How many times have we stopped & listened to sounds & music that touched our hearts & stirred our imaginings? Have you noticed how certain sounds resonate in ways that heal & create feelings of well being & harmony? Sound healing is a form of vibrational healing which works on the energy system of the body in ways similar to Homoeopathy, Crystal Healing, Energy Healing & Flower Essences to name a few.Knowledge of healing via sound is found in sacred mystical texts & healing traditions from diverse societies of cultures around the world. Many cultures recognize the importance of music and sound as a sacred healing tool. In ancient India, Asia, Africa, Europe, and among the Aboriginals and native Americans, the practice of using sound to heal and achieve balance has existed for centuries. The Australian Aboriginals and Native American shamans use vocal toning and repetitive sounds, along with various instruments created from nature, in sacred ceremony to adjust any imbalance of the spirit, emotions or physical being. The priests of ancient Egypt knew how to use vowel sounds to resonate their energy centers or chakras. The Hindus, Budhists and yogis all used chant and specific sounds as mantras to reach union or oneness. Listed below is information on several of the instruments used in our Sacred Sound Circles. Kali although not a musicial has been collecting instruments and healing tools for many years. In some of the circles you get to experience palying these instruments for yourself. YAHA glady will accept donations of any old or unused instruments for this purpose.

TIBETAN SINGING BOWLS AND BELLS
The Tibetans still use bells, chimes, bowls, and chanting as the foundation of their spiritual practice. It is said that Tibetan singing bowls are forged with a prayer in every hammer blow, infusing them with a million prayers of pure intention for the highest good.Since the time of the historical Buddha Shakyamuni (560 - 489 B.C.E.) the harmonics of singing bowls have been used to induce meditation and assist spiritual seekers to the state of
enlightenment.Previously used in Tibet for meditation and ceremonial purposes. According to tradition, the bowls are made, in ceremony, of seven metals: one metal for each of the planets:Gold the Sun, Silver the Moon, Mercury for Mercury, Copper for Venus, Iron for Mars, Tin for Jupiter, and Lead for Saturn. It is believed that either wondering nomads made the bowls or they were made within the Tibetan monasteries themselves. Since the Chinese invasion of Tibet, the bowl makers have seemed to disappear, until recently! Dragon bowls and Om bowls are now being made by Tibetan refugees in a monastery in Nepal. These bowls are burned, then etched in beautiful designs.

Tibetan Singing Bowls are struck with a padded mallet or rubbed around the rim with a playing mallet to produce a fascinating blend of harmonic resonances and rich overtones.Tibetan singing bowls create a hauntingly - almost other worldly - sound when played they sing with a complex harmonic.It has been found that among the wave patterns of different singing bowls there is a measurable wave pattern which is equivalent to the alpha waves produced by the brain. These bowls instill a sense of deep relaxation and "inner space opening up" and invoke a deep state of relaxation which naturally assists one in entering into meditation, the ultimate goal being enlightenment. They are a quintessential aid to meditation, and can be found on private Buddhist altars, and in temples, monasteries and meditation halls throughout the world.

TIBETAN SINGING BELLS
The Ghanta and Dorje are the principle ritual objects of Tantric Buddhism. As with all objects connected with Tibetan Buddhism, they are highly symbolic.Dharma tools are individually hand-crafted and tuned, and made of a five-metal bronze alloy according to an ancient formula.The Ghanta, or "Drilbu" in Tibetan, is a ritual handbell symbolic of wisdom. Dorje is Tibetan for indestructible diamond scepter, and is symbolic of compassion. Together, the Ghanta and Dorje symbolize the perfect union of wisdom and compassion necessary to achieve enlightenment.The Ghanta can be played by ringing, as each has a clapper suspended inside, or by rubbing around the rim with a stick. A metallurgical analysis, done by the British Museum in London, reveals that the instruments are made of a 12-metal alloy consisting of silver, nickel, copper, zinc, antimony, tin, lead, cobalt, bismuth, arsenic, cadmium and iron. Now a lost art, it appears that the highest quality of bell & bowls cannot be reproduced today.

