Different styles of music have different “sounds.” We can
all pretty much agree on that point. For example, Jazz uses
seventh chords almost exclusively. This, and the kind of chord
progressions used in Jazz gives it its unique flavor. But what
about new age music? Does it have it’s own special ingredients?
Yes it does.

Now, there are no hard and fast rules here but for the most
part, new age music is a consonant music. That is, there is
little or noharshness going on in the music. No Saxes wailing
and what not. Having said that we can eliminate most of the
tense jazz chords and their voicing. So what are we left with?
Mostly Major and minor chords based on the regular scales and
the modes. The chord progressions are simpler and usually start
on the l chord. No ll-V-l progressions here.

What about melody? In jazz, we have a soloist who usually plays
a lot of chromatic notes. This is rare in new age music because
it would create dissonance. New age melodies tend to be softer
and more on the spiritual side. Solos, if there are any, are not
so much concerned with the expression of the self than they are
with letting the music express itself. A subtle but very important
distinction. Jazz players may have some ego invested in their
performance. New age musicians learn to let the music play them.
They learn to become a channel for the music itself allowing it
to speak through them. Of course, I’m not saying that this can’t
happen in Jazz, but, just watch a Jazz performer and you’ll see
what I mean.

Last but not least is rhythm. Let’s do a comparison/contrast
between Jazz and New Age music. Jazz has a definite discernible
rhythm. It is what makes Jazz Jazz. New age music can have a
pattern or an underlying rhythm to the music. It can be used to
create trance like states in the listener. Drums are usually
a part of Jazz music. Percussion is mostly absent from the New
Age sound simply because it would not add to the atmosphere most
New Age musicians create. Timing is very important to the Jazz
musician. The soloist has the freedom to play whatever he wants
as long as he maintains the meter and stays in time. New Age music
is more elastic in that timing is there, but is not a master of
the player. The New Age player can disregard time altogether.
Just listen to Zen flute music as a good example of this.

Now, what does all this mean for the aspiring New Age musician? A
couple of good things. It means that there is a definite new age
“sound” out there. That it is here to stay and that people like
and need to hear it. And it means that there are some guidelines
out there for what defines the meaning of New Age music.

Article written by Edward Weiss.

Author Bio::
————
Edward Weiss
christian album phil fischer
worship music
email: susan_wilson123@yahoo.com

For many people, the terms “New Age” and “Metaphysical” are perplexing. Indeed, their meanings vary from person to person. Generally speaking, New Age has a connotation of eclectic spirituality, embracing aspects of many ancient traditions and religions as well as modern rituals and beliefs about, for example, the importance of environmental stewardship. People who follow a New Age path may be drawn to its musical, psychological, healing, or scientific aspects, or may simply seek an individual approach to spirituality. If there’s someone in your life who embraces the metaphysical, they will be delighted to receive one of any number of New Age gifts. Here, then is a synopsis of some of the possibilities for New Age gifts.

New Age CDs and Books: There are any number of New Age artists who bring beautiful instrumentals and compelling vocals to their songs. Yanni and Enya are two of the more popular New Age musical artists. Books that are considered to be “New Age” can range from astrology and divination to self-help through spirituality.

Rocks and Crystals - Many New Age practitioners believe in the power of rocks and crystals. Each type of rock or crystal has unique properties that are related to spiritual or psychological conditions. Fluorite, for example, may help one to tell the difference between infatuation and love, while amethyst helps one to enter a state of calm peacefulness. A particularly unique gift would be wire wrap jewelry, where the artisan begins with a rock or crystal and creates pendants or earrings from it using sterling silver or gold-filled wire.

Fetishes - Fetishes are typically small carvings that depict animals, such as buffalo, wolves, bears, and horses. Like rocks and crystals, each animal has a set of qualities that are believed to assist the owner of the fetish. For example, a horse is thought to have healing powers, while a wolf is a sign of guidance and protection. Fetishes may be carved out of stones, and may be embellished with beads or shells.

Bodywork - Although it is certainly not confined to those who hold New Age beliefs, massage and bodywork often plays an important role in the lives of those who practice metaphysical or New Age philosophies. A gift certificate for a therapeutic massage or a gift certificate from a metaphysical practitioner would be most welcome.

Even if you’ve never explored New Age philosophies or metaphysical beliefs, you may be surprised at the number of people you know who do. New Age gifts are special not only because they are often unique, but also because giving them is an acknowledgment that the recipient is understood and that his or her beliefs are respected.

About the Author

Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing companies. For tips/information, click here: new age gifts
Visit Majon’s New Age directory.

