Using the Sacred Alphabet--the universal sounds of all languages--sound-healing teacher James D'Angelo explores the intimate connections between vowel, consonant, and syllable combinations, each of the 7 chakras, and their corresponding psychological traits. He explains, for example, how the vowel sound "uh" connects to the root chakra and is found in such words as "support" and "trust," words deeply linked to the emotional character of this chakra. Revealing the voice as the master instrument for transformation--attested by the spiritual traditions that use chanting as an aid to enlightenment--he provides an extensive selection of vocal exercises to re-tune and purify each chakra and dissipate any related negative states as well as exercises that incorporate multiple chakras for general well-being. The accompanying 66-minute CD guides you through each exercise and the proper toning of each chakra's sounds. In uniting these sacred seed sounds with their corresponding chakras and psychologies, the author shows how you can enhance the power of these syllables and purposefully harness them for healing, states of deep meditation, and spiritual development. By bringing you closer to the voice of the Absolute, your own voice can be the conduit to the blissful union the soul so deeply desires.

MUSIC / HEALING"An excellent book full of pertinent information and practical exercises on the uses of the voice as a healing instrument. I highly recommend it!" JONATHAN GOLDMAN, author of Healing Sounds "Humans have a unique, dual relationship with sound--we can both hear it as well as make it. James D'Angelo is an engaging and insightful guide to the sounds we produce. The information and exercises in The Healing Power of the Human Voice provide great value for anyone seeking equanimity and wellness in their lives." JOSHUA LEEDS, psychoacoustic music producer and author of The Power of Sound and Sonic Alchemy As infants and children we use our vocalizations to express our needs and emotions. As we grow older these vocalizations become confined to language. The suppression of emotional sounds because they may be considered childish or undignified is quite commonplace in Western cultures. Yet when done with vigor, the sounds made by laughing, groaning, humming, keening, and sighing hold within them great power for healing. In The Healing Power of the Human Voice James D'Angelo introduces the concepts behind sound healing and provides simple, practical exercises to put these concepts into practice. He explains in detail the meanings and healing attributes of the whole range of human vocal expression, from vowels and consonants to the natural sounds of laughter or sighs. He reveals the power of singing and the ways in which group singing can contribute to physical and mental health. He also presents authentic classical chants and mantras from cultures around the world and shows how we can combine various vocal sounds to form our own mantras to help clear chakra blockages. All of thesounds discussed, as well as the techniques for producing overtones, are placed in a ritualized context and are accompanied by simple movements to enhance tuning the body toward inner harmony, health, and peace. In addition, the author demonstrates all the major vocal techniques on the accompanying CD--including mantras, chants from major religious traditions, seed sounds and syllables, and overtones--giving you all the tools necessary to create these sounds yourself. JAMES D'ANGELO is an American musician, composer, educator, and workshop leader based in the United Kingdom. Since 1992 he has developed and led therapeutic sound and movement workshops in Great Britain, Europe, and the United States, and he is considered an authority on sound healing therapies.