34678151 intunewcosmos update v4

In Tune with the Cosmos

Section of a woodcut showing Pythagoras with bells in Pythagorean tuning.From Theorica musicae by Franchino Gaffurio, 1492 (1480?)


Geoffrey F. HoebbelMedieval Astrologer

Copyright Geoffrey Fenton Hoebbel, 2010http://www.soularastrology.com

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Copyright Geoffrey Fenton Hoebbel© 2010

All rights reserved

No part of this publication my be reproduced, stored

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Pythagoras, the great Samian Master, attached great importance to

the study and application of Music. His discovery/development of the

musical scale, and musical ratio and proportion are significant

contributions to human musical and spiritual advancement.

Music is Number embodied within Time. Music is Harmony,

penetrating the heart. Music can be of a celestial, human, natural or

instrumental type. The study of Music can encompass many aspects

such as; theoretical, mathematical, emotional, physiological and more!

This short article is not meant to be a dry treatise on the mathematical

proportional concepts embedded within the discipline of the study of

Music. This article does contain a requisite amount of such

information, but the focus is primarily on the practical aspects on the

path of Music. Hopefully this paper will help provide you with a

catalyst for your personal edification and some new ideas for spiritual

development.

A bit of musical history, within the parameters of ancient Greek

religion, is appropriate here. It serves to provide a framework for the

relevance of this subject. For brevity’s sake it is assumed that you

may already be aware of much of this. I will include some keywords for

research if you need them. They are: Apollo, Hermes, lyre, Muses,

Dionysus, and Orpheus.

Pythagoras made music an integral, indispensable part of the

teachings and daily practice at his school. Recall what you have read

about his ability to heal and harmonize that which was disharmonious


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via the use of music. The Samian Master had the ability to hear the,

“Music of the Spheres”. Perhaps this was the basis of what he utilized

in his musical healing and harmonizing cures. Indeed, since then many

cultures have understood and even strictly controlled Music, even into

recent modern times. Some examples of the governmental or

ecclesiastical restriction and control over Music are found in the

ancient city-state of Athens, the Catholic Church in the middle Ages,

Islam, (except the Sufis) and Communist China until Mao’s passing.

Ancient music in general and ancient Greek Music specifically was

based more on harmony and less on melody. The Greek method of

creating harmony, and music in general, was different than ours. Their

harmony relied on a basic note that changed depending on the season,

day, or time of day. Traditional Indian ragas have the same

relationship of drone, root note to harmony that the music played by

our ancient Greek forbearers had.

The purpose of Music, as used by Pythagoras, was for healing,

harmonizing and purification of the body and soul. This should be a

guide to us modern-day people on a spiritual path, pointing us toward

the right way. Let us endeavor to interact with Music in a way that

fosters harmony, purification, attunement, healing and spiritual

advancement. Where should one start in such an undertaking? Where

can more information be found?

A short excursion into the history of western Music is necessary before

deciding what types of Music are favorable for us to utilize in our

personal development. The original tuning/intonation system we can

trace back through the mists of time, with any certainty, is aptly

named Pythagorean tuning. It, and other “just” tunings are based on

whole number intervals. Tunings of this type sound the purest since Copyright Geoffrey Fenton Hoebbel, 2010http://www.soularastrology.com

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the intervals are natural, whole ones, not mathematical, fractional

ones. Pythagorean tuning does have some limitations, including a

poor sounding 4th/5th interval, example. Despite some perceived

shortcomings Pythagorean intervals sound the most natural and are

the most beneficial for us to hear. This tuning was the predominant

one in western Music until the Baroque era or slightly earlier. The

development of more complex and secular musical compositions,

coupled with the advent of new and better instruments created a need

for tunings designed to take advantage of these developments. These

newer tunings were based upon perfect, mathematically intervals. It

should be noted that equal temperament tunings were not adopted

because they were considered to sound superior in any way to just

tempered ones. They were adopted for expediency in using new

instruments and playing in certain keys that didn’t work well with the

older, purer intonations. Equal tempered tunings have supplanted

Pythagorean tunings almost entirely in the western Music tradition.

There is much more information in the just versus equal intonation

discussion. The material provided here is the bare minimum, distilled

for your quick assimilation.

This knowledge is significant and beckons us to explore its mysteries.

Pythagorean tuning naturally is more harmonious and better reflects

the higher aspects of music clearer than any mathematical tuning

system can. Music played using this intonation has a more beneficial

effect upon us on many different levels. Its effects range from more

calming and meditative to more uplifting and expanding. The purer

whole tones inherent in this natural system can be beneficial to our

harmonious existence. Modern intervals are what we have become

accustomed to because it is used almost exclusively in all Classical,

Jazz, Rock, Blues, Folk, Reggae, etc. Music. However if we find Music

and listen to music we enjoy, played in just intonation, we begin to Copyright Geoffrey Fenton Hoebbel, 2010http://www.soularastrology.com

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notice a subtle but real effect. It is beyond the scope of this work to

explain why this is so. Remember that music, at its root, is vibration.

