You will hear much more in the upcoming year about this woman, Hildegard of Bingen, who lived nearly a thousand years ago. A pioneer in the Dark Ages of humankind, she understood the medicines of plants and gems to heal, the potential of the open heart to forgive, and the closed minds of men to choose power rather than honor.
Here is one of her chants, sung by me in a live concert. In the background you will hear humming from the audience as accompaniment. This particular chant invokes the Divine Feminine, both in its tenderness, and its ability to sooth and assist us to release emotions and tension. Feel free to add your voice as you listen to the chant. The note is given clearly at the very beginning.
In my "day job" I am a professional singer. I specialize in the music of Hildegard and other composers who lived long ago. For the past twenty years I have sung concerts and taught sound healing workshops based on the chants written by Hildegard. Unlike traditional 'classical' music, Hildegard's songs come from a meditative tradition. They are meant to be heard during a time of communion with spirit.
Originally the word 'concert' meant to act together, or literally, 'to bring into agreement'. For me, part of facilitating this process of agreement is inviting the audience to hum gently and provide simple tones of harmonic underpinning called drones' for some of the songs.
The humming vibrates through the physical bodies of those singing, and moves out into the room. Eventually the space itself sings with overtones and colors. You may find yourself gently transported to a safe and secure haven where you can relax, close your eyes and meditate or pray. In this way Hildegard's music is the medium upon which spirit moves, bringing us together into a sacred space of stillness and ease.
This chant comes from my album HEALING CHANTS, and is dedicated to all who find the healing power of Spirit within music.
Caritas Abundat in Omnia
Music and Text by Hildegard of Bingen (1098-1179)
Loving tenderness abounds in All,
From the darkest to the most eminent one beyond the stars.
Exquisitely loving All,
She bequeaths the kiss of peace upon the ultimate King.
Click on the link to go to the webpage for Norma's new album: http://www.healingchants.com/recordings_hc.html
About Norma Gentile
Norma Gentile, sound shaman, is a natural intuitive and channel for Mary, Archangel Michael and the Hathors. She maintains a private healing practice, offering sessions in English and Spanish, as well as singing healing concerts and teaching workshops. Her CD of live sound healings, Songs of Spirit, is available in the Maat Shop. To see and hear her sound healings, articles and podcasts at her website www.healingchants.com.
Norma's CD Songs of Spirit, is available in the Ma'at Shop or together with her other recordings at www.healingchants.com.
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