The sound of the Divine

Worship is defined as a praise to God, whether it be deep prayer, singing, writing, or reading the bible. What about the things that aren't so known for use of worship? Like, meditation, perhaps?

Yes, meditation. For centuries meditation has been used to get in touch with one's spiritual self; and whilst doing so, we would use chants, music and singing bowls.

In meditation, it is not uncommon to hear a drone, specifically set to a certain frequency. These specific drones are called Solfeggio Frequencies.
Solfeggio Frequencies are based on the original diatonic scale which Monks used to sing, in order to get closer to God. Each solfege had a certain frequency:

Ut-396Hz

Re- 417 Hz

Mi-528 Hz

Fa-639 Hz

Sol-741 Hz

La-852 Hz

It was thought that each frequencies had healing properties, so, the drone would be set while people meditated; it is still thought so today. However, today we now know that each frequency has an effect on our brainwaves (Alpha, Beta, Delta, and Gamma waves) giving some truth to the fact that each frequency does change our body. 

There are specific frequencies used during meditation, in order to get in touch with our spirit. Each frequency has its own mantra ( Lam, Vam, Ram, Yam, Ham, Om, and Mm).
The most widely known mantra to focus on, is the Om.

Set at 136.10 Hz, the Om is set into four parts: ah/ oh/ mmm/ silence.
The Om has several meanings, such as the sound of all sounds, sound of the universe, sound of creation, and the beginning of life. The result is meant to dispel negative energy, promote a feeling of total peace, release spiritual vibrations, and fill the entire self with a luminous energy.
Each frequency can make a tonoscope pattern, for example, this is what 136.10Hz looks like:

I'm personally not one for organized religion, and don't go to church often, instead during that time, I meditate. I can personally say that when I meditate and listen to Solfeggio Frequencies, it helps me focus and get "in the zone". Once you get in touch with your spirit, you feel love for everything else, and in tune with other gifts from God. I am still new at meditating on a regular basis, but I find that when I do, I feel happier, and more spiritual. After I meditate, I feel more relaxed and refreshed than I was before. It is an amazing stress reliever.

For those interested in what each frequency looks like with tonoscopes, click here
For those curious what Solfeggio Frequencies sound like,here is an example, although they do vary and work best with headphones in.

A sky full of harmony.

Before I started theory, I remember listening to the radio and trying to harmonize with the songs, only to find myself failing...horribly.
Now, I can't listen to a song and not analyze it through and through. It is a blessing and a curse.

Theory has actually helped me in other situations outside of the classroom...well, outside of the theory classroom that is. All I can say are a few words, and most musicians can relate: Aural skills and Dictations.

Before my "vast" knowledge of music theory, I struggled with dictation so much, I'd give myself headaches (I still struggle, but not as bad). Not until I learned a wonderful thing called the Chord Progression Chart. Once I learned which chords go to where, doing dictation homework became easier, almost to the point where I was able to predict which chord came next before the chord was even played.

Now, back to the radio. As I said before, I always failed trying to harmonize with whatever song was on, sounding similar to a tone deaf toad. Not pretty. I know it was just a third above what ever notes were being sung, I just couldn't find the notes. After theory, I was not only able to find the third, but also a perfect fifth, and all other notes that sound great with it. I've noticed that now, I am starting to pick up harmonization quickly, and my favorite song to harmonize to is Coldplay's "Sky full of Stars."

So, as much as I complain about music theory, (wait, I don't do that...pshhhh) I do find it helpful when I run into those situations. When I do, I feel the same satisfaction as when I use the math I learned in high school that, "I will never need to know in my life." So, Thanks, Dr. Albrecht. And as I bid you readers ado, I must go forth and use my theory skills with a transcription assignment.
Au revoir!

P.S. Here is the video to Coldplay's Sky Full of Stars.