R+C Vowel Sounds & Correct Intonation:

Prepared By: Don Hughes

“The path of Light sings, and boundless spaces resound!”

Nicholas Roerich (1874-1947)

In our Rosicrucian work the proper use of vowel sounds is found in their intonation for mystical
purposes. In the east, vowel sounds are also known as mantras. The most famous one being the vowel
or mantra of ‘OM’.

We come to discover in our studies that all existence is a vibrating energy. Different frequencies of this
energy manifest to our consciousness as different ‘things’ in the material world. Although this energy is
constant and eternal, its manifestations conform to an inherent LAW and ORDER. The manifestations of
this energy are constantly in a state of change or flux. Life is potentially more fluid and plastic in its
manifestations than we initially realise.

Vowel sounds have a particular effect upon the material and psychic aspect of our beings.

Certain glands and nerve centres in the human body also act as physical counter parts for the chakras or
psychic centres in the psychic body. If we intone a particular sound, it can under the right circumstances
and with the right intention stimulate the cosmic energies in and around us. Sometimes this can be so
specific that a certain vowel sound can be used to help manifest a particular set of cosmic vibrations in
our lives.

The first two vowels are also interconnected! They represent the dynamic creative principles of the
cosmos. In a sense you could also liken them to Ying and Yang!

Given below are the principle vowel sounds used in the R+C work of AMORC with an explanation based
upon comments originally made by Dr.H.Spencer-Lewis.

“The real origin of singing and chanting can be found in the proper use of vowel sounds for mystical
purposes. Every vowel sound has its proper pitch or tone in the musical scale. Each vowel sound is
related to a specific colour and nerve centre in the human body.”

Here then are the principle and important vowel sounds;

RA
Pronounced like “RAAH”, it is intoned on A natural above middle C.
The “A” sound should be drawn out like the “A” in father.
The sacred royal sound of RA is the creative, masculine power of God

MA
Pronounced like “MAAH”, it is also intoned on A natural above middle C.
The “A” sound should be drawn out like the “A” in father.

This is the feminine, maturing aspect of God.

When the RA sound and the MA sound are alternated together they help create new conditions around
us and produce creative power. These two vowels, when alternated, also aid in protecting us against
harm.

KHEI
Pronounced like a double syllable “KAY-EE” and is intoned on the note of E natural above middle C.
This is a soothing, healing, peace producing vowel.
AUM
Pronounced like “AAH” – “OOH” – “EMMM” and is intoned on the note of
D above middle C.
This sound helps maintain the body in good harmony and is also a health giving vowel.

MEH
Pronounced like the word “MAY” it is intoned on the note of C in the middle octave.
This is the psychic tone note. It attunes the psychic centre of the human system to the cosmic.
THO
This is the invigorating and arousing vowel. It is intoned on the note of F sharp over middle C. It is
pronounced like “TH-OW” with the accent on the “TH” sound and the “O” pronounced like “O” in
“THROW”.

EHM
This is pronounced like the word “AIM”. The note is D natural above middle C and the accent is on the
first syllable.
This vowel is the sleep producing sound that quiets the nervous system and ends pain and suffering.

When using these vowel sounds one should sit comfortably and relax. Inhale, hold your breath briefly
then exhale and sing the vowel. This should be done three times for each vowel sound.

Use the sequence of three repetitions for each vowel once in the morning, then at mid-day and then
last thing at night before retiring.

The most effective spirit to use these sounds in is one of reverence. Imagine that as you say these
sounds they tune into the sacred universal version with all of its power. In a sense you are creating a
resonance or sympathetic attunement with that which already exists as extant within the universe itself.
Sacred sounds are part of the original lost word or laws that bring everything into existence.

All the pictures included in this article are by the famous Russian artist and mystic Nicholas Roerich
(1874-1947).

You can find out more about Roerich and his remarkable paintings and writings at www.roerich.org
Best wishes for 'Light, Life and Love'

LLL

Don Hughes

Mystical Vowel Sounds

Vowel sounds, intonations and chants have been employed

by many organizations and individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures for thousands of
years.
They are used to affect a change in the vibratory rate of the psychic centres (chakras), physical
glands and the human aura. The higher the rate of vibration the more in tune it is with the
emanations from the Divine Mind or the Cosmic. Thus, the intonation of certain sounds can
assist in raising the vibrations of the body above those of disease and also raising consciousness
to a higher level.

The following vowel sounds are presented with permission from Gary Stewart, Imperator of the
Confraternity of the Rose Cross (CR+C). Students of CR+C learn about vowel sounds in depth
and have the opportunity to participate with other students in group settings.

Preparation

Dress comfortably and sit with your hands upon your lap, unclasped, palms down and legs
uncrossed, feet on the floor or ground. You should find a quiet place where you will not be
disturbed. Sit tall, holding the spine erect and chin tucked in slightly. Breathe with the
diaphragm. The sound is produced on the exhalation of breath.

The following descriptions include the note on which the vowel is intoned. You may vary the
pitch to suit your own personal nature or needs at the time of the intonation.

You should not attempt to force development by the overuse of the vowel intonations. They
should be used periodically to allow the psychic centres to develop normally and naturally.

The Vowels

RA is a royal character of the masculine nature. It affects the sympathetic nervous system, the
human aura, and the psychic body. Pronounced like the word raw, it is intoned on A natural
above middle C.

MA may be called the companion sound to RA. It is the mothering, feminine sound of a
strengthening, protective nature. It affects the parasympathetic nervous system. Pronounced like
the word maw, it is also intoned on A natural above middle C.

The vocal sounds RA and MA are used to arouse the pituitary gland, which may be thought of as
the centre of consciousness in both the physical and psychic bodies.

KHEI, pronounced kay ee, produces a luminous lilac or lavender colour in the aura. Intoning
KHEI aids good health generally and is indicative of lofty spiritual aspirations and higher
emotions. It is intoned on E natural above middle C.

THO is an invigorating, arousing sound. It stimulates the thyroid gland, which controls growth
and affects learning and energies in both mental and muscle activity. It produces a violet red
aura. It is intoned on F# above middle C.
MEH affects the blood stream and the solar plexus. It assists in producing the yellow-green
colour in the aura that helps the psychic faculties transmit impressions to the material self. It is
intoned on middle C.

ER produces an effect that is positive and stimulating, affecting the pancreas. It makes the
predominant colour in the aura brighter. It is intoned on middle C.

EHM, pronounced like the word aim, is a peace producing sound. It affects the thymus gland and
quiets the nervous system, alleviating pain and suffering. It is intoned on B above middle C.

THA is a rich, significant sound that affects the sympathetic nervous system, the human aura,
and the psychic body. It is intoned on A natural above middle C.

EYE emanates vibrations that are soothing and pleasing and produces a deep red colour in the
aura. This signifies compassion and deep sympathy for our fellow man. It is intoned on G natural
above middle C.

EH, pronounced like the vowel in the word yet, was found by the ancient mystics to have power
over, or an effect upon, the water element in nature. EH is stimulating and effective, especially
for those who have some minor illness or blood disorder. It produces a red tinge in the aura. It is
intoned on middle C.

OOM should be drawn out allowing the M sound to fade away at the end. The meaning of M is
of the maturing, passive power of the feminine nature. The letter O represents the universe,
endless space, and the immortality of life without beginning or end. It is intoned on D above
middle C.