SACRED SINGING GONG
In Bali, the gong and drum are used in ceremonies to uplift and to send messages. The gong is mentioned in writings during the 6th century in the time of the Emperor Hsuan Wu, originating in the country of His Yu in the western area in what was the Jang Kingdom between Tibet and Burma. Evidence suggests that gongmaking was known as early as 3000BC and ancient alchemy sources put the gong as far out as 16000BC. The major gong centers of the world are China, Burma, Java, Indonesia, and Turkey. Communities of gongmakers exist in Sumatra, Thailand, Korea, Japan, Vietnam, Tibet, and India. Gongmaking was known to the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, Persians, Mongols, and Uighers. Today the alloy formula of a gong is called B-20 which means 80% copper and 20% tin. Sacred Gongmakers use an alloy recipe, which may contain 70-80% copper and 20-30% tin, with the addition of silver, lead, nickel, iron, zinc, or meteorite depending upon the tradition of the gongmaking. Sacred Gongs are hand made of hammered metal, these beautifully crafted gongs are deeply therapeutic, works of art and alchemy. Each gong represents the soul of the gong maker, receiving its shape and sound from hammer blows, each and every pound of the hammer is a strike toward sound perfection.These hand made symphonic quality gongs come from generations of experienced gong masters who deeply understand the art of gong making. They are of the finest quality representing the instruments highest possible standard. Every gong is made to exacting specifications; their rich resonance, unique sound signature and responsiveness speak to the exceptional quality of these instruments. Gongs resonate with powerful, positive healing energy.The mysterious sounds and overtones created by these gongs have been venerated for thousands of years. In ancient times the gong was considered to have magical power and was used for healing the sick. The soul of the person was believed to be empowered by being touched by the gong. Another use of the gong in the far East was to send messages and signals, similar to the use of the drum in Africa or the ocarinas in South America. When played properly, the gong produces a whole spectrum of harmonics that are based on pressure waves. As the gong playing commences you at first hear soft throaty gong sounds & as you listen carefully, you become aware of the many tones within one sound. The sounds become louder & louder, & washes over & around you much as you would imagine the roar of a waterfall. When the gong sings Kundalini energy is released and travels upwards along the spine through the body. When this occurs you may experience twitching muscles or even some discomfort if there are is stuck energy trapped in the meridians.The gong sound vibrates the energy meridians in the body and brings them into balance. Gong sounding can be used to rebalance the physical, emotional and spiritual bodies. It is an excellent therapy for stress related issues, depression, fatigue, anger and hostility, feeling of separation and loneliness, and all kinds of fears along with many other conditions related to lack of balance and harmony in the body.

Many steps of gong making are shrouded in mystery - the composition of the metal, the final tuning, the timing of the different phases. One big mystery is how the sound of the gong matures over many years. Before striking the gong, it should be tapped lightly several times to begin the vibration. Striking the gong in different places creates different sounds, depending on the overtones present. All of these gongs are hand-hammered. One can distinguish three types of gongs according to their physical features : Flat gongs with a straight and rigid body. Clear sound. Convex gongs, of greater size, with a supple wall. Convex gongs with knob, stronger wall. Sound of a definite pitch.

Yogi Bahjan has this to say about the Sacred Singing Gong the Sacred Gong." The Gong is the spirit song. It is the primal whisper of the soul. Its sound is the echo of the Original Word that created the world, the sound within all sounds. Listen with outer and inner ears. Feel its pulsations and let the millions of vibrations dance and flow through your senses. You will become fearless, relaxed and awakened. The ancients sought this experience on the tops of mountains and at the sacred places. The voice of God would thunder in spectacular strokes of lightning. The clap of thunder-Bang! Shatter! Roll!. Echo!-stopped all thought, stripped away pretense, shook loose the deepest fears, and rejuvenated the nervous system. It created strength, peace and healing. The gong is that sound. It is the flash of inner light. The mallet is the will of the Infinite, the gong the creation, and the sound is the spirit song, the heartbeat of the soul. "The Gong is the first and last instrument for the human mind. There is only one thing that can supersede and command the human mind-the sound of the Gong. It is the first sound in the universe, the sound that created this universe. It is the basic creative sound. To the mind, the sound of the gong is like a mother and father that gave it birth. The mind has no power to resist a gong that is well played."