With the hectic pace of life today, most people experience stress on a daily basis. The debilitating effects of stress are such that corporations provide employees with free stress management programs, an increasing number of people are seeking treatment for an anxiety disorder, and medications are being dispensed for people who experience an anxiety attack. In this age, new therapies for stress relief are being developed, such as hypnosis and self-hypnosis.

There are those who believe that Americans aren’t actually experiencing more stress, but rather that we just can’t handle it as well as our forefathers. While it’s true that the rate of anxiety attack and anxiety disorder is increasing, there’s also scientific evidence that there are a greater number of stressors today than there were in years past.

About 20 years ago, a study was performed to gauge how stress had increased in the prior 100 years. In a nutshell, the study found:

* You have over one thousand times the number of stressors each day that your great grandfather had.

* You experience over 300,000 individual stressors daily that your body processes unconsciously.

* Only ten percent of those stressors are psychological or social; the rest are physical, chemical, and electromagnetic.

* There are 500,000 synthetic chemicals in our environment that didn’t even exist 100 years ago. They permeate our food supply, water and the air inside and outside our homes.

* There are over 200,000 electromagnetic frequencies in our environment that didn’t exist in nature 100 years ago.

Combining stressors like chemical pesticides, electromagnetic smog, impossibly busy schedules, a demanding job, family obligations, and accelerating change creates a cascade of physiological responses that will lead to disease if not properly removed or discharged.

Stress relief is crucial, but it doesn’t have to take the form of pharmaceuticals to ameliorate anxiety disorder and anxiety attack. New Age stress management techniques can lessen anxiety and provide stress relief. The first step in utilizing New Age stress management techniques is to have a thorough understanding of why our minds naturally cling to old ways of dealing with stress.

When you encounter situations or people that threaten or challenge you, you experience stress. When you experience stress, a change occurs in your brain chemistry that favors quick thinking over rationality. This same response dampens what you feel within your body. Although this fight or flight mechanism served our ancestors well when they were living in the wild, today it can cause serious health disorders and disease.

When you’re stressed, you move unconsciously and continuously into a state of readiness (for the “attack” that never happens) that prevents you from noticing the stress and strain you are under. Your conscious mind denies the effects of stress and relies on the powerful subconscious mind to defend against the onslaught of imagined physical harm. As a result, your mind sabotages any real progress toward deep and skillful relaxation, as this seems dangerous to a mind under perceived threat.

Ironically, you find yourself fighting against your own self-defense mechanism. And there’s no way to win the battle until you retrain yourself to respond differently to those things that cause an anxiety attack or anxiety disorder. Retraining yourself does not require a change in external circumstances. It simply means that you must alter how the external situation affects your inner world of thoughts and feelings, since these directly affect your physical body and health.

This is where stress management new age solutions come into play. In this age, new stress relief techniques can alleviate the harmful effects of stress through relearning a new response to stress triggers.

About the Author

Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing companies on the web. Visit this New Age Website and Majon’s New Age directory.

The New Age movement recognizes the transformative power of stones and crystals. The giving of New Age gifts, however, has a rich history dating back to ancient civilizations. Amethyst, for example, played significant roles in Greek and Egyptian history, and makes several appearances in the Old Testament of the Bible. Quartz was utilized by the Chinese Ming Dynasty, and was an integral component of Aztec, Mayan, and Incan societies.

The next time you have an occasion to give a gift, you may want to consider visiting a New Age store or Metaphysical gifts store. A New Age rock shop may have the perfect crystal or stone for your gift recipient. Often, New Age stores set crystals and stones in wire wrap jewelry or other types of accessories. Your recipient will surely be pleased with the thought you put into his or her gift.

Different stones and crystals have different healing properties. Use this guide to find the appropriate gift for your recipient.

Agate allows you to perceive situations clearly and is a conduit for inspiration from the spiritual world.

Amethyst helps you find and maintain your spiritual center and tap into your inner peacefulness.

Aquamarine helps clarify your intellectual powers and assists your reasoning and spiritual awareness.

Calcite amplifies your energy and can help your recall when doing astral work and channeling.

Celestite assists in bringing harmony to your energy, your charkas, and your life. It can also help you communicate with your angels.

Citrine can help you attract prosperity and release your anger.

Fluorite brings discernment to matters of the heart and can help you remain calm during confrontations.

Girasol can help with your psychic healing and assist in dream work and visualization.

Jet can help with an array of physical ailments, including depression, migraines, colds and autoimmune problems.

Labradorite can assist in eliminating self-doubt and fear, and can protect your aura.

