Awen. In Welsh, “flowing spirit.” Inspiration. Creative Frenzy. In Irish Gaelic, “Imbas.” The Fire in the Head. All of these are feeble attempts to put into words that feeling of being swept away by a wave of revelation that catalyzes the Bardic Spirit to move from a state of rest to one of producing. So magical and ethereal is this event that Bards have spent ink and paper enough to fill volumes just describing this phenomenon—not to mention the works that have been the result of such a pure and overwhelming creative “Aha!” moment. Having a name for this divine essence, this mana of creative energy that flows from the heavens and perhaps the very Gods themselves, is important, for the name provides us with a means of invoking this treasured power.
Intoning the Awen is an effective means of raising and moving energy. There is no “wrong” way to do it, but there are more effective ways to harness its power. For the beginner, it is a good practice to focus on the mechanics, to “ride the wave” of the word as it flows within you, through you, around you and rests, building momentum for the next wave. Begin with the “Aaaaaah,” allowing the throat to relax and open more fully. Add volume and allow the energy to flow forth as you move to the “OOOOOOOO.” Then begin to fall gracefully with an expressed breath, “Whe,” and end with a prolonged “nnnnn” that resonates in the sinus cavity. Now pause, and feel the weight of the air as it resonates around you, echoing the vibrations within. Repeat this a second and a third time, feeling the increased charge in the air. You may use your hands to direct the flow or allow the one leading the toning to gather and direct the flow of the energy as it is raised by the participants in the room. It doesn’t matter whether or not you are a singer. Whether sung, hummed or spoken, the magic begins when you lend the word the power of your voice, focusing your intent through the word as you intone the awen.
- Manwaring, Kevan. The Bardic Handbook: the Complete Manual for the 21st Century Bard. Gothic Image Publications. London: 2006: 26-27.
