Music and music-making are some of the earliest forms of magic.

The use of drumming to raise energies, either those of the spirit world or those of the participants to power the magic, is evident in almost all societies around the world. Likewise the use of vocal sounds to harmonize with the Elements and the divine is a very ancient tradition. This is not surprising when you think of the emotions and feelings that music can engender.

In today's Craft we use signing, dancing, and chanting to raise energy for our spells and it has become traditional to "drum up the Sun" at both the Summer and Winter Solstices. However, I would point out that out-of-time drumming on an out-of-tune drum is more likely to persuade the Sun to hide rather than to shine. Many witches also like to have music as part of their Rituals and workings, although if you are not personally musical this can be a problem, as most CD and tape players seem to malfunction if placed within a cast Circle.

Another way you can use music is to find pieces, which, to you, embody the essence of the Elements. Many people find that instrumental pieces are the most useful for this. Use your selected pieces to mediate on the Elements. If you are talented you can even create your own, as my partner has done for us. I have also found that tapes of wildlife, birds for example, and natural sounds, like the wind in the trees or the sea, are an excellent aid to meditation, and you can always record these yourself.

"Try listening with your eyes closed and you will hear more."

Excerpted from The Real Witches' Year by Kate West