A newsletter for the Portland area Didjeridu player...... November 1999 Volume 5 Issue 11
I think it was four years ago when I was visiting the Oregon Country fair. I was visiting my friend Alan Shockley when an energetic man approached me and asked my name. Appears that he had just purchased a didjeridu from another vendor who supplied him with a copy of my booklet and tape. I chatted with him for a brief time, answering a few questions and exchanging ideas about the didjeridu. This past summer, I got the opportunity to spend four days camping with Rio and his wife Arrow at the Country Fair. During our stay there, we hooked up to play some of the best didjeridu duets I've ever got "caught" up in. Was that first meeting predictable in the influences of the planets and stars of our local galaxy? I just couldn't pass up the chance to find out more about my new friend's occupation. - Ed Drury
[Ed] How did you become "hooked" on the didjeridu?
[Rio] One of my favorite all time movies is "The Last Wave". I've probably seen it a half dozen times. My wife and I were always intrigued with that eerie droning sound in the background, but didn't know what it was. About 5-6 years ago my wife, Arrow, bought me Stephen Kent's "Somewhere" tape done by the Lights in a Fat City group. She said it was didgeridoo and that I'd like it. I still had no idea what a didjeridu was, and it seemed like it would be a chore to listen to it. Finally, many months later I got around the listening to it, and that was it. Instantly hooked. I played it everytime I went to the coast, as it seemed to prolong the "high" of being so close to Nature. One time, on the way back and listening, the thought just came to me: "I'm going to learn how to play the didgeridoo". How that was going to happen I had no idea, since I knew no one who played nor where I could actually get one. But the idea became an obsession. It was like I was driven to do this. I've always loved music. In fifth grade they told me I could play cello, but I wanted to play clarinet, so that ended that. In high school and college I played guitar, and after 5 years or so I had 3 chord changes down cold. Never progressed. I did play hand percussion fairly well for several years, but that too fell away. Playing didgeridoo seemed somewhat fantastic, or maybe fantasmagorical, but I was going to do it.
We went to the Oregon Country Fair that year and there was I guy there (only
year he was there, by the way) selling didges made of alder. Not very good
pipes as it turns out, but I didn't know any better. I gave him $130 and
walked away with my didge. He didn't know how to play, so he couldn't help
me there. But he did sell me a cassette tape and a booklet by some guy named
Ed Drury (?) and said I could learn from it. Very skeptical that such a small
volume could actually teach me how to play a real instrument, I took it home.
Three months later I was still on page 4 but I was actually learning. Fifteen
minutes a day. Played in the bathtub. I was hooked.
The next Christmas Arrow gave me Allan Shockley's didge video. By that time I had learned most of what was on it. But Allan himself intrigued me. He phone number and address were at the end of the video. I called him up and asked if I could come to Tucson and buy one of his pipes. He said yes, and two weeks later he and I connected and I finally had a world class didge. A beautiful D. The first time I played it tears went rolling down my cheeks. My heart opened. It was incredible.
[Ed] You have a very interesting web page. Can you tell me a little bit about your professional practice?
[Rio] In my practice I try to provide clarity to people about who they, why they may be that way, ways to capitalize on their tools and resources and ways out of stuck points. I try to help people untie their inner knots, learn their life's lessons and overcome their challenges. I provide direction about personal transformation and self-directed behavioral change. I call what I do wholistic because I try to take into consideration all aspects of a person's life: professional potential, relationship needs, family programming, potential health issues as well as the emotional, psychological dynamics. The most exciting part of my work, what I feel the most passion about, is helping people with their spiritual growth and consciousness development. Sometimes I think that the most compelling aspect of astrology is that it provides a framework or system which supports our individual consciousness expansion within a context that can be shared and communicated with others. Studying astrology can just be "an excuse" for studying the development of human consciousness. The most awesome game in town.
[Ed] As we used to say a few decades ago, "that's heavy." Do you see similar work being accomplished through playing the didjeridu, at least for some? Or let me put it another way : Do you think that this kind of wholistic model can help someone to play the didjeridu better if that is one of their goals?
[Rio] As an astrologer I have trained myself to be aware of energy patterns. The configuration of the planets in a natal horoscope or chart represents the primary energy force field through which a person lives and expresses themselves throughout a lifetime. Where the planets are at any given time also represents the energy experience of the here and now. Playing didgeridu is a way of moving energy through the breath. Whatever we do involves making a free will decision to do something with the infinite possible combinations of both the energy of our natal chart and that of the here and now. Playing didge offers a similar opportunity. What I choose to do with the energy flowing through me, in the form of the breath, is my free will integrating who I am with the energy of the here and now. Hopefully I am making pleasant, perhaps even uplifting, sounds for the listener and for other musicians with whom I am playing. But bottom line, it is a confirmation to me that I, indeed everybody, is a limitless source of creative expression. Playing didge helps me to FEEL that connection to Creative Source by playing creatively and meditatively with energy. As such it is an awesome tool for consciousness development. A way, similar to understanding my chart, for understanding more about who I am.