SINGING QUARTZ CRYSTAL BOWLS
There is has long been known that there is a direct link between different parts of the body and specific sounds. Such a technique appears extremely old, yet healing through sound goes back even further, at least as far back as Atlantis, where the power of sound was combined with the power of crystal. In fact, some people today still refer to the crystal singing bowls as being Atlantean crystal bowls. At the present time, the Native American Hopi prophecy is being fulfilled with the "Coming of the Rainbow People", through the keepers of the crystal bowls. This ancient wisdom has emerged to heal and uplift the consciousness of the universe through pure crystal tone. Edgar Cayce, the American psychic, and Rudolf Steiner, German philosopher, educator and artistic genius, both predicted that "pure tones will be used for healing before the end of this century". Nostradamus foretold the healing of cancer through pure tone by 1998. The pure tones created by crystal bowl music enter as a fulfillment of this prophecy.

Today continued honouring of the ancient wisdom combined with exploration of the new technical & sacred sciences has seen an emergence of understanding in the ways sound can be used as a powerful tool for transformation.New partnerships are continually being formed between ancient mysticism & modern science in the application of sacred sound., one of these has seen the emergence of the quartz crystal 'singing' bowl. These beautiful frosted & clear bowls are similar to the Tibetan & Japanese metal bowls in the manner they are played. Both types of bowls emit the most amazing healing vibrations. Everything in the universe is in a state of vibration, and each object or person has a resonant frequency that is their optimal vibration. The chakras, bones and organs in the body all possess a different resonant frequency. When an organ, or other part of the body, is vibrating out of tune or nonharmoniously, it is called "dis-ease". A body is in a healthy state of being when each cell and each organ create a resonance that is in harmony with the whole being.

The crystal 'singing' bowl is made of quartz & the effect upon the body & consciousness of the individual is tremendous. The electrical aspect of the quartz emanations precipitates strong responses within the crystalline structures & patterns of the human body. The human body is composed of many crystalline substances - the bones, blood and DNA are crystalline in structure, as well as the liquid crystal-colloidal structure of the brain. Even on a molecular level, our cells contain silica, which balances our electromagnetic energies.We resonate strongly with quartz energy. Quartz crystal music holds the vibration of white light, which ultimately refracts into the rainbow and acts directly on our chakras when played. It has the power to bring about a positive shift in our consciousness, and as our awareness expands, we grow in our physical form. Quartz crystal, as a holographic light template, is able to hold, transmit, and receive thoughtforms. In Healing Sounds: The Power of Harmonics (1992), Jonathan Goldman writes, "The intention behind the sound is of extreme importance. It may, in fact, be as important as the actual sounds that are created." The power of thought is the means by which we create our reality. Nothing can be created unless it is first thought. When using crystal to rebalance, the crystal amplifies the thought programmed within it. The crystal has this amazing property, and thus it can be used to bring out a special feeling or quality in people, and simultaneously release and replace thoughtforms that are not of the highest radiance for the listener.

Crystal is able to maintain the balance of electro-magnetic energies between the north and south poles. It is extremely accurate and consequently the foundation of timekeeping systems in all our contemporary watches is quartz crystal. The same electro-magnetic field exists within all life forms. Clear quartz integrates the balance in our own electro-magnetic energies.Produced by the computer industry, the quartz crystal bowl is used as a medium of intense energy to grow silicon quartz chips, which are used as an integral part - the heart - of our communication network.Each crystal bowl is made of almost 100% silicon quartz (sometimes there are infintisimal amounts of other natural minerals that were found with the quartz). They are made from crushed and powdered quartz crystals that are dropped into centrifugal force spinning container and ignited to approximately 4000 degrees centigrade. This process blends the particles. The resulting bowl is a synthesized form of absolute timbre, which is able to send out a tone one can hear for almost 2000 feet.

