34678151 InTuneWCosmos Update V4

In Tune with the Cosmos

Section of a woodcut showing Pythagoras with bells in Pythagorean tuning. From Theorica musicae by Franchino Gaffurio, 1492 (1480?)


Geoffrey F. Hoebbel Medieval Astrologer

Copyright Geoffrey Fenton Hoebbel, 2010 http://www.soularastrology.com

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Copyright Geoffrey Fenton Hoebbel© 2010 All rights reserved No part of this publication my be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without written permission from the author.


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In Tune with the Cosmos Pythagoras, the great Samian Master, attached great importance to the study and application of Music. His discovery/development of the musical scale, and musical ratio and proportion are significant contributions to human musical and spiritual advancement.

Music is Number embodied within Time. Music is Harmony, penetrating the heart. Music can be of a celestial, human, natural or instrumental type. The study of Music can encompass many aspects such as; theoretical, mathematical, emotional, physiological and more!

This short article is not meant to be a dry treatise on the mathematical proportional concepts embedded within the discipline of the study of Music. This article does contain a requisite amount of such information, but the focus is primarily on the practical aspects on the path of Music. Hopefully this paper will help provide you with a catalyst for your personal edification and some new ideas for spiritual development.

A bit of musical history, within the parameters of ancient Greek religion, is appropriate here. It serves to provide a framework for the relevance of this subject. For brevity’s sake it is assumed that you may already be aware of much of this. I will include some keywords for research if you need them. They are: Apollo, Hermes, lyre, Muses, Dionysus, and Orpheus.

Pythagoras made music an integral, indispensable part of the teachings and daily practice at his school. Recall what you have read about his ability to heal and harmonize that which was disharmonious Copyright Geoffrey Fenton Hoebbel, 2010 http://www.soularastrology.com

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via the use of music. The Samian Master had the ability to hear the, “Music of the Spheres”. Perhaps this was the basis of what he utilized in his musical healing and harmonizing cures. Indeed, since then many cultures have understood and even strictly controlled Music, even into recent modern times. Some examples of the governmental or ecclesiastical restriction and control over Music are found in the ancient city-state of Athens, the Catholic Church in the middle Ages, Islam, (except the Sufis) and Communist China until Mao’s passing.

Ancient music in general and ancient Greek Music specifically was based more on harmony and less on melody. The Greek method of creating harmony, and music in general, was different than ours. Their harmony relied on a basic note that changed depending on the season, day, or time of day. Traditional Indian ragas have the same relationship of drone, root note to harmony that the music played by our ancient Greek forbearers had.

The purpose of Music, as used by Pythagoras, was for healing, harmonizing and purification of the body and soul. This should be a guide to us modern-day people on a spiritual path, pointing us toward the right way. Let us endeavor to interact with Music in a way that fosters harmony, purification, attunement, healing and spiritual advancement. Where should one start in such an undertaking? Where can more information be found?

A short excursion into the history of western Music is necessary before deciding what types of Music are favorable for us to utilize in our personal development. The original tuning/intonation system we can trace back through the mists of time, with any certainty, is aptly named Pythagorean tuning. It, and other “just” tunings are based on whole number intervals. Tunings of this type sound the purest since Copyright Geoffrey Fenton Hoebbel, 2010 http://www.soularastrology.com

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the intervals are natural, whole ones, not mathematical, fractional ones. Pythagorean tuning does have some limitations, including a poor sounding 4th/5th interval, example. Despite some perceived shortcomings Pythagorean intervals sound the most natural and are the most beneficial for us to hear. This tuning was the predominant one in western Music until the Baroque era or slightly earlier. The development of more complex and secular musical compositions, coupled with the advent of new and better instruments created a need for tunings designed to take advantage of these developments. These newer tunings were based upon perfect, mathematically intervals. It should be noted that equal temperament tunings were not adopted because they were considered to sound superior in any way to just tempered ones. They were adopted for expediency in using new instruments and playing in certain keys that didn’t work well with the older, purer intonations. Equal tempered tunings have supplanted Pythagorean tunings almost entirely in the western Music tradition. There is much more information in the just versus equal intonation discussion. The material provided here is the bare minimum, distilled for your quick assimilation.

This knowledge is significant and beckons us to explore its mysteries. Pythagorean tuning naturally is more harmonious and better reflects the higher aspects of music clearer than any mathematical tuning system can. Music played using this intonation has a more beneficial effect upon us on many different levels. Its effects range from more calming and meditative to more uplifting and expanding. The purer whole tones inherent in this natural system can be beneficial to our harmonious existence. Modern intervals are what we have become accustomed to because it is used almost exclusively in all Classical, Jazz, Rock, Blues, Folk, Reggae, etc. Music. However if we find Music and listen to music we enjoy, played in just intonation, we begin to Copyright Geoffrey Fenton Hoebbel, 2010 http://www.soularastrology.com

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notice a subtle but real effect. It is beyond the scope of this work to explain why this is so. Remember that music, at its root, is vibration. Instruments using whole tone intervals vibrate at a rate more synchronous and harmonious as a channel between the Above and Below. Related to this notion is the Harmony of the Spheres, which should be considered as being real and not hypothetical. Compare music that uses Pythagorean and equal tempered intonation and judge for your self, enlightened reader. Equal tempered pieces have been likened to the auditory equivalent of a caffeine jolt, especially when compared to just intonation compositions.

