The Cosmic Octave and Spirals of Fifths

This CD combines 3 different elements:

1. Tibetan bowls reflecting the frequencies of the planets
2. Different instruments producing linear harmonics playing a spiral of perfect 5th intervals, and
3. The appropriate INNER SOUND motif using the same instruments as the 2nd element.

"Cosmic Alignment" contains 42 tracks grouped in series of 3's - 14 in all.

The first track in each series introduces the first element - Tibetan bowls. The 2nd track provides a counterpoint to the Tibetan bowls, using linear harmonics and the perfect 5th interval. The 3rd track introduces a motif to complement and integrate the effect of the first 2 tracks.

1. Tibetan Bowls

Swiss free-lance scientist Hans Cousto calculated the frequencies used for choosing these bowls. He presents his study of the origin of harmony in his 1988 book, Die Tone Der kosmichen Oktave (The Cosmic Octave).

Earth, for example, is the frequency of the 24 hour cycle of the earth day. Moon (sinoidal) is the frequency of the number of days the moon takes to circle the earth calculated from the earth rather than from the sun or another point in the galaxy. The Year tone or OM equals the 365 day cycle of the earth around the sun. Hopi is the frequency the Hopi Indians say that the heart chakra swings on. Platonic is the frequency representing the 28,400 year cycle it takes the earth to pass through the galaxy.

Using Earth to demonstrate how he calculated his frequencies, Cousto took 24 hours and converted them into Hertz (1 Hert equals 1 cycle per second.): 24 x 60 x 60 = 86,400 seconds in a day. Then, he divided 1 by 86,400 for the number of Herz, 1.157407E-5. Since a musical octave is based on the ratio of 2:1, he multiplied this frequency by 2 until he arrived to a value that would be in the third octave of the piano. Each bowl track contains bowls from various octaves of the frequency shown in the chart.

The importance of this element is the breaking effect that the sound of the bowls has on the organism. Cousto's work merely provides an easy frame of reference for working with them.

There is a large body of empirical studies from diverse sources that validate the relationship between these frequencies and the attributes indicated below.

2. Linear harmonics and spirals of perfect 5ths

Linear harmonics are whole number multiples of the fundamental frequency in any note produced by the voice, woodwinds, brass or stringed instruments. Non-linear harmonics are unpredictable and are produced by Tibetan and crystal bowls, digeridu, gongs, bells or drums.

Non-linear harmonic, in this case Tibetan bowls, break up blockages in the organism whereas linear harmonics, produced by the other sounds on the CD, create a harmonizing and balancing effect.

Cousto focused on the octave that is the distance between the first and 2nd linear harmonics for his calculations of the cosmic frequencies.

A perfect 5th interval is the distance between the 2nd and 3rd linear harmonics, the 3rd harmonic being 1 ½ times the frequency of the 2nd harmonic. A spiral of 5ths is a series of 12 ascending perfect 5th intervals.

In the 2nd track of each series a spiral of 5ths, begun on Cousto's frequencies, is used to integrate the movement begun by the bowls.

3. INNER SOUND Motif

INNER SOUND (1978 USA) is an original system of sound and Therapeutic Music created by Arden Wilken. The heart of INNER SOUND is 50 musical motifs Arden developed, each one creating a specific effect on the organism.

The third track in each series is the appropriate INNER SOUND Motif, played in perfect fifths, that enhances the effect of the first 2 tracks. In tracks 2 and 3 the 2 notes that make up the perfect fifth interval alternate right-left for greater balancing effect.

Although the CD is mixed for use with headphones, it can also be used through speakers.

How to use: To work with the desired attribute, listen to all 3 tracks in the series. Listen to the entire CD for a global effect on the organism.

Journey Through the Chakras

Three pioneers in sound and energy work take you on a journey through the 7 major chakras to help you find your own unique, dynamic balance.

Michele Averard: Tibetan Bowls, Mayan Drums, Flute and Bamboo Flute, Rain Stick, Wooden Stick, Sleigh Bells, Monochord, Koto, Vocal Sounds

Nestor Kornblum: Mongolian Throat Chanting, Ocean Drum, Didjeridu, Vocal Sounds, Tibetan Bowls Overtone Singing

Arden Wilken: Primordial Sound, Wind and Space Sound, Oboe, Harp, Vocal Sounds, Vibraphone