released December 22, 2010

Recorded at Blood 'n' Tongue, Vancouver, BC, November 14 to 21, 2010.
Conceived and executed by Stephen Ugo Rosin.

The intent of this collection is to create a soundtrack for possible rituals yet to be designed. The approach was to identify the main components of a ritual and then create suitable soundtracks to accompany each phase of the process. Without having a specifically scripted and directed ritual in mind, the structure for the movements was loosely based on the 10 spheres of the tree of life combined with basic structures common to virtually all ceremonial rituals. It is hoped that, by using a fairly generic and open ended structure, these recordings may be adaptable to a variety of ritual purposes, either as a whole or as a selection of the available parts.

Instrumentation was chosen based on intuitive recognition of sounds which carry the most power in such a context. This meant using primarily acoustic sources, although not exclusively so. Some electronic sounds were most appropriate for creating the sense of otherworldliness or "supernatural" atmospheres. The movements have also been kept entirely instrumental so as to allow users to add their own spoken, chanted or sung texts to be used as is appropriate for the purpose of the individual.

A natural outcome of the construction process for these recordings was the manifestation of certain structural triads. Things tended to group in sets of three and thus the arrangement of sections follows this structure. There are three groups of three movements followed by a summary, or closing movement to bring the action to completion. Each group of three movements contains two shorter, arhythmic movements followed by a longer rhythmic manifestation of that grouping. In this structure, the rhythmic sections use a gradual increase in tempo to build tension throughout the arrangements as a whole. This culminates in an "orgasmic" climax at the end of the 9th movement.

THE CEREMONIAL PROCESSION

Part One: We Claim This Space
The space has been prepared with all necessary implements and props organized and arranged as needed. The first step is then to cast the circle where the action will take place and ensure it is cleared of all distractions and undesirable presences.

Part Two: Calling Forth the Spirit
The participant(s) call forth the specific entities and energies which will be necessary for the successful completion of the ritual. Beyond the assembly of the physical people participating, this phase completes the "cast" by bringing in all the non corporeal entities.

Part Three: Slow Vortex
The energies of the participants, corporeal and non, are set in motion and gathered into the circle. The vortex is used to draw in the energies and focus them into a substance usable for the purpose of the ceremony. The basic objectives of the working should begin to come into focus at this point.

END OF GROUP ONE

Part Four: Cleansing the Substance
This is a second stage of purification beyond the mere preparation of the space for the working. This stage takes those elements which have manifested by this point in the process and ensures that they are fully sympathetic to the objective at hand. Any unnecessary or contrary entities and energies which may have accumulated up to this point should be removed from the working. This ensures a purity of intent from those participating.

Part Five: Gathering the Storm
The energies thus far gathered are allowed to settle momentarily in order to provide clarity of vision within the working. This is the calm before the storm. They are further focused so as to allow for the participant(s) to direct them towards the objective of the working.

Part Six: Dancing with Desire
The participant(s), utilizing seduction, focus their attention on the central objective of the working. All distractions and deviations should be gone by this point. This phase should involve some form of synchronized movement responsive to the music in order to move into the depths of the trance of desire.

END OF GROIUP TWO

Part Seven: Negotiating the Price
With the participant(s) now focused on the objective, it is necessary to establish the value of the goal and psychically commit to paying that price as part of the ritual process. There are no "free lunches" and even more so in the realm of ritual. There will be a price to pay and it is essential that the participant(s) understand(s) this fact and is prepared to make the necessary commitment to the working.

Part Eight: For the Record
This phase commits the participant(s) to the cost and results via contractual, physical obligation. The specifics of the objective should be documented at this point and clearly defined in terms of their value and intent. The documentation should serve as the vessel by which the objective is contained and then projected into the universe.

Part Nine: Ascensionem Orgasmus
The energies and elements involved are excited to their full state of climactic release during this stage. All the elements are in place and now all that remains is the final release of energy during the point of highest climax. The participant(s) direct(s) all possible focus of energy to the objective.

END OF GROUP THREE

Part Ten: Release the Ground
The ritual is concluded. All participants and entities are dismissed and the circle is dissolved.