[Ed] Ok, I'm with you on the natal chart representing the primary energy force field. But the natal chart is a 'snap shot' in time...the time of the person's birth. I understand that natal charts can be progressed, through time to the present and beyond? And that relationships between individuals can also be expressed as 'charts'? But beyond the individual and their natal chart, can astrology help us to understand the times we are living in and better understand the roles we play in these times?
[Rio] As remarkable an experience as one's birth is, the planets don't stop moving. As they move through space, they are also moving through the natal chart. This movement, or cycles, open and close windows and doors of opportunity in different areas of life, at different times and for different lengths of time. Whether a person chooses to utilize those energies at those times and in those areas is another example to free will in action. Similarly with using the charts to look at people in a relationship (or family, business, whatever). We compare and contrast the patterns of the respective energy force fields within which each person lives and functions, as reflected through the charts.
The outer planets, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto, move quite slowly. They influence both the development of consciousness within an individual as well as the progressive patterns of change reflected in the collective. If those planets are prominent in one's natal chart, they may be more affective in producing collective change in some way. It's as if they are a conduit through which the dynamics of global change is manifesting. Similarly if those planets come into prominence at a certain time in one's life, it is a time for that person to experience some major consciousness shifts.
Whenever two or more planets come together in the sky it is called a conjunction. Conjunctions mark the end of one cycle and the beginning of a new one. Whenever those outer planets conjunct each other it's a big deal since they move so slowly that those conjunctions are rare. Yet within the last 100 years each has conjuncted each other. And one of those conjunctions (Neptune-Pluto) is a 500 year cycle. These patterns reflect the incredible, awesome changes that the Earth has experienced during this time.The people born at the time of those alignments seem to be harbingers and wayshowers of change for the rest of us, especially if those conjunctions appear in sensitive or significant parts of their natal chart. The mid-60's was such a time. It's obvious to those of us alive during that time that something big was happening. Each of us chose to take advantage of it in our own way, and go through the liberating experiences offered. Those who were born with that alignment are just entering maturity, so it will be interesting to see what arises from that group.
This also ties back into the didgeridoo. As the changes accelerate people are becoming overwhelmed with the needs and demands of changing to maintain their physical, emotional and spiritual existence in healthy, fulfilling ways. Sometimes the demands are too great, the information too scary, the changes too alienating. The didge enables us to plug back into the primal Om. We play didge with the breath, prana, the vital life force. This provides a desirable, even necessary balance to the technological, corporate, materialistic values and lifestyle so prevalent in the world today. Playing didge reaffirms that whatever the changes, however welcome or alienating, we are all still manifestations of Divine Spirit, the Source of All Life, the Process of Continuous Creation. Not only is this great as a meditation tool or vehicle, but it also enables us to communicate with others from different cultures, ethnic backgrounds and language differentials. All that's needed is the recognition of the commonality of breath. This reminds us that we all have a lot more in common than we do differences.
[Ed] Ok, I'm ready to seek some astrological help here for free :-). I'm currently working on a remix of a 1998 project called "Unconditional Love" which is a solo didj CD primarily documenting the journey I've been on the past four years. Let's call the "birth" of this project April 15th, 1996. Let's say at 16:20 hours PST, Portland Oregon. With that basic information, can you tell me anything applicable about the project which might help me in the mixing/editing of the music? Or does astrology work that way? Or do you even take on such requests in your practice?
[Rio] Yes, astrology works this way and I do take such requests. I'm actually more comfortable responding via the spoken word, because that's how I give readings. It also allows me to say more things in a shorter amount of time. I will say some things in this format and if you want more info, feel free to call.
First let me just say that your project sounds very exciting. Put me down for a copy of the CD when finished, OK?
There is a lot of Aries energy in the chart. Aries is great for starting, not so good for finishing. The Aries energy is in the houses of relationship, so you might want to enlist the assistance of someone who can help with anything from persistence to confidence to technical know-how. The rising sign is Virgo, a sign that functions extremely well in technical situations - very competent, hard working and detail oriented. But it can also be a perfectionist. The rising sign would represent the identity of the project itself. You may feel as if the material or the production is never good enough, so you never finish. Or you may lose perspective some how and get bogged down in the details and miss the big picture in some way.
There could also be a conflict between wanting to do something really new and fresh, something that really expresses who and how you are. You could really feel driven to do this. Yet there could also be fears of exposure, or at least a hesitation to reveal yourself in a way that may leave you open and vulnerable. Balancing caution with courage is one of the inherent challenges of this project.
Venus, the energy of art, is right at the top of the chart - perfect for getting the product out to the public. It's also in the sign Gemini, which thrives on networking and diversity. So once done, get it out there in as many ways to as many contacts as you can. In two years the progressed Moon of this project reaches the tenth house cusp. So, too, will transiting Saturn and Jupiter. This suggests that either the project could take that long to complete or, assuming it's finished sooner, may take that much time to connect with the public in a successful way.