Malachite can help you clarify your emotions and reasoning, and helps smooth difficult transitions.

Pyrite has many protective qualities, and can help keep negative energies at bay. It also promotes physical, intellectual, and spiritual well-being.

Quartz is the key to harmony, and focuses and transforms energy. It can be used to strengthen your aura.

Selenite can help bring clarity to your sense of self-awareness and to your surroundings. It can also attract prosperity and be used in past life and future life awareness.

Using this guide, appropriate New Age gifts for business owners might include citrine or selenite. If your friend is going through a difficult transition, you could find a gift that incorporates malachite at a Metaphysical gifts store. New Age gifts of jet could help a sick friend make a speedy recovery. And those who do spiritual work would surely appreciate a gift of wire wrap jewelry that includes girasol.

About the Author

Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing companies on the web. Visit this New Age Website and Majon’s New Age directory.

The vast majority of people in their fifties and sixties who consider themselves part of the new middle aged group are highly spiritual.

They have different religious beliefs, but almost all of them believe in a higher power.

A belief in a Supreme Being or God apparently is core to their success in staying young and feeling healthy.

One notable difference in this age group as compared to people who are biologically much younger is that a strong belief in the Almighty is a core value that has sustained them over the years.

The New Middle Aged Group have learned to use their spiritualism as a source of strength and moral guidance. It has provided them with a compass that help-s them find their way through the various trials in life that people normally encounter.

Without faith in God people in their fifties and sixties would be hard pressed to cope with the troubles of our times such as acts of terrorism or natural disasters.

This coping mechanism is more of an instinctive trait than a learned one. People in the New Middle Aged Group tend to rely more on instinct then their younger counterparts who rely more on reason or logic.

It is good instincts and a reliance on faith in one Supreme Human Being that has gotten this age group to the position they are in now.

The New Middle Aged Group is inquisitive and constantly looking for the inspiration to increase their spiritual knowledge.

Contrary to public opinion this age group is very open to learning new things, changing their views, and taking quick action that enables them to stay ahead of the longevity curve.

This is how they stay young, by trying new things, and challenging themselves to do ever more with their lives.

The New Middle aged Group are the wealthiest in our nation with tremendous purchasing power and the ability to be a dynamic force for good.

Their spiritual leanings tend to make them amongst the most charitable and caring of age groups nationwide. It is a philosophy of ?giving back? that promotes their feelings of kindness and caring.

Those of us who are approaching our fifties and sixties might do well to take inspiration from this age group, and learn to rely more on our faith in God to help us live long and happy.

Please feel free to use this article as long as credit is given to the resource box. ? Copyright Arthur Levine 2007 Keywords: Spiritualism, Faith, God, New Middle Aged Group

You?ve been there before:

You buy that crystal for it?s magical properties but then you decide that one is never enough to do the job so you buy that special amulet, however soon you find out that perhaps it?s a different shape that?d make the difference in attaining the result you want ? before you know it, you?ve a collection of assorted ?what not?s? to start your own ebay online store if so chose to sell them at one point.

The same goes for all those do-it-your-self spell kits, candles, and my favourite, those annual astrology compatibility books that you?ve kept for years??why?? They say if you don?t use it, you?ll loose it? Well, because it?s not a human ability to go back into time, lose the outdated books that reference yesteryear not to mention the spiritual and new age items you purchased that you have no intention of using again or have ever used in some cases.

The tools you use for spiritual enhancement and magick is like the ingredients of medicine. Some medicines loose their effectiveness, some should only be used for a designated timeframe, and some medicines need to be reinforced sometimes to be stronger but for crying out loud they should be used else thrown away. After all the tools that you purchase unless displayed as ornaments are to be used less that contain no power at all.

It?s not hard to keep up with your tools, and know what to do with them?but very some very simple guidelines below to assist with the clutter on your altar:

1.

Your tools should be charged properly with the correct corresponding activating spell, incantation etc. Don?t just purchase that ?Money Tree? amulet and that that you?ll be able afford to go to P Diddy?s party?s on a regular basis.

2.

If your amulet has served it?s purpose and has proven to work for you keep it and disregard all the other crap that you have that?s not working? the amulet, charm etc. that you use will continue to be charged with working for only you.

3.

Be mindful that those tools you purchased in that New Age store or online can carry negative energy, so make sure you are aware of what you have hanging around your home and you in fact are acting spiritually counterproductive to what it is that you want.

4.

A note on love:??it?s going to take some work?a little more than a Rose Quartz!

5.

