Composed by Hildegard of Bingen (1098-1179), this song uses the city of Jerusalem as a symbol of Christ Consciousness, and the gems adorning it are the souls of those following Spirit.  Hildegard felt St. Rupert as a spiritual presence, especially as she moved out of the traditional relationship women had within the church and into her own power, with much more autonomy. I particularly love her pointing out that true spiritual expression can never be hidden by mediocrity, just as a mountain can never be hidden by a valley.

O Jerusalem, golden city,
  robed in royal purple;
O edifice of highest excellence,
  you are a light never darkened.

You are adorned in the dawn
  and in the heat of the sun.

O blessed childhood
  which gleams in the dawn,
  and fair youth,
  aflame in the sun.

For you, O noble Rupert,
  glitter in these like a gem.
You cannot be hidden 
  by human foolishness,
Just as a mountain 
  cannot be hidden by a valley.

Your windows, Jerusalem,
  are carefully decorated 
  with topaz and sapphire.

In these windows you blaze, O Rupert,
  and cannot be hidden by tepid mortals;
Just as a mountain cannot be hidden;
  but instead crowned with roses,
  lilies and purple, in a true revelation.

from MEDITATION CHANTS of Hildegard von Bingen, sung by Norma Gentile

O Jerusalem

Sophia, an aspect of the Divine Feminine also known as Wisdom, allows us to see clearly from within the world of Spirit that which our outer world most needs to receive from us. Trusting our own clarity of vision allows us to express the wisdom of Sophia through acts of compassion, self-forgiveness, and an engaged heart. This song, written nearly a thousand years ago by Hildegard of Bingen, draws out of us our own ability to embody Wisdom.

This song is from Norma's newly re-released album Unfurling Love's Creation.  Find it here: http://www.healingchants.com/recordings_ulc.html

Ave, Generosa / I behold You, noble, glorious and whole woman

Trained as a professional opera singer, Norma has always seen auras, and brings her awareness of our spiritual being into her musical world.  After years of mystical study, she has found that it is not music that heals, but the ability music and musicians have to open a space of stillness that invites deep meditation.  This ability lies within each of us.  It is only through inner awareness that we each learn to access it.  Norma is a teacher of teachers, and welcomes you to explore her website, www.HealingChants.com. It offers a multitude of essays, monthly sound healings, meditations (podcasts), videos and her current events schedule.

O Jerusalem

normagentile

Related tracks