Pythagorean theory tells us that the Universe is founded on number and proportion. How, though, can abstract theories have a physical manifestation? How can number cause form? The answer appears to lie in the resonance that occurs between vibrating matter. The level of vibration is known as resonant frequency, also known as harmonics.
In music each note that is sounded is the result of an harmonic division of a fundamental. If the fundamental is noted as 1 then the division of it by 2 is noted as 1:2.or second harmonic. The 4th harmonic would be 1:4. and so on. As we all know, certain groupings of musical notes cause harmonies whilst others cause a discordant racket.
The idea that the secrets of the Universe are contained in the music of the spheres is an ancient belief. Take a look at what Aristotle had to say about Pythagorean theory:
“... the whole universe is constructed according to a musical scale. The whole universe is a number, because it is both composed of numbers and organised numerically and musically. For the distances between the bodies revolving around the centre are mathematically proportionate; some move faster and some more slowly; the sound made by the slower bodies in their movement is lower in pitch, and that of the faster is higher; hence these separate notes, corresponding to the ratios of the distances, make the resultant sound concordant...”
Even if we were deaf/mute our body is capable of picking up oscillations transferred through sounds outside of our body. The science of Chladni patterns and Cymatics have shown, sound vibrations can organise matter into distinct shapes. This gives credence to the belief that there is a physical power inherent in the recitation of mantras, such as the word AUM or the playing of Mozart to babies still in the womb. It might also explain the power of prayer. Many people gathering in a place of worship, all repeating psalms or singing hymns, may set up a resonant vibrational frequency which has some organising effect on the very fabric of the Universe.
The study of Cymatics has generally been utilised in the healing fields. The belief being that if the practitioner can bring all the cells in the body into a more coherent vibrational pattern, dis-ease (disharmony) can be managed or cured. Certainly the results of the use of vibration in this fashion, whether it be through the use of homeopathy, music, acupuncture or colour, are worthy of much further study.
However, another fascinating use of Cymatics has been through the work of Edinburgh composer Stuart Mitchell and his father, Thomas. After a 20 year study they believe that the 213 decorated cubes which adorn the ornate ceiling of Rosslyn Chapel in Scotland, depict a Chladni pattern, each cube holding a code for a musical score. Mitchell has translated the findings from each cube and turned it into a musical piece known as The Rosslyn Motet. He believes that if the piece is played in the correct way within the Chapel it will set up a resonant vibrational frequency which will unlock the secret held at Rosslyn. He feels that the power of sound might even cause certain stones to react, or move, due to the vibration. He says “The symbolism in Rosslyn is reaching back to times of a civilisation that is lost to us now. That (civilisation) had sciences that are the roots of all the mechanics of the universe”.
If the powers that be at Rosslyn ever permit Mitchell to carry out his experiment then we might discover the Holy Grail does still lie in the Chapel after all - perhaps not the secret of a bloodline, a la 'The Da Vinci Code', but the real secret of the Bible. A secret whose clue perhaps lies in the line – In the beginning was the word.
Is this what Pythagoras meant when he said that 'God geometrises'? Words, like music, are simply an arrangement of sound, which is in itself an arrangement of number in certain proportion. If we become mindful of the vibrations we allow around us we may discover an awesome truth -the power that words can have over our daily lives. (Kathryn Cassidy)