Aside from the technological function, the crystal bowls are powerful tools for inner communication. The crystal bowl is both a symbol & a tool of the alchemical process; a linking of ancient wisdom & new high technology creating a bridge from the past to the future.Each crystal bowl is digitally attuned to the diatonic musical scale - C, D, E, F, G, A, B which is vibrationally connected with the chakra system & in the Vedic system this means - base, sacral, solar plexus, heart, throat, third eye & crown. There are, however, other ways of understanding our bodies, auric fields & energy systems. For example there is the 12 & 13 chakra systems & the energetic layers to match. For sound to be produced, something must be vibrating and moving the air. This is easy to see when a harp string is plucked, or when you are watching a big bass drum. With crystal bowl singing bowls, the sides of the bowls are actually flexing and moving slightly in and out as they are played. You can really feel this when you place your hand on the vibrating bowl.

The sound emitted by playing the crystal bowls as musical instruments has been called the "purest tone" in the world. The vibrational frequencies of the bowls resonate with the physical body & the subtle energy field facilitating the harmonising of the heart & the mind, the physical with the spiritual. The sound induces altered states of consciousness & the body vibrates to a more refined level. When we listen to a bowl being played a predominate tone as well as a series of overtones is experienced. Understanding the importance of the overtones or harmonics is crucial to fully appreciating the transforming nature of the crystal bowls. Overtones extend much further than the human ear can follow. By understanding the ear's function we can better understand how vibration affects the entire body. We listen through our ears & also with the rest of our body. In essence we are one large antenna, with multiple sensory inputs. In the Hindu tradition they believe there are four levels of hearing or hearing senses. The first level is meaning (the physical sound - what is); second is feeling (how it affects you); third is constant awareness & the fourth is the soundless sound or sacred sound.

In all religions & philosophies concerned with the origin & general structure of the universe sacred sound is considered the basis of existence. It has been said that first there was darkness, then light, colour, & then sound & from sound form was created. Sound has always been considered a direct link between humanity & the gods. In the ancient mystery schools initiates were taught how to use sound as a creative & healing force & it has been considered the oldest form of healing. When we use even one sound to support our transformation, we are experiencing more than one tone, in reality we are experiencing a complex combination of tones. The harmonics of the crystal bowls are intense & as the pure tone impinges upon the ear, new vibrations & tones are experienced within the ear itself. These new tones are called aural harmonics & we hear frequencies that did not exist in the original sound because the ear & the human body are complex transducers. The same thing happens when we allow ourselves to open up more to our spiritual essence - we are able to experience our spiritual harmonics. This is why the music of the crystal bowls is so dynamic to use in the expansion of consciousness & feeling. The sound of quartz crystal bowls has many uses & affects.

DIDGERIDOO
The Didgeridoo is originally the instrument played by the North Australian Aborigines, mainly from around Darwin and the Arnhem Land in Northern Territory, as well as from Kimberley in Western Australia and the Gulf Country in Queensland. There are many different stories as to how the Didgeridoo came about, varying across the different Aboriginal tribes.in some tribes it is traditional that only the Aboriginal male plays the Didgeridoo during Ceremonial Dances, known to the Aboriginal people as Corroborees. It is common in other tribes for the wpomen to play and actually make the instruments. The Didgeridoo is played along with Click Sticks, which are either 'clicked' together or against the side of the Dig'. Didgeridoos are made from a hollow piece of timber, due to termites eating through the centre of the branch or trunk, which in general is Eucalyptus. The Didgeridoo varies in length and width, due to the piece of timber chosen by the player. Once the bark has been removed from the outside of the Eucalyptus, and the termites removed from the inside, the Didgeridoo is ready to be played. Often beeswax is placed over the rim of the Didgeridoo to act as a softer mouthpiece, and the Didgeridoo is painted in various Aboriginal artwork. Playing the Didgeridoo is a very complex instrument to play. Not only do you have to learn how to create the various sounds with the shape of your mouth, you also have to learn the technique of 'Circular Breathing'. Circular breathing allows you to continue to blow, whilst at the same time allowing you to breath in more air. So basically, you have to learn how to breathe in through your nose and out from your mouth at the same time. Playing is a meditation in itself. The didgeridoo in often used nowdays as a healing instument; when played over the body's energy centres it reverberates throughout the body bring vitality and balance. Its deep drone is remarkably similar to the AUM sound. It haunting sound are likened to Tibetan and Himalayan horns. Experienced players often mimik animal sounds and sounds from nature it's earthy call honours nature in all her aspects.

