Mantras and Chants – Inducing Inner Vibration

Vowel Chanting/Toning

Understandably, to Western ears these seed syllables can all sound esoteric, foreign, even exotic, causing some distancing to occur between the subject content and the spiritual aspirants they are intended to aid. There is a considerable loss of transmission capability if the chanter is using words or syllables he/she is not familiar with in a language that is foreign to one, or if one is chanting to a deity figure or deity attribute that is not one’s pole star. Fortunately, there are other approaches more native to Western cultures that can effect the same ends. The most straightforward of these is toning vowel sounds or syllables of the English language.

Various vowel sounds are attributed to the energy centers of the body depending on the author or presenter. One should confirm for oneself if the chosen vowels are having the desired effect according to the presenter’s template. Generally, though, it seems that vowel sounds that rise from low in a vocal register to high correspond to chakras from root to crown. Kathleen Karlsen addresses this in an excellent and incisive exposition.

In addition to the chakra bija seed syllables discussed above, toning sounds for the chakras also include vowel sounds. The vowel sounds connected to each chakra and the role of vowel sounds in mantras are covered in detail in the article Chakra Toning & Vowel Sounds. The practice of toning and additional information about chakra vowels are also covered. A summary of these sounds are listed below:
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Sacral Chakra Vowel Sound: EW
The sacral chakra is focused on relationships. This includes one’s relationship with oneself as well as others. The sacral chakra is known in Sanskrit as Svadhishthana, meaning literally “one’s own place.” The sacral chakra is the realm of communication, exchange and finances. This chakra and the vowel sound EW are connected to the reproductive organs, lower back, large intestines and kidneys. …
Solar Plexus Chakra Vowel Sound: OH
The solar plexus chakra governs the power of transformation and assimilation. The solar plexus chakra is the center of digestion of food on the physical level as well as the digestion of thoughts and emotions on the mental and emotional levels. The solar plexus is the fire center, often symbolized by the colors yellow or red and a sun-like image. The solar plexus is enhanced by the vowel sound OH affecting the liver, pancreas, stomach and adrenals. …
Heart Chakra Vowel Sound: AH
Traditions around the world place great importance on the significance of the heart. Many believe the heart has emotional significance as well as spiritual meaning. In the spiritual dimension, many traditions believe that the spark of life resides is an inner chamber associated with the heart. The physical organs connected to the heart chakra and the vowel sound AH are the physical heart, circulatory system and lungs. …

Kathleen Karlsen, Chakra Sounds and Seed Syllables

Gnostic Vowel Chants

Gnostic vowel chants are found in the texts known as the Gnostic Gospels, which are a collection of ancient religious writings that were discovered in the 20th century. These texts are believed to contain secret teachings and esoteric knowledge, providing insights into the mystical and spiritual aspects of early Christianity.

The Gnostic Gospels often include passages with strings of vowels that seem nonsensical at first glance. These vowel chants are known as “voces magicae” or “magic words” in Gnostic literature. They serve as a form of sacred sound or incantation, believed to have spiritual power and significance.

It is important to note that the meanings and interpretations of these vowel chants are not always clear or well-defined. Gnostic texts are known for their symbolic and allegorical nature, requiring careful study and interpretation. The primary goal of these chants is to invoke spiritual states, open channels for inner transformation, and establish a connection with divine or cosmic forces.

The exact origins and sources of these Gnostic vowel chants are difficult to trace. However, it is believed that they draw inspiration from various mystical and philosophical traditions of the time, including Hellenistic, Jewish, and Persian influences. The Gnostic Gospels themselves contain a mixture of Christian and non-Christian elements, reflecting the diverse spiritual landscape of the ancient world.

While the specific meanings of these chants may remain elusive, they are considered to be part of a broader Gnostic spiritual practice aimed at attaining gnosis, or direct experiential knowledge of the divine. The repetitive chanting of these vowel sounds was believed to have the power to awaken spiritual awareness, transcend the limitations of the material world, and facilitate the soul’s journey towards enlightenment.

It is worth noting that the interpretation and significance of Gnostic vowel chants can vary among scholars and individuals. Some may consider them purely symbolic or meditative practices, while others may attribute more specific meanings to each vowel sound. Ultimately, the understanding and experience of these chants are subjective and deeply personal.

The Gnostic Gospels contain a variety of vowel chants, each with its own unique context and purpose. Here are some examples of specific vowel chants found in Gnostic texts, along with the names of the works they originated in:

  1. “IAO” (pronunciation “ee-ah-oh”):
    • Origin: The Gospel of the Egyptians and various other Gnostic texts.
    • Purported Meaning: In Gnostic thought, “IAO” is considered a powerful divine name associated with the ultimate or highest God. The exact interpretation may vary, but it is often seen as a sacred and potent sound used to invoke spiritual forces and divine presence.

  2. “EIE”:  
    • Origin: The Apocryphon of John.
    • Purported Meaning: “EIE” is a series of vowel sounds that represent the ineffable name of the true God or ultimate reality in Gnostic cosmology. It is believed to signify the divine essence that transcends human comprehension and serves as a path to spiritual awakening and union with the divine.

  3. “AEO”:  
    • Origin: The Pistis Sophia
    • Purported Meaning: “AEO” is a vowel chant associated with the Pistis Sophia, a Gnostic work focused on the teachings of Jesus after his resurrection. The specific meaning of “AEO” in this context may be obscure, but it is often used as a meditative sound to access higher states of consciousness and connect with divine wisdom.

  4. “IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO UUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO“:
    • Origin: The Gospel of the Egyptians aka The Holy Book of the Great Invisible Spirit 
    • Purported Meaning: These seven vowels, repeated 22 times each have no agreed-upon meaning, but are thought to represent the vocalization or singing of a divine being. One explanation could be that these vowels are connected to the divine name YHWH. (Wikipedia) The Gospel of the Egyptians has many other shorter vowel chants, as well, some of which may have their purported meanings following their presentation. Follow the link above to explore.

  5. “PHOE ZOE ZEOE ZEOE ZOSI ZAO ZEOOO ZESEN ZESEN”
    • Origin: Zostrianos (Nag Hammadi Codices)
    • Purported Meaning: Thought to be a play on the Greek word ζωή (transliteration: Zoe), meaning “life.”

  6. “MA MO OOO EI A EI ON EI”
    • Origin: Trimorphic Protennoia (Nag Hammadi Codices)
    • Purported Meaning: According to the preceding text of the gospel, this is an esoteric song of the aeons (emanations of the Supreme God) glorifying and praising Christ, the Son of God.

(AI hybrid-generated)

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