Customer Reviews

Chants: Ritual Music

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This simply-recorded CD contains 19 of the most-loved chants from Reclaiming-tradition Witchcraft. The arrangements are simple and clear, making it easy to learn chants in a few listens.

If you are wanting chants and songs for small rituals, classes, or other events, this is the CD to get.

The CD is not "easy listening," and might not make the best background music for a Pagan-themed art opening. Most chants are drums-and-voices only.

But the recording is actually very listenable, and I enjoy putting it on from time to time, just to be reminded of an old chant I've forgotten about.

Reclaiming also produced "Second Chants," which is more polished music in the same vein; and "Let It Begin," which is music from the Spiral Dance ritual. Both are excellent.

If you want to learn useful chants for ritual and classes, "Chants" is the CD for you.

Collected here are several simple chants and songs inspired by the practices of Pagan Witchcraft. Intended more as a teaching tool rather than as an 'easy listening' piece, Chants provides several tracks that are appropriate for use in circle and for inducing trance. Most of these chants are naturally (and appropriately) repetitive, while a few others will classify more as songs whose melodies and rhythms are bound to delight and inspire. If you are looking for something to sit back and relax with while sipping a glass of wine then look elsewhere, but if you are intending to learn a body of material than can be used or adapted for circle or coven use then Chants fits the bill nicely.

When I think of music from the Pagan community, this album is the first that comes to my mind. The rich combination of both male and female vocals makes this music sound like you are right there with them as they sing. Pretty soon you'll be singing along too, blending right in with the chorus. The drumming in the tracks really gets your blood pumping too. If you're familiar with Libana's interpretation of the chants, you might find this album a refreshing change, the interpretations are more primal and less syrupy sweet.

The absolute best songs on this album are "Air I Am", "We Are the Flow", "Silver Shining Wheel", "Born of Water", "We All Come from the Goddess/Hoof and Horn", and "Kore Chant". And the other half of the album will blow you away too.

The only thing I'm not keen on is that I can't find a CD copy of this anywhere. Magnetic media has its drawbacks, not being good for the long term. It would be a shame for this album to pass out of circulation, so much good work went into making it.

I just listened to this CD and I can't get these inspiring chants out of my head (not that I would want to)!
I can definately see my husband and I using these chants in rituals and for just sitting around and singing.
I felt my spirit uplift as I played this CD. Each and every person that sang or played an instrument brought something spiritual and powerful to these chants.
If I had to pick one word to describe this CD... it would be "inspiring". I was inspired not only to sing along, but to dance and feel the energy within and around. Inspiring.

This is a rich CD of wonderful ritual chant! The drumming and spiritual flare in the voices of Reclaiming & Friends gives one the illusion of being right there with them in ritual, as you participate in these wonderful timeless chants, which you surely will! This has become one of my favorite CDs. You can't go wrong with this one!

This is just what I was looking for. It didn't matter to me that the singing was not perfect. I was looking for simple, meaningful, easy to learn pagan songs and chants. I use them all the time in rituals. They're awesome.

I like Chanting and I did like the CD. There were some chants that were a bit different than the way I was taught them but that is to be expected. It is a good teaching tool, and can just be put on to listen too. It is not easy listening say for like meditation, but good to put you in a spiritual space.

A great CD. I didn't know what to expect when I bought it but I wasn't disappointed. Bear in mind that although the cover says "Ritual Music", it is not music. Some songs only have voices, but most do have some simple drumming. I am very glad I have this CD because it has taught me a good majority of the songs found in public Pagan rituals. I often find myself singing the chants while I'm at work or whatnot, too.

The only thing that really bothers me is track #6, Goddess Medley. I always have to skip it as soon as it comes on because I hate hearing the guy say "Deeana" instead of "Diana"... I don't know it just REALLY frustrates me.

Anyway, this disc is actually empowering and it will make you feel good to hear each chant. The Reclaiming people on this album bring you into their rituals - you can easily picture yourself singing WITH them when you hear their voices.

Chants: Ritual Music is a great CD for learning popular songs used in the Wiccan/Pagan community. Not only are you likely to hear these chants in any public rituals attended, but you can also use them in solitary practice. The chants are simple enough in case you intend to modify them, or you can put your favorite track on repeat and use it as background for meditation.

Each chant is, on avergage, about two or three minutes long, which means you have plenty of time to become familiar with the melody and words, but before it gets drawn out or boring. The lyrics are also printed in the accompanying booklet.

The chants are lovely, and most have simple harmonies, which can also be learned fairly easily. The singers are from the Reclaiming Community so while they are certainly enthusiastic, they are not professional musicians. However, this is a high-quality recording.

I facilitate a teaching coven, and I can see myself using this CD as a valuable tool for years to come. recommend this CD to anyone looking for basic beginner Pagan chants.

Nice back ground music for a study group or for any ritual activity. Lightly played musical instruments that enhances the ritual mood.