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Seed Sounds for Tuning the Chakras

Vowels, Consonants, and Syllables for Spiritual Transformation

Published by Destiny Books
Distributed by Simon & Schuster

About The Book

Using the Sacred Alphabet--the universal sounds of all languages--sound-healing teacher James D’Angelo explores the intimate connections between vowel, consonant, and syllable combinations, each of the 7 chakras, and their corresponding psychological traits. He explains, for example, how the vowel sound “uh” connects to the root chakra and is found in such words as “support” and “trust,” words deeply linked to the emotional character of this chakra. Revealing the voice as the master instrument for transformation--attested by the spiritual traditions that use chanting as an aid to enlightenment--he provides an extensive selection of vocal exercises to re-tune and purify each chakra and dissipate any related negative states as well as exercises that incorporate multiple chakras for general well-being. The accompanying 66-minute CD guides you through each exercise and the proper toning of each chakra’s sounds. In uniting these sacred seed sounds with their corresponding chakras and psychologies, the author shows how you can enhance the power of these syllables and purposefully harness them for healing, states of deep meditation, and spiritual development. By bringing you closer to the voice of the Absolute, your own voice can be the conduit to the blissful union the soul so deeply desires.

Excerpt

Chapter 12
Toning Practices for the Chakras


A human being can be likened to a fine musical instrument that must be kept in good condition. In order for a piano to project its beautiful sounds, it has to be tuned regularly and as well as possible. As all of creation is in a state of vibration, with myriad frequencies, it follows that the principle of resonance is a fundamental modality for healing, using sympathetic vibrations that mirror what is to be healed. The object is to get the receiver, in this case the chakras, to recognize their sonic nature by sending out specific frequencies to which they will attune. This process is a kind of vocal homeopathy based on the principle that “like cures like.”

The most effective and immediate resonator we have is the voice. However, the chief obstacle in using the voice as the resonator is the very thing we want to alter--our psychology. There are many who are not comfortable with their voices or their breathing and are reluctant to make sounds other than ordinary speech. In such cases it is necessary to overcome the limiting idea that they cannot be self-empowering, and thus self-healing. While it is helpful to work with an alternative health practitioner at times, it is more effective to take control of the healing process on a daily basis through toning. The way through the obstacle lies in the heart’s desire for change, and with that the suspension of judgment about one’s voice. When the intent is sincere, the real self responds. For it is not the quality or power of the voice that matters, but a great desire for change. When that is present, the chakra will respond no matter how inadequate the voice might seem to be.

Toning the Consonants

The consonants L, V, R, Y, H, S, K, and M are drawn largely from the seed syllables of tantric yoga. The L through H consonants are extracted from the first five tantric syllables for the chakras, as explained in chapter 3. The S and K have been intuitively assigned to the brow and crown chakras, respectively. The M has great power as the concluding sound of all the seeds. The aim of using these consonants as sound entities in their own right is to gain more of their healing juices. It is comparable to extracting the vitamins and minerals from foods to obtain a concentrated form.

The practices with the consonants are described as sound rituals because the word ritual is derived from the Sanskrit word rita, meaning “universal order and harmony.” These rituals can be done for their own sake and benefit but will also help to intensify the consonant when used as part of the complete tantric yoga seed. The consonants, like consorts, are the complementary aspect to the vowels for toning the chakras. They are not refined like the vowels with their overtones, but they are effective in their power to cut through deep-rooted impediments.

The following ways of toning the consonants are twofold, one that includes movements and sometimes a concluding sound, and one quite similar to that of toning the vowels. The movements created for this toning are to inspire, encourage, and direct the intention of the ritual.

Ritual for Toning the L Consonant (Root Chakra)

The meridians within the human body as given in Chinese medicine have two major channels. The yin channel starts at the perineum, travels up the front of the body, and ends at the tip of the tongue. The yang channel begins at the same place, goes up through the spine into the brain, and ends at the roof of the mouth. These two circuits can be linked by placing the tip of the tongue to the mouth’s roof. The whole circuit is sometimes called the “microcosmic orbit.” This is exactly what happens when the L, pronounced as AL, EL, or UL, is sounded. The tongue’s tip rises up to meet the mouth’s roof. Thus it is possible to circulate the energy around the microcosmic orbit while engaged in this ritual. The pulsations will be done on the sound of UL as in “ultimate.” Do it slowly so each UL takes about four seconds. Imagine the tongue to be a shovel digging into the earth as it moves to the roof of the mouth. L represents the earth element. As follows:

ULLL ULLL ULLL ULLL and so on (LAH)

With Movement

Take a standing position with one foot slightly forward and the other off to the side, so that the two feet almost create a 90-degree angle. While pulsating the L sound, bend over the front leg as though you want to scoop up some earth. Bend forward only as far as your body will allow. Take the earth in your hands and lift it up. As your hands reach the level of the face, turn them over so that the earth falls out. Carry the hands on up above the head, palms facing the heavens on either side of the body. At this point the pulsation phase ends and a LAH is produced on a descending sliding sound to the bottom of your voice. During this slide, let the hands come down in a circular motion and stop in front of the genitals. Here hold a small ball of energy with your hands. This is the active part of a cycle.

