Music and Mantras
Music: Todd Pyke
Not Music: Scot Rhoads
The universe influences our being. The universe reflects our being. These are axioms of metaphysics. "Positive affirmation" illustrates them well: Our subconscious absorbs every message around us. These messages shape our thoughts and attitudes to the degree that we are exposed to them. This shaping defines the character of our lives. Positive affirmation tries to change our lives through frequent and compelling exposure to positive messages. This tool appears in many variations in magick, mantras, prayer, chants, etc. It is as effective as it is simple, as it is easy, as it is ignored. Affirmations are like doing heavy lifting with your knees rather than your back: incredibly simple, incredibly wise, and yet widely ignored. This is not to say that affirmation is not wide spread, but rather that it gets only an infinitesimal fraction of the use it deserves.
A behavior as simple as saying, "I'm a good guy" is cheaper and easier than wearing clothes and at least as important. Such a simple affirmation deserves to be a major part of life. Unfortunately, the opposite is true. When things go poorly, the time when positive affirmations are most essential, people complain. Advertisers will incessantly subject you to horrible images of the misery and pain that are yours when you don't have their product. We are surrounded by messages that life is miserable. (Sorry about that. Make that read:
"Life could be even more wonderful than it is.")
One source of negative messages is music. The repetition on the radio offers many chances of exposure. If you like a song, you will seek exposure and even repeat it to yourself on your own. What sort of effect might one expect from two hundred repetitions per week of "Dang me. Dang me. Put rope around my neck and hang me?" This is not a positive image. On the other hand, "We are the World" is an example of using this power positively.
If everyone in the Western World were to subscribe to the Rose & Quill, the world would be a better place. Then our entire culture would understand the power of the Word. Incensed consumers would boycott advertisers with messages like, ". . . your head is pounding. It feels like it's going to explode, spattering those nearby with blood and brains. You reach for Pain Crusherz<190>." Music stations and artists would favor songs with positive messages. Negative songs wouldn't disappear [Who could completely abandon the pleasure of wallowing in misery?], but listeners would recognize the part they play in shaping the world through their choice in music.
In the interest of creating such a world, I offer this round written by Todd Pyke:
Since we're just starting out with the Rose & Quill, a prosperity song is in order. Here are some possible lyrics:
Money, come unto me. As I speak my Will
so mote it be (now! [last note])
Money, prosperity, Gnomes of Mother Earth, bring them to me (now!)
Wealth and prosperity, riches wider than
the sea for me (now!)
Wealth and money for me, I have all the money that I need (now!)
This is a sample of the kind of Positive Affirmation Song that each person should seek. A Positive Affirmation Song sticks in your head and has a positive message. Have you ever had the (often-unpleasant) experience of having a tune go round and round in your head? If so, you have a source of energy like a water wheel. Use it! Find a compelling tune, and assign a musical positive affirmation to it. You will need to work on it, especially if the song already has words that you know. Keep exposing yourself—through singing, tapes, playing—to build the association of the words with the song. The process of creating (or adapting) a Positive Affirmation Song is powerful metaphysical work by itself, so even your "failures" are positive. Devote as much time as you can, try as many songs as possible. If any of you would like to share any songs, we'd like to print them in the Rose & Quill.
Once a song is a part of you, you can positively affirm while your mind is wandering. As you go about your routine, let your mind drift to this tune. You will reinforce the song's message without thinking of it. When your mind disengages, the song will remind your conscious of its message. The song is simply a tool for keeping the affirmation in mind. It allows you to remember your affirmation and repeat it as much as possible in the most compelling way. You can use it at all times: in ritual, in your sleep, at work, even at parties (if it's really good). Music is a significant part of our lives. We can use it in Positive Affirmation Songs to make any message we choose a part of our lives as well. This is the first step toward change. | 
