A non-vested church choir

This universal idea is best expressed through planets in

17th degree of Leo (16° - 17°)

DEDICATION TO A COLLECTIVE IDEAL
Using the voice to create sacred harmony

However imperfectly administered by its current ruling bodies, religion represents an attempt by the community to find a deeper connection not only with their God but also with each other. The practice of devotional singing has great impact upon the individual as well as the community, in itself it can create the religious experience, which is not entirely different from the feeling of joy after the storm referred to previously.

Rudhyar:
A VOLUNTEER CHURCH CHOIR SINGING RELIGIOUS HYMNS

A volunteer church choir singing religious hymns

Communion

The prayerful act of chanting is spiritual communion beyond self-surrender and self-proclamation

This symbol is of a choir, not in their robes but freely attired – ordinary people, joining together in the prayerful act of chanting in order to reach a state of spiritual communion.

We always seek to relate to others, and a lot of people strive rather unimaginatively for popularity. Others join in with a regimented social conformity with its enforced values and behaviour. Neither approach is passionate, neither truly authentic.

Communion however is beyond all self-surrender and self-proclamation. It is an effective quickening of a person’s heart, through the development of shared interests, expanded to a point of real concern for their fellows. Because it speaks to the very highest in us, it connects us to all and everything, and of course every other person.

Thus reality is experienced and appreciated fully and profoundly – for its own sake rather than the illusion of projected ideals. Left to our own sense of reality, we are all too likely to invent something delusional; our depth of connectedness with others dissolves such delusions.

At this high level of spiritual consciousness, we are making a real contribution, by bringing ourselves into good order – to serve by fully participating in the broader functions of our community. Any common activity that coordinates group effort has this potential – sport, work or the village fete – yet chanting is more likely to revitalise our sense of sacredness – and sharing this is a powerful device to build long-lasting trust and involvement within a group setting.

Showing real respect for a person means that we have some awareness not only of their needs and opinions but also their relationship with sacredness. What we hold as sacred is of the greatest importance to us, so we need it to be recognised if we ourselves are to feel honoured.

Without this depth of interaction, everyday living remains shallow, and our sense of self and self-worth suffer a poverty of expression through the idle pursuit of unsatisfying, unimportant and isolating goals. Communion is the opposite; it delivers richness, significance and shared purpose.