Healing with Sound

Healing Through Sound

Frequency is everything, and everything is frequency. We have known this since Einstein’s Theory of Special Relativity, which elegantly illustrates the nature of the substance by which the fabrics of reality are woven together. Our individual approach to interfacing with this magnificent energetic symphony is what defines the quality of our lives, and this individual approach is determined by frequency.  Therefore, we can essentially write this symphony while we listen.  Our mind, our body, and our perception of the world can literally be shaped to our own design through sound, light, and other stimuli. Just imagine the possibilities! We all know this at some level, but the implications often escape us. Fortunately, there is a whole field of science dedicated to the study and application of frequencies as they impact mental and emotional states. Since its conception, Brainwave Entrainment has been nothing short of revolutionary.

What is Entrainment?

In physics, Entrainment is the process by which autonomous oscillating systems become synchronized over time when coupled.  As if by magic, one swinging pendulum might appear to speed up to match its counterpart, while the other appears to slow down as they match frequencies in the middle. Christian Huygens, the Dutch physicist who invented the pendulum clock, discovered the principle of entrainment while observing two of his mounted clocks as they began to swing with the same rhythm, time after time. Physicists attribute this phenomenon to the small transference of energy between systems, forcing synchronization as the weaker systems are entrained by the stronger.  Since its discovery, this phenomenon has been observed throughout the natural world, across the arts and sciences. In the insect kingdom, it can be found in the rhythm of chirping crickets, flashing fireflies, or in the flight tones of mosquitos, who synchronize wing-beat frequencies in response to each other within seconds. Among fish and birds, waves of air, sound, or water appear to play an essential role in maintaining formations and avoiding collisions. In Biomusicology, entrainment arises in the synchronization of organisms to external rhythms. In Chronobiology, it is observed in the alignment of circadian rhythms to natural cycles. In Engineering  it appears in the entrapment of one substance by another. In Hydrodynamics, it is found in the movement of one fluid by another. Colour, line, form, and composition in abstract art measurably and predictably influence emotions in its viewers, as illustrated by Melcher and Bacci’s Review “Perception of Emotion in Abstract Artwork: A Multidisciplinary Approach.” In Electroencephalography, this phenomenon is used to entrain brainwaves to a desired frequency through auditory, tactile, or visual stimuli. Extensive research has been done into this phenomenon across all living things. Some speculate that it may in fact be essential to life itself.

Our Part in The Song and Dance of the Spheres

The heavenly bodies offer so much. Not only does each magnificent sphere carry its dance through the Universe’s dazzling choreography, each sings its precious tune in a glorious cosmic symphony, of which we are a part. Between these singing beacons of divine majesty, we are both observers and performers. Like the corpus callosum between the left and right hemispheres of the brain, we are the bridge between dream and the creation, macrocosm and microcosm, subject and object, order and chaos, Newtonian and quantum physics. To some, we are made in the image of our Creator.  To others, we arise spontaneously, tested against the pressures of natural selection. Both realities cohabitate the same space. However the ultimate answers may look, it is evident that we are mortal expressions of an immortal structure, experiencing itself subjectively, and are intimately connected to every other finite fiber of our infinite and boundless whole.  By our very nature, we reconcile extremes, walking a central path with a hand in each world. Perhaps consciousness itself is the product of this journey, and arises out of the friction between Yin and Yang.  Perhaps the Universe itself blossomed from the void in response to a kind of collision between dimensions. Like the bow upon the string, giving rise to the cello’s sweet and somber song. The Human mind has offered many insights into the sonic origins of this playground of possibility. The Bible spoke of the word of God, The Hindu’s told of the Drum of Shiva, and the Bhuddists call it Om. J.R.R. Tolkien credited the creation of his world to the “Music of the Ainur.” In so many cases, sound appears to be the primary medium through which the world springs into form.

So…how is any of this helpful?

What reason does a child have to prefer one color over another? If you ask them to provide a reason, they are likely to describe the feeling it gives them, or something to the effect of, “I just like it.” Of course, maybe their favorite color reminds them of the sky on a warm, summer day, or the dress of their favorite fairy, yet even these fond associations are exemplified by frequencies governing emotional states. Whether we’re feeling delighted, anxious, or sorrowful, these states can be measured at the level of frequency by observing brainwaves. In result, research has provided us with a wealth of data outlining specific frequencies associated with emotions, thoughts, and physical states by association. This is where Brainwave Entrainment comes in.
There are many ways to induce specific brainwave patterns (mental and emotional states) through entrainment, and subsequently train the brain to produce them on command. The most common (arguably the most effective) means of inducing specific brainwaves is through sound. However, many brainwave frequencies are far too low to be detected by the human ear when translated into pure sound, so the frequency must be synthesized another way. Binaural beats produce the desired brainwave frequency by creating an interference pattern between two different audible tones, played through headphones. Our brains make sense of this dissonance by emphasizing the overlap, making it possible for us to actually hear otherwise inaudible frequencies. For example, if we play 100 Hz in one ear, and 110 Hz in the other, our brains will translate it into 10 Hz, which we hear as a kind of “wobble.” This incredibly low frequency would otherwise be completely inaudible. Monaural beats achieve the same effect by combining two tones externally, creating the audible “wobble” sound. Isochronic Tones produce the effect by playing the desired frequency at a higher octave, pulsing or “beeping”at its associated rhythm in BPM. If you get an EEG (electroencephalogram), you will actually hear your brainwaves translated into audible sound in real-time. In response to this, our brains essentially “tune” themselves to their optimum state. If this EEG is coupled with a reward system, such as a stimulating image that appears when our brains achieve the desired wave pattern, or disappears when our brainwaves diverge from it, it can be remarkably therapeutic. Each of these methods of achieving Brainwave Entrainment are effective, but I have to admit, each has its drawbacks. Monaural Beats and Isochronic tones aren’t particularly pleasant to listen to. Sometimes they are just plain abrasive. EEG’s can be very expensive, and can only be done in a facility designated for it. We don’t always have headphones on hand to listen to Binaural beats for their desired effects. It is my belief that in order to be truly effective, brainwave entrainment must also be pleasant, convenient, and free from any deterrents that might prevent us from receiving them sufficiently.