While in this passive position holding the ball, very quietly and slowly pulsate the L to yourself. It is under the breath like a kind of muttering. At this point the microcosmic orbit can be put into practice. That is, hold the tongue in place at the roof of the mouth and experience a flow of energy beginning with the eyes, moving down the front of the body to the tailbone and then up the spine and into the head. One circuit equals one sounding of UL.

About The Author

James D'Angelo, Ph.D. is an American musician, composer, educator, and workshop leader based in the United Kingdom. Since 1992 he has developed and led therapeutic sound and movement workshops in Great Britain, Europe, and the United States, and he is considered an authority on sound healing therapies.

Product Details

  • Publisher: Destiny Books (August 22, 2012)
  • Length: 128 pages
  • ISBN13: 9781594774607

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Raves and Reviews

“James D’Angelo has created an intriguing journey into the realm of using self-created sounds for healing and transformation. Well written and finely researched, this book features unique material on the creative sources of sound, as well as exercises and recorded examples on how to apply this information. Seed Sounds for Tuning the Chakras is a fine addition to the library of anyone interested in this fascinating subject.”

– Jonathan Goldman, author of Chakra Frequencies and Healing Sounds and director of the Sound Healers

“As sound pioneer, concert musician, music philosopher, and conduit of the perennial wisdom, James D’Angelo is a refreshingly original communicator. Ever since I first heard him, 25 years ago, enchant his audience with a thoroughly engaging presentation of sound healing, I realized that here is a man who walks his talk. James’s passionate, humble, humorous, and scholarly dedication to the transforming art of sound and voice is celebrated on every page of Seed Sounds for Tuning the Chakras. It’s a spiritual adventure with your voice, with an inventive range of vocal exercises--accessible for everyone--that are both playful and profound. I encourage all my voice students and friends dedicated to the evolution of consciousness through sound to discover the healing properties of Seed Sounds for Tuning the Chakras.”

– Chloe Goodchild, founder of the Naked VoiceFoundation and Training Program and author of The Naked V

“James D’Angelo’s Seed Sounds for Tuning the Chakras is an excellent resource for exploring fundamental methodology of using voice for toning exercises and chakra attunements. James’ manner of explaining the background and method of working with the chakras is a pleasing mix of traditional wisdom and contemporary insight. His introduction includes an exceptional, concise treatise on the nature of human existence, and an endearing exploration into the interrelationship between sound and matter, name and form, across traditions. His word play while naming chakra characteristics is insightful and articulate. His accompanying audio tracks adequately demonstrate the many vowel, consonant, breath, and seed sounds he utilizes in his many explanations and exercises.”

– Zacciah Blackburn, Ph.D., director of The Center of Light institute of Sound Healing and Shamanic St

“James’s passionate, humble, humorous, and scholarly dedication to the transforming art of sound and voice is celebrated on every page of Seed Sounds for Tuning the Chakras. It’s a spiritual adventure with your voice, with an inventive range of vocal exercises--accessible for everyone--that are both playful and profound.”

– Chloe Goodchild, founder of the Naked Voice Training Program

“This author, a musician and sound-healing therapist, provides spiritual insight along with detailed techniques for revitalizing the soul with sound...The free 66-minute audio tracks make it easy for everyone to begin using sound for spiritual development and healing.”

– Anna Jedrziewski, Retailing Insight, October 2012

Seed Sounds for Tuning the Chakras is a book to return to again and again in your own quest for using sound for meditation and healing.”

– Sound Travels, November 2012

Seed Sounds for Tuning the Chakras: Vowels, Consonants, and Syllables for Spiritual Transformation pairs 66-minutes of audio tracks with a practical guide to using the Sacred Alphabet and comes from a sound-healing teacher who considers connections between the 7 chakras and vowel, consonant and syllable combinations. His descriptions embrace psychological and spiritual insights as well, showing how to harness the power of sound in the healing process and how to use them in deep meditation. A ‘must’ for any music, new age and alternative healing collection!”

– Midwest Book Review, November 2012

“James D’Angelo is one of those writers whose love of sound and all things musical resonates through his prose making it a delight to read. His new book, complete with demonstration audio tracks, offers a practice that is a delight to do, tuning oneself as a spiritual instrument, an inner adventure that is also a ritual pathway to healing and transformation through the vibratory powers of vowels and consonants.”

– Grethe Hooper Hansen, former head of The Society for Affective Learning and co-founder of Early Chil

“D’Angelo reveals a universe which begins in primordial sound, and in which one can learn to vocalize in resonance with the vibration of that Divine sound. This resonance can be enlightenment itself, and it can allow one to be a source of Divine expression in the world. For those seeking practices that will make a real difference in one’s spiritual unfoldment, I highly recommend this book.”

– Metaguide, January 2013

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