The Encyclopedia of Crystals, Herbs, and New Age Elements: An A to Z Guide to New Age Elements and How to Use Them - Adams Media 2016

Flute
The Power of Sound

ORIGINS

A flute is a high-pitched woodwind instrument that consists of a slender tube that is closed at one end and has keys and finger holes on one side. Sound is produced when breath is blown into an opening near the closed end. The oldest known flutes are made of bone or ivory; more modern flutes are made of wood or metal. A person who plays the flute is called a flautist.

HISTORY/LORE

The world’s oldest known musical instruments are flutes made of bird bone and mammoth ivory. Discovered in caves in southwestern Germany, these flutes are estimated to be between 42,000 and 43,000 years old. Flutes have been central to Indian classical music since 1500 B.C.E. The Hindu deity Krishna is typically depicted playing the flute. The German inventor and musician Theobald Boehm (1794—1881) is essentially responsible for the flute as we know it today. His system of flute keywork is known as the Boehm system.

USES

Flute music is considered very relaxing, which makes it a popular choice for meditation and other spiritual practices. Tibetan flute music is wonderful for meditation, particularly Zen Buddhist meditation, as it produces a deep sense of inner calm and well-being. Chinese bamboo flute music is another great option for your spiritual practice. If you are looking to take up a new hobby, you might also enjoy playing the flute yourself! Its focus on breathwork is actually quite meditative. (See the entry on breathwork in Chapter 9 to learn more about this.)