This is why I have created a system that compiles the best aspects of many methods into something enjoyable, fun, and entertaining.  I have taken the principles of brainwave entrainment, and using my own extensive experience in musical composition and audio engineering, produced a technology that both works, and is appealing to the ear.  This can be used to address a number of the challenges many of us face on a daily basis. Stress, anxiety, brain fog, lethargy, sleep disorders, attention disorders, and depression are prime candidates for Brainwave Entrainment Therapy, just to name a few. Those seeking support with a wide range of issues order the Custom Transcendence Package on my website, and receive an entire album of material devoted to their own unique set of challenges.

I have taken this even further. In addition to being an experienced audiovisual engineer, I am also an Astrologer, and I could not help but build a bridge between these two worlds. As we have come to know, the planets themselves correspond with specific frequencies and rhythms, determined by their mass, orbit, rate of rotation, weather patterns, color, etc.  Swiss mathematician Hans Cousto conveniently mapped these frequencies out with great precision and care. At the planetary scale, these frequencies are incredibly low, utterly imperceptible to the human ear, but can be doubled repeatedly until they become audible, without compromising the mathematical integrity of the original frequency. For example, the lowest C key you can play on the piano is the same note as the highest C key.  Only the octave changes. in the same way, an otherwise inaudible 20 Hz is the same note as an audible 160 Hz.

To demonstrate how this works at the platery scale, I will use our own planet as an example:

1 Earth Day = 86,400 seconds
86,400 seconds = 0.000 011 574 Hz (Inaudible Frequency)
0.000 011 574 Hz x 224 (24-fold doubling)= 194.18 Hz (Audible Frequency)
194.18 Hz = 11650.8 BPM (inaudible rhythm)
11650.8 BPM / 224 (7-fold halving) = 91.02187 BPM (audible rhythm)
Earth Day = 194.18 Hz and 91.02187 BPM
(Hz = cycle per second, BPM = beats per minute)

In this way, we can establish which audible frequencies and rhythms are associated with each Astrological influence. At the same time, each Astrological sign (and House) corresponds with one of the 12 notes in the chromatic scale, with Capricorn (in the 10th house midheaven position) situated at the top of the wheel at Middle C, Aquarius at D, Pisces at E, Aries at F, and so on.  Using an individual’s birth date, time and place, I can map out their unique harmonic signature. I have developed a system that allows me to render an entire album of music from this data. As an Astrologer, I can personally apply layers of additional assistance in the form of subliminal affirmations and natural soundscapes.  For example, if someone’s Natal Moon position is in Aquarius in the 12th house, I will assemble their composition based on the relationship between the frequencies and rhythms associated with the Moon (210.42 Hz + 98.6 Hz), and that of Aquarius (D with 210.42 Hz as A). I will then add subliminal affirmations intended to address the opportunities and challenges associated with the 12 house (“I am inspired, enriched and stabilized as spirit guides my intuition, I have both vision and direction…”) and weave everything into the soothing sounds of rolling ocean waves on a warm, rainy, tropical summer day.  Those seeking support with their unique Astrological wiring order the Astrology Transcendence Package on my website, and receive an entire album of material devoted to their own unique Astrological makeup.  Much like the brain tuning itself in an EEG, we can align with our true nature by bathing in the sounds of our own Astrological song.

Conclusion

Reality appears to consist of the interplay between frequencies, at every level of analysis. From the nature of matter itself being slow energetic vibration, to our thoughts and emotions measurably corresponding with brainwave patterns. Music is an expression of the cosmic dance between chaos and order, a microcosm that speaks to us, and moves us in profound ways.  It is safe to say, we are not only moved, but changed by it. Though we are all subject to the forces of entropy and time, each of us carries a core composition, a map, a guide of sorts. This map can be analyzed by Astrologers to great effect.  Now it can be composed. Through the marvels of modern technology, you can listen at your leisure, and see where it takes you.

I now offer you this gift. From the seven foundational frequencies associated with the Chakra centers on the human body, I have rendered a composition that takes us on a journey of attunement, from the base of our spine to the crown of our skull. Ascending through the color spectrum, this composition is designed to meet you at every level of our being, offering assistance wherever we need it.  Enjoy!

Seven Chakra Bath: A Cleansing Stroll Through the Symphony of Nature