So, where do we find such Music for ourselves? Here are a few ideas to get you started: Traditional Japanese koto Music, Javanese gamelan Music, ethnic folk Music that uses ancient instruments, Native American flute Music, modern Music that has been composed and played in various just intonations.

It is realistic that personal time and consumer availability constraints may prevent some from finding/listening to music from the aforementioned genres. If you find that this is the case there is another alternative. Find Classical and New Age pieces (Apollonian) possessing an elemental theme or feel to them. If you are unbalanced in one area use a piece of music from that element for a boost. Conscious listening is crucial for this type of exercise to be effective. Also find pieces that stimulate a particular emotion where you need attunement or purification. It is feasible to create a daily regimen of music that could stimulate you in the morning, purify you after a long day of work, then relax and attune you before sleep. Stay away, for awhile, as much as possible, from rock, pop, jazz, disco, reggae, country, etc (Dionysian). Replace that type of music in your life with something from the just tunings or Classic/New Age genres. Proceed Copyright Geoffrey Fenton Hoebbel, 2010 http://www.soularastrology.com

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at a moderate pace if you have any difficulties.

Hopefully this material will provoke some thought and spark some discussion too. Consider this piece as nothing more than an introduction to a vast subject. Check the bibliography to delve deeper into this subject’s speculative and practical sides. Know Thyself!

Bibliography The Pythagorean Sourcebook – Kenneth Sylvan Guthrie The Nature of Music – Maureen McCarthy Draper Cosmic Music – Joscelyn Godwin Sounding the Inner Landscape – Kay Gardner The Healing Energies of Music – Hal A. Lingerman Touches of Sweet Harmony – S.K. Heninger Jr. Harmonies of Heaven and Earth – Joscelyn Godwin Mystery of the Seven Vowels – Joscelyn Godwin


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About Soular Astrology Soular Astrology, based in Cincinnati Ohio, is a medieval astrology consulting and training practice that serves an international clientele. Soular Astrology is a resource that offers a variety of astrology products and services, including natal, electional and partnership charts.

You are invited to explore the articles and training materials on our website, www.soularastrology.com — it is a resource for both astrology clients and students of medieval astrology. We also offer a catalog of astrology research articles. These publications are available for download for a nominal fee.

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Questions or Comments Copyright Geoffrey Fenton Hoebbel, 2010 http://www.soularastrology.com

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I answer my own email — Please contact me any time: [email protected]


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About The Author Geoffrey Fenton Hoebbel is a Medieval astrologer, teacher, writer and lecturer who studied under the incomparable Latinist, medieval scholar, and astrologer, Robert Zoller. He has built on his many years of award-winning teaching and classroom innovation, marked by his creative approach to curriculum design and program delivery, to utilize new media technology to facilitate an interactive educational experience. His knowledge of pod casting, on-demand-video lessons, download documentation, on-line research projects, real-time mentoring via Skype and peer-to-peer discussion forums translates to a robust, interactive experience for his astrology students and clients. Geoffrey is known for his ability and willingness to mentor students through collaborative working relationships. Geoffrey Fenton Hoebbel has a life-long enthusiasm for teaching; and by combining his passion for medieval astrology, metaphysical knowledge and his synthesis of teaching skills has attracted a loyal audience of those who wish to pursue the study of astrology while taking part in a unique educational experience. A prolific writer, who has authored numerous lectures and training materials on astrology, He is in constant demand as a featured speaker at conferences and workshops, lecturing on such diverse subjects as Shamanism, Lucid Dreaming, Spiritual Applications of Music and more. Hoebbel’s linguistic teaching career has been driven by his life-long passion for communication. He has shared his curiosity, sensitivity and appreciation of world culture with his students by teaching introductory courses of German, Latin, French, Italian, Spanish and Chinese. In addition to being a graduate of the University of Cincinnati’s Bachelor of Science in Education and Master’s Degree in Educational Administration programs, Hoebbel has been a life-long student of various mystery schools and their esoteric traditions. He completed the ICES (International College of Esoteric Studies) metaphysical course in 1997. Geoffrey is also a Licensed Massage Therapist, Crystal Healer, Reiki Master and an amateur musician who plays several instruments. Geoffrey also studied modern astrology under his gifted friend, Phil Meade.


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34678151 InTuneWCosmos Update V4

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