The Sound of Magic

This morning, I went on a magickal journey. I cranked my time machine up to 33⅓ Revolutions Per Minute and traveled through time and space. It was a rejuvenating journey… a needed journey.

As I sat there, surrounded by the analog melodic beats of the past, sipping my potion of water infused with essence of coffee bean, I felt inspired to share how I personally use sound in my practice, specifically music. Not all witches will use music the same way, and some will absolutely question my taste in music. All good. Disagreement is one of the most beautiful parts of the craft.

Regardless, sound is powerful, and I want to inspire more witches to use it consciously. Music isn’t just a gift from the gods, it is energy, and it creates energy in those who hear it. It can take you on a Ride of the Valkyries, and leave you All Along the Watchtower.

I typically leave technology out of the circle during ritual. It’s a personal choice; I don’t want to mess with the energies. I am sure I seem old fashioned in a world where witches have their book of shadows on their phone. Clearly, The Times They Are a-Changin’, and in the end: you do you.

Even though I admit to being an old fuddy duddy, traditionally, witches would be even more rigid about music than I am.  Most covens would only allow music in circle that was played by the practitioner. A real hindrance for a solitary practitioner who can’t carry a tune in a bucket. What are they supposed to do, only work with the Sound of Silence?

I think music is one of the most fantastic correspondences that exist. And depending on your preferences, there are more songs to use than you can hear in a lifetime. 

Some people will stick to traditional Wiccan/Pagan songs. They are amazing and if you can curate a playlist using them, then this can be phenomenal during ritual.  One of my personal favorites is Heilung (my coven and I went to see them live in Montréal a few years ago, utterly amazing).

But does ritual music have to be Pagan or Wiccan?

Hot take: NO.

Use music that connects with you.

If you get pumped up by witchy tunes from Stevie Nicks, Kate Bush, Lana Del Rey, or the latest Hit by Tay Tay (shout-out to Swifties in the craft), why not?  And if what fires you up isn’t witchy at all, that works too.

Think of it this way; when you construct your work out playlist, do you only use songs about sports? Probably not. And a good ritual is a workout. It requires energy and effort. Use music that inspires that.

So, is it free for all? Not entirely. Here are a few guidelines I recommended:

• Be mindful of how you play the music. Some insist on analog. That’s high bar in a world where nobody owns a tape recorder. Consequently, I can’t imagine the gods getting upset about digital. Maybe you’re less uptight than me and are okay with having your phone in circle. If so, once again, you do you. However, I prefer to keep the digital device outside the circle, letting the sound travel into the circle.  
• Avoid songs that take you out of your spiritual headspace.  If it doesn’t make you feel magical, it’s probably not the best music to use in circle.
• Avoid media that will play commercials during your playlist.  Nothing is worse than having a commercial start, just as you are about to hit peak energy in your ritual.
• Avoid music where the lyrics oppose what you are trying to achieve. For example, if you are trying to attract love in your life, maybe that isn’t the right ritual to play music about breaking up with someone.
• Arrange your playlist so that the tempo builds.  This has an enormous impact on the energy in your circle.  Starting too high can be jarring, and dropping into a sweet soft love song mid ritual can kill the momentum, regardless how beautiful it is.

In the end, if you’re not using music in ritual yet, I encourage you to try. If you are using music, experiment with how you use it; try new songs, play music during pre-ritual baths, or use it as a way to travel through time and space while sipping your morning joe.

Do you have a favourite song that you use for magical purposes?  What is it, and when do you use it?  Share in the comments; I’m sure we would all love to know.

Now, what note did David play to please the Lord (and Lady) to fuel this magickal trip? It was soundtrack on LP, vinyl for the kids, which I bought at Compact Music in the Glebe (#BuyLocal).  The movie that the soundtrack came from was, in my opinion, meh.  But the music? Transcendent. Maybe even Unforgettable.

Find the hints to figure out of the Soundtrack.  If you are the first person to name it in the comments, I will provide you with a $50 gift card from Witch Chest. Good luck and Blessed be.