Books: Do your homework and look on the internet first ? it?s free! Don?t get stuck purchasing something that just going to collect dust. The best books on spiritualism, the occult and new age are timeless compact with priceless information not found on the internet!

6.

Study the significance behind what you want to purchase. Many spells, incantations, and amulets have words, and symbols that you don?t know what they hell they say. Make sure you lean the meaning and feel the meaning less it? just becomes a novelty.

7.

Lastly, however foremost, change your mindset and focus on the energy and power you have over purchase anything as your inner power IS stronger than any item you can buy.

You don?t have to through everything away that you have as I?m sure if not magical some items may be sentimental to you?like your first tarot set or your first pendulum etc. Go ahead and keep those but get rid of all the other garbage that 1) you don?t use and 2) Haven?t done crap for you!

Keeping all that doesn?t matter just becomes the stereotypical ?mumbo jumbo? it just doesn?t work. Once you?ve cleared you altar, cupboard or room up unwanted or unused items, you?ve only your dedication, and knowledge on the matter at hand to deal with attaining your spiritual goals which is a job in it self?but at least you?re closer than you were before than to have tools that don?t contribute to your cause.

Gone are the days of simply getting hired because you have the proper job qualifications and experience. The new HR specialist is looking at a holistic recruiting approach.

In simple terms “Emphasizing the importance of the whole person, and the interdependence of its parts”, as defined in the dictionary. Meaning simply, recruiters are looking at the complete you, and not just the standard qualifications and experience you bring to the table.

Through holistic recruiting, the HR specialist now looks at the complete you. And it’s your emotional intelligence that defines the best part of the holistic approach to hiring. Your core values as a person drive your EQ or emotional intelligence. As such, the better you score at the EQ level, the better equipped you are for fast track hiring and thus, promotion. If you already communicate well, and understand all that’s involved in being an active listener, then your EQ is already on solid ground.

Example: In the past, we’ve all seen employees promoted well beyond their capabilities. Yes, they were very good at their job, and as such worthy of being promoted to supervisor level. Their EQ, or emotional intelligence, was never a factor, and thus we have all kinds of great workers promoted into positions they are totally unable to manage. Having the skill to do a certain job does not equate to supervisor material, and there is plenty of proof of that fact. What we are only now learning is that holistic hiring, or career promotion, can best determine whether that hiring or promotion will in fact be successful.

With all the downsizing of late, there has been a huge emphasis on the so called team player. If there was a working team of 12 and now the head count of that team is only 6 and the work load is the same or likely even greater, that team had better really get along and work well together. As importantly, their supervisor better have the proper tools to manage that smaller team or the work never gets done, done badly or worse, the stress of it all just produces a great degree of sick time. Stress has become the leading cause of employee sick time. That stress is much less attributable to the work itself, but more to the personality conflicts and internal political strife that result from bad team management. By it’s very design, the initial holistic recruitment approach would never let that happen.

The holistic approach I have mentioned is very new and very few HR specialists are well versed on the subject. As an executive, you can make a huge difference in your career and to your company, if you fast track a complete understanding of this approach. This understanding works at every level of the company, and the sooner most employees are exposed to it, the sooner stress is removed and more productivity will result.

I’ll never forget the first time I read the joke? “What do you get when you play New Age music backwards.” The answer really cracked me up… “You get New Age music.”

It’s a point that’s well taken. But the people who put down and criticize this style of music are really missing the point. You see, New Age music isn’t about trying to create sophisticated sonatas or perfect preludes.

It’s really about a feeling - a feeling that goes through you, allows you to relax, and perhaps take a breath from the hectic pace of life. It’s about spirit? allowing the music to flow through you and transport you to a more peaceful place.

Still, there are those who insist this music is nothing but aural wallpaper - not to be taken seriously and to be put down at every chance.

Well, they have one part right. It’s definitely not to be taken seriously. It’s to be enjoyed - a concept that many “serious” musicians have a problem understanding. And this is really not their fault.

Academic snobbism in the music world does exist. It equates “good” music with “sophisticated” music. But not only is this a useless comparison, it’s harmful as well.

The simple truth of the matter is we like what we like. As soon as you try and instruct someone on why they should like something - whether it’s because it’s supposed to be good, or because it’s considered to be a master work of art, danger sets in. Why?

Because once you lose trust in yourself, once you start to doubt what you really like, you’ll start to lose an important part of yourself. That innocent trusting part that simply knows what you like and love and doesn’t need someone to point it out

The foundations of Yama and Niyama are, in fact, from Hinduism. Hinduism is easily the oldest of today?s major religions. Is this a bad thing? Universal principles of tolerance and non-harming are found within all religions. When one of us believes that we follow the only true path, the one true religion, or the only religion recognized by God, we all have a problem, which can erupt in violence.