Instruments using whole tone intervals vibrate at a rate more

synchronous and harmonious as a channel between the Above and

Below. Related to this notion is the Harmony of the Spheres, which

should be considered as being real and not hypothetical. Compare

music that uses Pythagorean and equal tempered intonation and judge

for your self, enlightened reader. Equal tempered pieces have been

likened to the auditory equivalent of a caffeine jolt, especially when

compared to just intonation compositions.

So, where do we find such Music for ourselves? Here are a few ideas to

get you started: Traditional Japanese koto Music, Javanese gamelan

Music, ethnic folk Music that uses ancient instruments, Native

American flute Music, modern Music that has been composed and

played in various just intonations.

It is realistic that personal time and consumer availability constraints

may prevent some from finding/listening to music from the

aforementioned genres. If you find that this is the case there is

another alternative. Find Classical and New Age pieces (Apollonian)

possessing an elemental theme or feel to them. If you are unbalanced

in one area use a piece of music from that element for a boost.

Conscious listening is crucial for this type of exercise to be effective.

Also find pieces that stimulate a particular emotion where you need

attunement or purification. It is feasible to create a daily regimen of

music that could stimulate you in the morning, purify you after a long

day of work, then relax and attune you before sleep. Stay away, for

awhile, as much as possible, from rock, pop, jazz, disco, reggae,

country, etc (Dionysian). Replace that type of music in your life with

something from the just tunings or Classic/New Age genres. Proceed Copyright Geoffrey Fenton Hoebbel, 2010http://www.soularastrology.com

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at a moderate pace if you have any difficulties.

Hopefully this material will provoke some thought and spark some

discussion too. Consider this piece as nothing more than an

introduction to a vast subject. Check the bibliography to delve deeper

into this subject’s speculative and practical sides. Know Thyself!

Bibliography

The Pythagorean Sourcebook – Kenneth Sylvan Guthrie

The Nature of Music – Maureen McCarthy Draper

Cosmic Music – Joscelyn Godwin

Sounding the Inner Landscape – Kay Gardner

The Healing Energies of Music – Hal A. Lingerman

Touches of Sweet Harmony – S.K. Heninger Jr.

Harmonies of Heaven and Earth – Joscelyn Godwin

Mystery of the Seven Vowels – Joscelyn Godwin


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About Soular Astrology

Soular Astrology, based in Cincinnati Ohio, is a medieval astrology

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You are invited to explore the articles and training materials on our

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About The Author

Geoffrey Fenton Hoebbel is a Medieval astrologer, teacher, writer and lecturer who studied under the incomparable Latinist, medieval scholar, and astrologer, Robert Zoller.

He has built on his many years of award-winning teaching and classroom innovation, marked by his creative approach to curriculum design and program delivery, to utilize new media technology to facilitate an interactive educational experience. His knowledge of pod casting, on-demand-video lessons, download documentation, on-line research projects, real-time mentoring via Skype and peer-to-peer discussion forums translates to a robust, interactive experience for his astrology students and clients. Geoffrey is known for his ability and willingness to mentor students through collaborative working relationships.

Geoffrey Fenton Hoebbel has a life-long enthusiasm for teaching; and by combining his passion for medieval astrology, metaphysical knowledge and his synthesis of teaching skills has attracted a loyal audience of those who wish to pursue the study of astrology while taking part in a unique educational experience. A prolific writer, who has authored numerous lectures and training materials on astrology, He is in constant demand as a featured speaker at conferences and workshops, lecturing on such diverse subjects as Shamanism, Lucid Dreaming, Spiritual Applications of Music and more.

Hoebbel’s linguistic teaching career has been driven by his life-long passion for communication. He has shared his curiosity, sensitivity and appreciation of world culture with his students by teaching introductory courses of German, Latin, French, Italian, Spanish and Chinese.

In addition to being a graduate of the University of Cincinnati’s Bachelor of Science in Education and Master’s Degree in Educational Administration programs, Hoebbel has been a life-long student of various mystery schools and their esoteric traditions. He completed the ICES (International College of Esoteric Studies) metaphysical course in 1997. Geoffrey is also a Licensed Massage Therapist, Crystal Healer, Reiki Master and an amateur musician who plays several instruments. Geoffrey also studied modern astrology under his gifted friend, Phil Meade.


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34678151 intunewcosmos update v4

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