Sacred Sounds – Ted Andrews

Sacred Sounds covers the history of how music and sound were vital tools used not only to entertain but to heal and carry pungent history and power. Andrews creates a detailed view of the vast ways sound has been utilized to tap into the metaphysical; from bardic traditions to poetry, song, and much more. This detailed study brings both the physical and the metaphysical together by providing an extensive understanding of the healing properties of sound and the various methods used throughout history across the globe. Andrews states, “as an energy source, it can also be a tool for the change of consciousness…alleviate pain and accelerate healing. It facilitates concentration, relaxation, learning, and creativity. It can interact with and alter brain wave patterns to facilitate this process.” In progression to my work, I used this book as the framework for my understanding of sonic healing. Andrews illustrates a diagram of the metaphysical elements of music; containing instruments, notations, and scales and their physical/spiritual alignments. For example, bass, percussion, and piano are aligned with the base of the body, which per the methods of sonic healing, would be activated by the tone of middle C. In reading this book, I almost gain a new perspective on my work entirely. By providing a whole framework for how this form of healing is practiced, I can properly learn and use these methods in my practice. If this expression of myself and my work also has healing properties, this book and this branch of study simply provide guidelines on how to do so accordingly. Bardic tradition focuses itself around new perceptions and implies a sense of responsibility for our own lives and the lives we touch, regarding queerness, these topics resonate well together. I find that embracing queerness is its’ own form of healing, deeply understanding one’s self and their perception of the world shifts.