soma

Om Cham Chandraya Namaha

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We recorded another version of the popular mantra OM CHAM CHANDRAYA NAMAHA this Spring and are happy to share it with you.

This mantra is dedicated to the Moon god Chandra, also known as Soma, and can be translated many ways, such as “Homage! I Drink/Eat of the Moon!”.

The word cham comes from the Proto-Indo-European word kʷem which means “to swallow,” implying that one absorbs the energy of the Moon as one does when drinking water or eating food.

Chandra means “glittering/shining” and is a word used for the Moon personified. This light (or shine) is what we take in during meditation, transforming it into clarity of mind and peace in spirit.

Namaha comes from the Proto-Indo-Iranian word námas (respect, homage) which derives from the Proto-Indo-European word némos, meaning “to bend, sacrifice, worship.”

As this is chanted and visualized, one gives reverence with each repetition for the illuminating clarity that is given by the great Shining One, filling one’s consciousness with calm images of crystals, water, and moonlight.

Praise to the Shining One!

ALU and the Transmission of Knowledge

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ALU represents orally transmitted knowledge that is passed down or transferred between individuals. This is akin to one “vessel” pouring liquid (ALU) into another vessel, representing the passing of tradition and secret wisdom from teacher/guru to student/disciple. This can be visualized like a great fountain, where water cascades down from one source point, representing the head of the spiritual lineage, falling down into further basins which overflow into more and more, representing each member who retains the teachings.

One could also speculate that the magical phrase ALU, while being associated with an “intoxicating” beverage, could be a reference to the “madness” that Odin is said to bring forth in his devotees. Other Proto-Germanic words like aluh (amulet) and alh (protect) can bring us to see ALU as being “protected by the intoxication of Odin.” It is quite possible, as with the Vedic and Egyptian ancient temples, that this ALU was a mix of substances, kept within the temple for sacred use. Other ingredients were likely various herbs and psychedelic mushrooms.

ALU can also be associated with inspiration and the “Mead of Poetry.” This magical liquid is said to cause consumers to become skalds (poets) and scholars; created by the dwarves Fjalar and Galar by mixing honey with the blood of the wise god Kvasir. Odin steals this magical mead disguised as an eagle and brings it back to Asgard. He then (through his mouth) delivers it to the gods and those skilled in poetry, emphasizing the concept of orally transmitted wisdom. This story can be found in Skáldskaparmál.

May ALU flow within all sentient beings and may divine intoxication drive your spirit forward.

Hailaz / Namaste

-Ansuz Society