Author Archives: Dr. Crystal Grimes

The Magic Circle #Poem #Meditation

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Download “The Magic Circle” Mp3

I ground and ground and circle round.
On Mother Earth I’m safe and sound.
What felt so lost, within is found.
I ground and ground and circle round.

I feel the Water, water well.
Emotions difficult dispelled,
A better story now to tell.
I feel the Water, water well.

I know the flaming Fire’s flame.
A transformation, not the same,
Destroying every fear and shame.
I know the flaming Fire’s flame.

The Air is fresh, refreshing mind,
And I am free, no more confined.
I work with Nature’s great design.
The Air is fresh, refreshing mind.

And Spirit makes my spirit soar!
Of Its foundation I am sure.
It manifests my Good and more,
For Spirit makes my spirit soar!

I ground and ground and circle round.
On Mother Earth I’m safe and sound.
What felt so lost, within is found.
I ground and ground and circle round.

—
Written for
Eugi’s Causerie Weekly Prompt – Magic

Recorded with Koshi Chimes and various shakers:
Earth: Terra chime and Rhythm Rock shaker
Water: Aqua chime and cowrie shell shaker
Fire: Ignis chime and Oregon myrtlewood triangular shaker
Air: Aria chime and pear branch Little Spirit shaker
Spirit: Harmony Ball Pendant and Egg of Creation (emu egg) shaker

“‘Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus” #Music

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“‘Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus” is based on Isaiah 12:2, which reads:

Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.
–(KJV)

Louisa M. R. Stead wrote the lyrics, and William J. Kirkpatrick wrote the melody to this hymn, first published in 1882. Though it’s still popular, I don’t remember singing it in church as a child. I do, however, vividly recall listening to a record album that included this hymn. (Thanks, Pop-pop Clyde!) I played and replayed it, because I liked how the melody flowed. And that was long before I played any instruments myself!

Speaking of instruments, there’s quite a merry folk band today! You’re listening to ukulele, viola, 2 wooden shakers (one of myrtlewood and one from a pear branch) alto recorder, and double strung harp.

I hope you enjoy this arrangement!

Welsh Lullabies #Music

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Length: About 7 minutes

Here are 2 Welsh lullabies that were part of my Double Strung Experiment series. Click the title links below to hear the lyre-and-zither versions:
All Through the Night
Suo Gan

Today I play the lullabies on Coda EDC Flute and double strung harp. The recording begins and ends with my Egg of Creation shaker, a natural, dried and painted emu egg filled with glass beads. However, I don’t think this recording does the shaker justice–the sound is very soft, calming, and beautiful. It’s also great for offering pain relief through sound healing. In addition, 2 Harmony Ball Earth Spheres play near the end of the lullabies.

I hope you find this meditative, relaxing, and peaceful!

Music, Elemental #Music #Poem

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I wrote this
poem
7 years ago to the day, on May 17, 2014. I didn’t realize that until just now!

This reading is with Koshi chimes. These are beautiful handmade chimes from France that correspond to the elements of Earth, Water, Fire, and Air. They can be used as windchimes, but they are not made with tubes of various lengths suspended from their own cords.

Instead, there is one resonance cylinder, slightly larger than a soda can. There is a cord welded into the top to hold or hang the chime. Then, inside are small, round metal bars of different lengths that create the 8 notes of each tuning.

There is a clapper–I don’t know what else to call it–that hangs freely in the middle of the tube. This is what plays the notes as you move the chime. It’s a really interesting design!

These chimes are lovely to simply listen to, but also great for meditation or, in this case, reading poetry.

I play the chimes in the following order, according to the lines/mood of the poem:
Terra (Earth)
Aqua (Water)
Ignis (Fire)
Aria (Air)
Ignis (Fire)
Aria (Air)
Aqua (Water)
Ignis (Fire)

I really enjoy the Koshi Chimes and hope you enjoy this reading!