As long as everyone seems to be writing about politics and religion, we might as well take time to nod to one of the other gods roaming the halls of POLITUSIC: Music.
Both a deity and a muse, music has played a key roll in religions large and small. It’s used to inspire and raise worshipers to a higher plane. Music brings us closer to God.
Not commonly known, the Greek god Apollo is actually the god of Music. Yes, he had that whole sun thing going for him as well, but music really rounded out his resume (The Apollo Theatre make sense now?). OK, fair is fair, technically, Apollo was the god of “prophecy and oracles, healing, plague and disease, music, song and poetry, archery, and the protection of the young.” (indeed a well-rounded resume). He also has the god of Wisdom and Order on his plate. Busy guy.
Music is too big for just one god. Everyone Deserves Music, so the Greek Muses (Mousai) were also “goddesses of music, song and dance, and the source of inspiration to poets. They were also goddesses of knowledge, who remembered all things that had come to pass.” (thank you theoi.com). We could use more Muses these days if not for music, but to help people remember the past. Societies these days have a terrible memory. The cycle of history we are doomed to repeat seems to be speeding up with every rotation. Like a record reaching its end? No, no doomsday scenarios in this house. We’d just really fine it swell if people studied history a little more in depth.
We also have Saraswati (pictured above), the Hindu & Buddhist goddess of Music (one can play wicked licks when one has four arms). She was also in charge of being the goddess of knowledge, arts, wisdom and nature. I find it fitting that the goddess of Music was also deemed best fit to be oversee things like Wisdom and Nature. Maybe we should get some Buddhists to appoint our subcommittees in Washington. Interesting how gods and goddesses of music seem to be tied to Wisdom.
…Interesting that certain political factions fight so hard to cut music and arts education in our schools. Theories on motive?
Not all music is about order (anyone whose listened to Ornette Coleman can vouch for that). Dionysus would have been inside Coleman’s instrument. Dionysus is the god of disorder and indulgence – take from that what you will, but I’m not ashamed to say Kind of Blue is my favorite record. The commonality, though, is passion and movement; even bettering oneself through music as a means of extension. I’m sure both Miles and Ornette would agree about that.
Any of the gods or goddesses of Music would agree that we must teach our children well. We must teach them history, how to be wise and not just memorize, and how to play. Those who find order, beauty, and meaning in Music always possess a bit more wisdom than those who do not.
Mandatory music lessons for everyone in Congress!