NATI VE AMERICAN FLUTES “The indigenous cultures of the world have always known the great importance of music as it is a world language and we can all relate to that in some way. Music has a healing effect on everyone. The Native American flute enhances this when one expresses oneself from the heart. The flutes produce soulful, earthy music which connects us to Mother Earth. Playing from the heart allows you play without fear of making a mistake as the heart does not lie. You need not fear when playing the Native American style flutes as they are tuned to a harmonious scale.

INTRODUCING WILLIE KINGI ( TWO FEATHERS )

We are honoured to introduce Willie Kingi (Two Feathers) to you. Willie is of Nagti Rereahu descent from the king country of New Zealand's north island. Willie marries the two great indigenous cultures from the land of the Long White Cloud and the indigenous people of Turtle Island. His expertly crafted flutes are instruments of enduring harmony. Willie truly honours the Tree People and each instrument is created with spiritual intent. He makes them with integrity, respect and pride. He acknowledges Mother Earth known to the Maori people as Papatuanuku. She has many children. Taane-Maahuta is one of her children. He is the God of The Forests and Birds. All living creatures of the forest are regarded as Tane’s children. The removed heart of the wood is replaced with your own heart and breath, giving it life once more and enabling it to sing again, reconnecting with Mother Earth.

Willie’s expertise in flute making is admired among flute makers and all who have the privilege to own one. For those who have played his flutes, they best describe their experience as one of awakening and bliss. All of Willie’s flutes have the hallmarks of a professional flute maker. From flutes for the beginner to those with acquired expertise, you will find one to express your song. To play one of his flutes is a meditative experience. From his conventionally styled flutes to his exquisite Branch Flutes and unique Walking Stick instruments, they all invite you to play and experience the beautiful sound and resonance of peace. As Willie prefers to have personal contact with those who purchase his flutes, you can connect with him by telephone or email and be assured of his prompt response.
Willie resides in South Australia. Phone: 08 8382 5932 Email: williekingi@internode.on.net

DRUMS

NATIVE AMERICAN, IRISH BODRHAN, INDIAN AND AFRICAN
Throughout time drumming has been a powerful instrument of healing and transformation. Medical research indicates that group drumming boosts the immune system (Larry Dossey’s Alternative Therapies-January, 2001) and increases cancer-killing (NK) cells which help the body combat not only cancer but other viruses, including AIDS (Barry Bittman, M.D.). Brief heartbeat drumming is shown to reduce stress, to focus attention with Alzheimer’s patients, to end trauma with war veterans, to help addicts in recovery from drug and alcohol abuse and to enhance self-esteem with homeless and prison populations. Drumming also promotes team-building and is empowering for all populations.Primordial rhythmic drumming, expressive forms of music and spontaneous movement are powerful therapeutic tools.The method of shifting ones aspect or mood through music or constant rhythm is used automatically by people when they turn on their own stereo. It has been scientifically proven that plants flourish when exposed to classical music and wither under the enthusiasm of heavy metal music. Drum healing is simply another tool of vibrational medicine.
Traditional societies have always used these simple techniques to heal and transform patients and individuals emotionally, mentally, and physically. Drumming can help health professionals, practitioners, and others cultivate harmony, cooperation, and self-awareness in a stress-free, healing and supportive environment. You can combine the effects of a drums rythmic healing qualities with prayers and or affirmations to address specific mental, emotional, and physical conditions. Drumming can transmute destructive thoughts, attitudes and belief systems and help cleanse the soul and awaken our consciousness. The Bodhran and theNative American Plains drum, are open on one side. We see these drums as being the heartbeat of the Mother, that continuous pulse of life. It is the constant reassurance of the heart beat in the womb reenacted through the constant beat and vibration of the drum, the life force moving along the body. That low constant earth vibration has the ability to shift, move, and soothe any blockages. The open end of the drum is held a few inches above the body as it follows the main meridians. Generally starting at the base of the spine tracing the pathway up to the head, and back down the spine to the legs.