[Ed] That is fascinating information. Many of your comments were so right on the mark about this project that it is a bit scary, knowing that you have never heard any of the work. So, astrology can be used to better plan and understand projects, I think you've proven that - at least to me. And I should suspect that consulting an astrologer would also be equally insightful in creating ensemble groups. For example, if you were planing on adding a new band member? Relationship charts?
[Rio] Astrology can be especially helpful in understanding the dynamics of a relationship. This can be between lovers, parent-child, employer-employee, band members, whathaveyou. We can also look at the dynamics of a group, such as a family, band, etc. There are actually two techniques I use in a such a consultation. The first is called synastry, an ancient technique. It involves comparing and contrasting the energy force fields that each person is living and functioning within. Then I focus on areas of life that are significance in that type of relationship. The second technique is a modern invention called the composite chart. It blends the two (or however many) natals into one separate horoscope - which is a chart of the relationship itself. The composite chart shows where the energy between the people is flowing, and where it flows with harmony and where it flows with stress. These charts can be quite revealing in the assessment of combination of work to reward that a relationship offers the people involved.
[Ed] So can Astrology also be used to help sharpen our understanding of the times we are living in? Is this time, in our history, especially interesting as we move into the next millennium or is it business as usual? And what is this thing with the didjeridu? Why is interest in such an ancient instrument seem so great so recently?
[Rio] This is definitely not a business as usual period. In order to understand the complexity of the changes of our times, and the extent to which these changes are affecting life on earth, even the earth itself, let's go back about 200 years to the discovery of a new planet: Uranus. Any time a new planet is discovered it signifies a new awareness or potential for consciousness that is emerging within the people. For thousands of years humans had been living with a solar system that stopped with Saturn, yet within the last 200 years 3 new planets have been discovered. So the changes we are experiencing heading into the new millennium are both very real and imminent, have been building for some time.
Uranus was discovered around the beginning of the Industrial Revolution and when the concept of democracy became popular in Western Europe and, of course, the United States. The Industrial Revolution eventually evolved into the technological revolution with its computers, cell phones, email, etc. But it also brought a dissolution of the traditional base of human civilization: the extended family. People became alienated from their roots, ultimately from a deep, personal connection to Spirit. This phenomena has evolved into unbridled consumerism. Instead of "home is where the heart is" or "love thy neighbor as thyself" people today live more by the dictum of "the one with the most toys at the end wins". So in addition to the separation from what has real, ultimate, timeless value, we are in a race to exploit other people in all cultures as well as the limited material resources of the planet.
The didgeridu is becoming popular, in some ways, as a way that a person can counteract these tendencies in their own life. It connects us to a timeless culture, the Aborigines of Australia. The sound, energy and feeling evoked by playing or hearing the didge connects us to the reality that is not limited by time and space at all. It is the sound of the Universe itself. The sound of Om. Playing didge is like playing with Creation. We are not restricted to only the fundamental tone or drone of the didge; we can vocalize and rhythicise(?) any way that feels right. Playing didge takes us back to a time without all the electronic doodads that bring so much stress, tension and alienation, even as they bring unbelievable access to information and other people. The didge is a perfect tool to help us restore an important balance in our lives. A tool that enables us to be bridges between the honored human past and the unknown human future.
[Ed] It seems to me that more and more people are investigating a 'moral purpose' or spiritual aspect either to enrich their life or at least cope with all the trials of the day to day. In these 'investigations' we often discover that almost all of the major religions surviving to the present either had some form of astrological study in their past (e.g. - ancient Hebrew) or still have (e.g. - Ayeurveda). Today, it's wonderfully easy to use a computer to run charts, but it seems to me that a lot of interpretation still requires an intuitive mind. Do you find that as well and does playing the didj help this aspect of your skills to any degree?
[Rio] There are two parts to astrology. One is left-brained linear, scientific. This is comprised of the memorization of the keyword definitions of the various planets, sign, houses, etc. The calculation of a horoscope is also scientific in that it is a series of mathematical equations using logorhythms, astrological tables, etc. But the actual interpretation of a horoscope is an intuitive art. A combination of using the language of the keywords with an insight, a sense, an awareness of how all the individual parts of the chart fit together. For various reasons Western culture at this time does not value the intuitive mind, one the things that is keeping our society so badly out of balance. But any astrologer worth their stars should have a developed intuition.
One of the ways to develop intuition is through meditation. Meditation is a way of focusing one's concentration on whatever, Spirit, the Light, a star, one's guru, whatever. Just focusing the attention improves concentration in any activity, as well as aiding in the integration between the left (logical) brain and the right (intuitive) brain. For me, and I assume many other, playing didgeridoo is a form of meditation. We focus on the breath and the sound. I know I'm really wailing when it feels as if the music is playing me, rather than the other way around.
Then I know I'm really connecting. I feel great at the time, transformed, blissed-out. And, in the long run, it helps me continue the integration of my brain hemispheres and, hopefully, helps me to be a better, more intuitive astrologer.
Questions about this or other articles in this series can be directed to
Ed Drury
Visit Rio's home page to learn
more about his astrology practice.
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