The problem is intolerance - and labeling everyone, of any other religion, as inferior or less than human. This creates a polarized effect in humans and justifies religious violence. The frame of mind that states: We are going to Heaven and they are going to Hell, is dangerous to all of us, no matter where we live.

Religious intolerance, polarization, and fundamentalist ideology, are responsible for many holocausts, which have occurred globally. Wars over religion plague our history, and make fools of us all, as we never seem to learn from past mistakes.

Yet, this mentality of intolerance of others does not exist within Yoga. Yoga manages to adapt and evolve without causing harm to anyone. Yoga can peacefully co-exist beside any religion.

Most western trained Yoga teachers, and Yoga practitioners, know very little of Hinduism. Many 200-hour Yoga instructor programs teach the universal principles of Yama and Niyama, but most graduate Yoga teachers would be hard pressed to speculate, or say, much about the Vedas.

In the mind of a religious fundamentalist, the real problem is, Yoga, and all methods labeled as New Age, believe in religious tolerance. To any fundamentalist, tolerance and opening your mind is the gateway to evil.

Therefore, religious fundamentalism must label Yoga as a religion. Yoga does have historical roots with Hinduism, so this is the opportunity to label, polarize, and stir up misunderstandings.

Let?s look at Hinduism a little closer. Yes, Hinduism does have multiple Gods and Goddesses, but historically, Hinduism has not forced itself on anyone. However, Hindus have been violently persecuted over their religion. It is estimated that 100 million Hindus were killed between the 11th and 18th centuries, due to religious persecution.

Unfortunately, most of the public is not aware of all the historical and philosophical facts before making harsh pre-emptive accusations. The Indian people, Hinduism, and Yoga, have not made a habit of invading, infiltrating, exploiting, and imposing their will on other societies.

When we do not thoroughly read and research subjects, with impartiality, we have a problem of ignorance. Just recently, a survey about global warming stated that 10% of those people surveyed thought global warming is not a concern, at all. Do you think those ten percent are informed and observing the world with an open mind? I sincerely hope that they can swim well.

? Copyright 2006 ? Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

For many people, the terms “New Age” and “Metaphysical” are perplexing. Indeed, their meanings vary from person to person. Generally speaking, New Age has a connotation of eclectic spirituality, embracing aspects of many ancient traditions and religions as well as modern rituals and beliefs about, for example, the importance of environmental stewardship. People who follow a New Age path may be drawn to its musical, psychological, healing, or scientific aspects, or may simply seek an individual approach to spirituality. If there’s someone in your life who embraces the metaphysical, they will be delighted to receive one of any number of New Age gifts. Here, then is a synopsis of some of the possibilities for New Age gifts.

New Age CDs and Books: There are any number of New Age artists who bring beautiful instrumentals and compelling vocals to their songs. Yanni and Enya are two of the more popular New Age musical artists. Books that are considered to be “New Age” can range from astrology and divination to self-help through spirituality.

Rocks and Crystals - Many New Age practitioners believe in the power of rocks and crystals. Each type of rock or crystal has unique properties that are related to spiritual or psychological conditions. Fluorite, for example, may help one to tell the difference between infatuation and love, while amethyst helps one to enter a state of calm peacefulness. A particularly unique gift would be wire wrap jewelry, where the artisan begins with a rock or crystal and creates pendants or earrings from it using sterling silver or gold-filled wire.

Fetishes - Fetishes are typically small carvings that depict animals, such as buffalo, wolves, bears, and horses. Like rocks and crystals, each animal has a set of qualities that are believed to assist the owner of the fetish. For example, a horse is thought to have healing powers, while a wolf is a sign of guidance and protection. Fetishes may be carved out of stones, and may be embellished with beads or shells.

Bodywork - Although it is certainly not confined to those who hold New Age beliefs, massage and bodywork often plays an important role in the lives of those who practice metaphysical or New Age philosophies. A gift certificate for a therapeutic massage or a gift certificate from a metaphysical practitioner would be most welcome.

Even if you’ve never explored New Age philosophies or metaphysical beliefs, you may be surprised at the number of people you know who do. New Age gifts are special not only because they are often unique, but also because giving them is an acknowledgment that the recipient is understood and that his or her beliefs are respected.

About the Author

Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing companies. For tips/information, click here: new age gifts
Visit Majon’s New Age directory.