It may be used as a diagnostic tool also, as its tone changes when blockages are found while scanning the body. (I.e. running the drum along the length of the body), specifically along the main meridian points. The speed and volume of the beat is determined by the energetic need of the body. A calming steady beat around the heart is always used to keep the patient steady and relaxed. A more robust beat is often used around the feet to feed the persons energy. The drum is held close to the body so that the patient can feel the massage-like effect that the rhythm\sound has on the body, mind and emotions. Each individual Drum has a relationship with the player and with the spirit of the animal used to create it each have their own gifts to impart. Drumming is a beautyiful way of healing, gentle though deely grounding whilst having the ability to work on all aspects of being. Drumming restores harmony through the reconnection to the beat of our own hearts.

Elfen Chimes

Chimes are individual hand crafted energy chime bars made in Byron Bay. The wooden base blocks are Australian Silver Ash with a special alloy chime suspended from it, producing a pure silvery tone which resonates for up to 30 seconds. The sound vibrations emitted by these energy chimes are rich in natural harmonics, which are the healing component of music, triggering alertness, concentration and deep relaxation. Because the human ear is the organ of balance as well as hearing, it is connected by nerve pathways to every part of the body. Based on this principle, sound massage has an emotional impact on the listener and is a simple and yet very effective way to relax, balance and de-stress.
When played together in intuitive combinations, they emit intriguing sound pulsations. These harmonics surround you in a cocoon of sound, causing the atoms in your body to resonate with these vibrations, dissolving the apparent solidness of your physical body and any energy blockages you may have. In this deep state of relaxation, you are realigning both your physical and light bodies with the Universal Resonance.
Chakra Chimes
Elfen Chakra Chimes are individual hand crafted energy chime bars, available in the colors of the rainbow or in natural wood. They are tuned to the scale of C major, which are most widely accepted as the chakra frequencies, although there are several systems. They can be used for chakra balancing, energy clearing and a deeply relaxing sound massage. Each chime may be placed on the corresponding chakra or gently moved through the aura. The incredible resonance of the energy chimes helps to focus the mind in meditation.

Tubular Bells Melodic pentatonic harmonics, almost like Bali's Gamelon and can sound- reminiscent to church bells. These beautiful bell-like sounds are obtained from tuned metal tubes. (similar to this photo). They are commonly referred to as bells or chimes. The set of hollow vertical pipes is suspended at the top of the pipes by thin wire. Each pipe is struck with hammers on the top part of the chime. The three lowest modes of vibration of a chime tube have frequencies with ratios 2:3:4. The ear perceives this as the pitch one octave below the fundamental by the missing fundamental effect. Other overtones depart from this approximate linear set of harmonics and help give the chime its unique sound. There are end plugs which are said to add to the sustain of the tone and to damp out high harmonics. The end plug helps to lower the frequencies of the first few modes, but has little effect on higher modes. The tubular bells are able to transort you to a beautiful space of deep peace.

Shruti Box

YAMAHA KEYBOARD SYNTHESIZER

This is my latest baby !Oh how I love it- I just lay my fingers on the keys and divine music streams forth. Spirit is so happy with this purchase as it is the ultimate channeling vehicle for music- at least for me it is. It is much like painting a picture just with sound- but also with colour and light streaming behind my closed eyes. This is a sacred tool for me thank you Yamaha. With this keyboard I can both channel play and record groups and individual clients soul music. This can take you into great depths of meditation.
Good link for more info on sacred sound instruments.
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