, the literary device of - the "Glass Bead Game". This game is based on the use of glyphs or symbols (on glass beads) which can be used to represent various things like mathematical formulae or musical themes etc. The game is a progression of symbols, each of which is meditated on, which - in my
words - is a bit like a melody.
Each musical note has a particular, unique meaning on its own: but when combined with other notes, there something created which is greater than the whole: a melody, which can be uplifting, sad, rejuvenating, thought provoking, moody, etc.
So ... my crazy idea is: why not string together a whole sequence of things, symbols, crystal types, oils/incenses, etc, to create a "song of symbols", where, in addition to the meaning associated with each component, there is a greater meaning associated with the sequence of
symbols. I suspect there could be considerable potential benefit from seeing the use of symbols etc as something which is dynamic, rather than just applying them all at once, or at a single point of time.
I had made one example up when I first tried working with this idea, which is as follows (for ease of writing, I've used the words (names/descriptions) rather than the actual symbols (or actual crystals or incense: for a final version, perhaps a small chunk of crystal, and a dab of each oil, could be incorporated). I've also included a commentary.
Saturn - severity, sternness, discipline
Taurus - strength and solidity
Square (the astrological notation for a 90 degree angle) - testing
Geburah - strength
Opposition - lack of harmony, conflict, testing
Conjunction - the opposite of an opposition: harmonious joining
Taijitu (the "yin-yang symbol") - flow from one polarity to the other,
the essence of one polarity is held within the other, growing from the
tension between opposites
The rune Uruz - strength, an outcome from said growth
Isa - stillness, the steadiness of strength
so ... this "song" flows from severity to strength
During study group, we had a go at writing a couple more "songs of symbols". At this point, we discussed the potential value of using this to help with Coven study: basically, we could work with the various symbols/elements of the various pathways we are studying, and actually use them in a way that is meaningful to us - which, when we discussed them, helps develop the ability to know, understand and use these aspects. It also gives a purpose to researching symbols & aspects of paths other than "work".
My "songs" from the study group are:
Christian cross - sacrifice (this was the nominated starting point)
Amethyst - the spiritual perspective that can lead to one choosing to make a sacrifice for "the greater good"
The Zoroastrian sacred flame - the "light of divinity", which can inspire to sacrifice for others' good
The rune Kenaz - light, fire and communication
Mars - energy
Thoth - amongst other things, communication (through the means of writing)
Mercury - communication
Ka - the Soul, the part of oneself that is communicated with when being inspired (by amethyst, etc)
Myrrh - communication (amongst other things)
The Tarot card "The Lovers" - partnerships
Ka - the part of oneself one can form a partnership with
Slippery Elm Bark (I lost the association for this)
Ka
Gemini - the twins, the partnership between oneself and one's Soul
The rune Mannaz - community - the partnership, in a sense, between oneself and others more generally
Ace of Swords - new beginnings, which a great self sacrifice can lead to, partly through improved partnership with oneself and with community
New Moon (nominated starting point) - commonly considered the lowest energy point of lunar cycle (which is debatable)
Isa - stillness, which seems to be low energy to many
The rune Barkano - healing and growth, which can happen in the quiet, still parts of cycles
Lemongrass - for tiredness and exhaustion
Orange - penetrates depression, using focus
the third eye chakra - perception
The rune Stan - a sacred space
Yesod - foundation
Pink tourmaline
Isa - stillness
The earth sigil - seems steady or still, but very rich, fertile, and a
springboard for growth
Angles - in the sense of the watchers
Lauviah - angle that refreshes at night time, helps musicians & poets
Patchouli - balances & unwinds the mind
Cypress - meditation, balance & stability
Mindfulness - relaxed alertness & focus
The Ogham Muin - introspection
The Ogham Nion - developing rebirth & peace
I was less successful with this one: I wanted to develop a sense of being relaxed and watchful from a safe, secure place.
It was easier to discuss these verbally than to try to put the concept into words now, several days later.
As a late thought, perhaps the "song" which goes with the "melody line" of symbols above is the meditation and discussion we can have on each.
Hopefully someone can build something out of that: I know people have attempted to develop a Glass Bead Game: this idea is not so general. I am thinking of this as a device for exploring symbology, and learning new ways to work with these. It led to some interesting discussions on the night, and I am looking forward to the member who was away being present, as she knows far more than the rest of us on many paths, and could contribute quite a bit to this.
It would also be good to see people thinking about dynamic sequences generally, rather than just a single treatment/symbol/healing technique/meditation technique.
Well, I'll see what comes of this (I hope!).
Love, light, hugs and blessings
Gnwmythr
This post's photo is yet to be posted.
Tags: cross-fertilisation (ideas), symbology, Herman Hesse,
First published: Monday 26th October, 2009
Last edited: Monday 26th october, 2009
