Spensorium

Different cultures have recognized the connection between music, aesthetics and the planetary energies.

Particularly, In both Kashmir Shaivism and Pythagorean cosmology; music and artistic flavor – is not a mere means of artistic expression; but a reflection of the divine, macro to micro, order.

Abhinavagupta expanded upon rasa, the aesthetic flavor/juice that arises from emotional impressions, to show how music and ragas (musical modes) with their associated rasa, can align the individual with the cosmic/planetary blueprint.

Pythagoras and his followers developed the concept of the Music of the Spheres, where the motions of the planets create a cosmic symphony  guiding the framework of existence – they posited that the movements of the planets and celestial bodies create a harmonious sound – music that reflects the proportions and harmony of the universe.

The Pythagoreans believed that everything in the universe, from the most minute to the largest, is in a state of harmonic resonance.

Particularly; planets and their orbits were seen as producing specific sounds/intervals based on their movement and distances, creating a cosmic scale.

This idea connects music with the cosmos and suggests that, like the planets, everything vibrates and resonates according to mathematical laws.

The musical modes of the Greeks were directly linked to these planetary motions, and each mode was thought to correspond to a different planetary sphere. This parallels with the Indian concept of ragas and their planetary influences.

The Pythagorean Musical Intervals and Their Planetary Correspondences:

Dorian Mode (Saturn): The serious, grounded tone of the Dorian mode is aligned with Saturn, the planet of discipline, structure, and time.

Phrygian Mode (Mars): The Phrygian mode, with its intense and passionate character, mirrors the forceful, action-oriented nature of Mars.

Lydian Mode (Jupiter): The expansive and uplifting Lydian mode corresponds to Jupiter, symbolizing wisdom, growth, and spirituality.

Mixolydian Mode (Venus): The harmonious and aesthetically pleasing Mixolydian mode is aligned with Venus, the planet of love, beauty, and art.

Ionian Mode (Sun): The bright and life-affirming Ionian mode mirrors the Sun, symbolizing vitality, clarity, and the soul’s purpose.

Aeolian Mode (Moon): The melancholic and introspective Aeolian mode resonates with the Moon, which governs the emotional and mental realms.

These modes represent the celestial vibrations that emanate from the planetary spheres, creating a cosmic harmony that is mirrored in the emotional and psychological states of human beings.

The Nine Rasas and Planetary Influences in Kashmir Shaivism:

In Kashmir Shaivism, the concept of rasa was extended into the practice of art, music, and theater.

Rasa, or “flavor,” corresponds to nine distinct emotional states that are activated by both artistic expression and the planetary energies that influence the human psyche.

Each rasa corresponds to a specific planetary energy in astrology, creating a link between the celestial influences and the emotional tones that resonate within human beings.

The rasas provide a framework for understanding how music (and other forms of art) can evoke certain emotional states, each reflecting a planetary energy that mirrors the larger cosmic order.

The Nine Rasas and Their Planetary Correspondences:

1. Adbhuta (Wonder)
Ragas: Ahir Bhairav, Todi, Bhairav: The Sun, the source of life and vitality, governs the rasa of wonder, representing the purpose of the soul and the awe that arises when one connects with higher spiritual truths.

2. Karuna Rasa (Compassion, Tranquility)

Ragas: Yaman, Kafi, Miyan Malhar – Moon: The Moon, which governs the mind and emotional state, is associated with Karuna, the feeling of compassion and empathy that arises from emotional connection and nurturing.

3.  Veera Rasa (Bravery, Energy)

Ragas: Durga, Shankara, Hansadhwani – Mars:

The planet Mars, representing action, energy, and courage, is linked with Veera, the rasa of bravery and the emotional strength to confront challenges.

4. Shringar (Delight) – Ragas: Bihag, Kedar, Behag

Venus: The planet Venus, symbolizing love, beauty, and harmony, governs Shringar, the rasa of joy, pleasure, and the sensual experience of beauty in life.

5. Hasya (Wit)

Ragas: Desh, Khamaj, Tilak Kamod – Mercury: The planet Mercury, known for its intellectual and communicative qualities, is aligned with Hasya, the rasa of humor and wit, reflecting sharp intellect and cleverness.

6. Shanta (Peace)

Ragas: Bageshree, Madhyamavati, Lalit – Jupiter:

The planet Jupiter, representing knowledge, wisdom, and spiritual insight, is connected with Shanta, the rasa of peace, tranquility, and serenity that comes from understanding and enlightenment.

7. Raudra (Terrible) – Ragas: Darbari Kanada, Miyan ki Todi, Malkauns

Saturn: Saturn, the planet of discipline and karma, governs Raudra, the rasa of anger and destruction, which arises in response to injustice or oppression.

8. Bhayanaka (Fearful) – Ragas: Chandrakauns, Puriya Dhanashree

Rahu: Rahu, the shadow planet of illusion and delusion, is associated with Bhayanaka, the rasa of fear, which arises from the unknown, uncertainty, or perceived threats.

9. Bibhatsa (Disgust) – Ragas: Jog, Kaushik Dhwani

Ketu: Ketu, the south node of the Moon, symbolizes detachment and spiritual liberation. It governs Bibhatsa, the rasa of disgust, which leads to disillusionment with the material world and paves the way for spiritual awakening.

The Pythagorean Music of the Spheres and the Kashmir Shaivite view of music converge around the idea that the planetary energies and their cosmological correspondences resonate through sound and vibration, shaping the emotional states (rasas) and spiritual paths of human beings..

In Rasa theory, the latent impressions eliciting aeshtetic experiences sought and most deeply resonating with an individual, found in the planetary, karmic influences – the samskaras; karmic imprints formed through past actions, thoughts, and experiences.. shaping one’s tendencies, reactions, and emotional states.

Vasanas, or inclinations/ desires rooted in these samskaras arise.. and both of these act together as subconscious stimuli (vibhavas) that evoke specific emotional and aesthetic flavors (rasa) in the soul’s journey.

Rasa is essentially.. emotional karma – it reflects emotional archetypes that an individual experiences repeatedly, based on their planetary/karmic signatures.

Both of these concepts of rasa and the music of the spheres, reconcile beautifully, how aesthetic, qualitative experiences are shaped by/are the emanations of macrocosmic forces, pulsating into the lower planes.

Image: water-powered automatic organ by Athanasius Kircher (Musurgia Universalis, Rome 1650)