DAY OF TONING: A Perspective & Depiction
© 2014 Jonathan Goldman
The Day of Toning is for many, one of the pivotal points of sonic transformation experienced during the Healing Sounds Intensive. As such, we are always very excited to present this day-long experience to you.
For many, the idea of being in sacred self-created sound for 12 hours is quite new and exciting. For most, it is something they have never experienced. The gathering of like mind individuals in sacred sound for extended periods of time in order to use self-created tones for personal and planetary activation is something that has not occurred for a long, long time. Once, though still profound, it was quite common. We are glad to be able to assist in the reawakening of this important evolutionary sound activity.
From my knowledge, it was Jim Albani, who originated the Day of Toning in our modern day. Jim began the Day of Toning in his hometown of Minneapolis, MN and it continues to this day at the Healing Sounds Intensive. Jim is a master of toning as well as being adept at many of the ancient mysteries, including sacred geometry and the creation of sacred rituals.
Here is a description of a Day of Toning as it occurs at the Healing Sounds Intensive. I’d almost like to write this as a “How to Create a Day of Toning Article”, but I believe this description is fitting, and perhaps this depiction will help serve as a model for anyone who does want to create such a Day of Toning. We’ve held them, not only at the Healing Sounds Intensive, but also during World Sound Healing Day (February 14th).
The first thing necessary for a Day of Toning to be initiated is to gather enough people. I’ve heard that this can be done with as little as 10 – 15 people. But I’ve personally found that the more people involved, the more powerful and easier the experience. Secondly, wherever a Day of Toning is held, it’s really nice to turn whatever room it is occurring in into a Temple of Sacred Sound. This can be done with various sacred objects—geometric forms, quartz crystals, thangkas, and pictures of sacred beings, and whatever else feels appropriate. Here now is a description of the Day of Toning as it happens at the Healing Sounds Intensive:
The Day of Toning begins as we descend into the Cave of the Earth Mother, which is set up as an initiatory entry chamber to the Temple of Sacred Sound. Each participant is cleared and purified through sage and other tools before being anointed by special oils. They then drink of water vibrating to specific essences.
Now they are ready to enter the Temple of Sacred Sound. Once inside, they silently seat themselves in the circle of chairs provided. They observe that on the floor at the center of the Temple is a geometric form created two intersecting circles. This form, created from sacred corn, is called the “Vesica Pisces”.
The first circle represents the energy of surrender. The second circle represents the energy of trust. The place where they intersect represents the energy of gratitude.
In addition to the sacred geometry of the Vesica Pisces, there are actual 3 dimensional geometric forms that one can sit in and experience the energy of the geometry as the day progresses. These geometric forms have different attributes and energies that are experienced by individuals when the sit in them. These forms are a special compliment to our Day of Toning—a wonderful addition that assists our activation and energy.
The Day of Toning is always dedicated to world healing. From our perspective, never has the planet been in need of such focused energy of healing. It seems vital for our continuation and evolution as a species on this planet, as well as for the continuation of the Gaia energy itself. So, we dedicate this Day of Toning to Healing the Planet. All energies of peace, love, light and healing that we send out, we do so on both a personal and a planetary level.
We begin our Day of Toning, by having representatives from the different countries, continents, races, spiritual paths and religions honor each and their people. In addition, we invoke and honor the different directions, divine beings and realms of consciousness.
Specific representatives begin this ceremony, though all are welcome to join in setting the field of intent with their prayers and well wishes.
The participants of the Day of Toning are divided into three separate groups—These three Core Toning Groups will take hourly turns being the Core Toners who hold the energy of the sound. During these times, in addition to the core groups holding the tone, everyone may sound for as long as they like. However, frequently, participants will want to simply listen, meditate or rest during the sounding. This is encouraged because the Core Toning Group will be sounding—holding the tone and the intent of us all during this time.
The Day of Toning begins around 9:00 am in the morning and continues for approximately 12 hours. As noted, it begins with an approximate hour and a half entrance ritual and ceremony honoring our ancestors, our planet as well as many others, including masters from different traditions and different aspects of being. Jim then guides participants in a visualization to individually create a bubble of light from their hearts. This bubble expands and grows larger and larger, until it joins together as one—co-created by the group. This bubble then continues to grow until it surrounds our planet, our galaxy and ultimately our universe. Then we begin to tone for personal and planetary peace and healing until the allotted time when the first core group begins to hold the tone for the first hour. This is usually towards the end of the hour and a half initial opening ceremony.
Each of the three core groups takes turns holding the tones for an hour apiece. After each of these groups has sounded for three times each during the course of the day, (day so far is approximately 9 hour in total), all three groups gather together for a closing ceremony. We sound together for approximately one hour. Then, knowing that the healing energy we have created has permeated our universe, our galaxy and our planet, we then visualize the bubble we have created beginning to shrink and contract. The bubble continues to contract, until it ultimately shrinks back into our own individual hearts. We go into silence for a time being.
In conclusion, the first of the three groups goes into the circle of “Surrender”, then into the circle of “Trust” and lastly into the circle of “Gratitude”. Next the second group goes into the “Surrender” circle”, then into the “Trust” circle and finally into the “Gratitude” circle. Group 3 follows suit….and this completes the formal ceremony of the Day of Toning at the Healing Sounds Intensive.
Addendum to the Day of Toning:
Fasting is encouraged during the Day of Toning. After the Day is over, light snacks are offered.
Complete silence (other than our sounding) is also highly recommended during the Day of Toning in order to amplify the power of the toning. It truly is a potent addition to the experience. Please if possible, except for the toning in the Temple, have all in the group keep silent. If you encounter the Sunrise community, simply touch your mouth and then your heart. They have been informed of the Day and will understand.
The Day of Toning is one of the most special activities we have at the Healing Sounds Intensive. We thank you for sharing the awareness of this wonderful event with others. We encourage you to create your own Day of Toning if it feels appropriate. You may find it to be among the most extraordinary experiences imaginable.
Click Here for More Information about the Healing Sounds Intensive
