Unraveling the Secrets of Spanish Madrigals: A Linguistic Perspective

The Madrigal is a vocal musical form that originated in Italy during the Renaissance. It is characterized by its polyphonic texture and its text-focused nature, often featuring expressive word painting. The Madrigal quickly gained popularity throughout Europe and influenced the development of music in various regions, including Spain. In Spain, the Madrigal went through a unique transformation and became a central genre of Spanish music during the Renaissance and early Baroque periods. Known as the "Madrigal Español," this musical form played a crucial role in the development of Spanish music and contributed to the flourishing of the Spanish Golden Age. The Spanish Madrigal adopted many of the Italian Madrigal's musical and poetic elements but also incorporated distinctive Spanish characteristics.

The Spanish Madrigal adopted many of the Italian Madrigal's musical and poetic elements but also incorporated distinctive Spanish characteristics. The Spanish composers added folk-inspired melodies, rhythmic variety, and chromatic harmonies to the traditional polyphonic style of the Italian Madrigal. This blending of influences resulted in a vibrant and colorful musical language that reflected the richness of Spanish culture.

the care and cleansing of amulets

I hope you enjoyed reading part 1. Have you identified any amulets within your possession?

Not all amulets need cleaning, such as plant sprigs, such as a Bay/Laurel leaf, that would only be worn or carried for a short amount of time. Those can be buried or given back to the earth at the appropriate time. See part 1 of this 4-part article for more examples. For crystals and stones, I recommend clearing or cleaning them in simple ways. Below you’ll find some ideas about how to go about this.

In just one word, first and foremost is intention. Thoughts and prayers are powerful. We can create our realities by what we believe to be true. Before we do ritual cleansing, it is wise to set an intention. While doing the cleaning, hold the intention. These phrases or sentences should be as affirmative as possible and use positive language. Make your intention clear and to the point! Remain authentic. Here are a few possibilities:

“With this smoke, only love and light remain. I am protected.”

“May this salt water banish all negativity and be a cleansing force now.”

“This amulet protects me and serves my highest good.”

Using the verbal or mental intention of your choice, simultaneously imagine being surrounded in a bubble or egg of soft, golden light.

There are a few ways to cleanse amulets. Salt is a powerful energetic cleanser and is used in many traditions, including Christianity. Salt is used in Catholic exorcism, for example, and salt mixed with water becomes holy water after each are exorcised and prayer over. Prayer, or intention, is crucial for it to function properly, however, the church insists on formal liturgy and avoidance of private, nonreligious usage, thus attempting to take away the natural power of individuals or small groups. For amulets that can get damp or wet, I mix a little salt, about half a teaspoon, with water in a paper cup or disposable plastic container. I gently place my amulets in the salt water, anywhere from one to eights hours. During these longer soaks, I set the intention right beforehand and again near the end, prior to a final rinse. Offering a word of thanks to conclude the cleansing process. Then, toss out the container.

For amulets that should not be exposed to water for more than a few seconds, if at all, set the amulet in a bowl of salt (without the water) and leave it for about the same amount of time. I often do this option at bedtime so that my amulets can get clean overnight while I sleep. In the morning I give them a quick rinse in filtered water, then gently pat them dry, so long as this won’t harm them. After they are cleaned, I thank them for the job they perform. Wash the container thoroughly before next use.

Another way to cleanse is with smoke. If you grow your own herbs and medicine plants like I do, consider making a personalized bundle just for burning while cleaning amulets. Since I live in northern California, a climate not too unlike the Mediterranean where my ancestors come from, I grow plants that were sacred to that area in ancient times. To make a plant bundle for burning, I can pick a couple stalks of lavender and rosemary. I like to combine these with plants that grow naturally next to my house, such as cedar and pine. Since white sage is native to these parts, I have some of that too and may also add it to the bundle. I place them together, lined up evenly, and wrap them with a piece of thread. I suggest using white thread as that is the color of cleansing and purity or black thread, since that is the color for banishing negativity. Either will do. Once the herbs and plants (it’s all right if their flowers are included) are bound and dry, I burn just as one would burn any kind of incense or bundle. Pass the smoke around the amulet clockwise a few times as well as above and below as you firmly hold your intention in your mind. An expression of thanks is important, as these plants are working for us, for our highest good. Another tip: Kindly express gratitude when picking the plants and herbs in the first place. Sometimes, I leave gifts and other times I say a prayer. Consider what is right for you. All I can suggest is that we acknowledge that everything growing out of this earth has energy and is sacred. Behave accordingly.

A final suggestion for cleaning and clearing amulets that can get wet or damp involves making your own spray or spritzer. Purchase a tiny glass bottle with a spray cap. Take distilled or filtered water and fill the bottle three-quarters of the way full. Fill the rest of the bottle with small appropriate amulets—a little crystal and a bay leaf or sprig of rosemary, for example. Then top it off with about 10–15 drops of essential oil. I like clary sage and rosemary essential oils for my spritzer bottles. Let the mixture infuse, so set the bottle aside for a couple of hours, then shake and finally spray around the amulet above and below in addition to all directions moving clockwise. As always, hold your intention firmly in your mind and offer gratitude as the finishing touch before using the cleansed amulet.

In her book, Italian Folk Magic, Fahrun (2018) shares how she cleans her water-safe amulets—it is the way her aunt taught her many years ago. She combines water, a little dish soap, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Then, she takes the amulet and moves it around in the solution, clockwise, three times. Next, she takes it out and rinses it under running water before drying it with a clean towel and allowing it a little air-drying time. When completely dry, she takes her amulet in her hands, says, “May it bring me luck” (“Che mi porta fortuna”) and kisses it (p. 103).

Consider cleansing your amulet after anyone touches it or even if you suspect someone has touched it. Regardless, some people choose to clean their amulets each week, as part of general housekeeping. Obviously, this is for objects that you will have for a long time. For amulets directly from nature, such as a bay leaf, it’s best to return it to the earth when done with it or when it begins to fall apart or decay. These days, there are many people blogging or video posting on these matters. Some suggestions you’ll come across are similar, while others might be contradictory. Go with what makes sense and with what personally resonates. A final word of advice: Do not share your amulets or your talismans (more on talismans in part 4 of this 4-part blog). These are for you and you alone. If you are gifted one, clean it as well.

Now, amulet pouches or medicine bags are treated a little differently. This will be the focus of the next article, or part 3. Amulet pouches or medicine bags should not be soaked in salt water, obviously, and don’t necessarily need to be smoked. However the contents can be cleaned and cleared prior to becoming part of a pouch though. The ritual act of making the pouch or bag is powerful in and of itself, so clearing or cleaning the space in which the bag will be constructed is a good initial step. Give it all of your undivided attention. Do not multi-task. Later, after the pouch has served its purpose, it can be buried or returned to the earth since it will likely decompose.

Thank you for reading part 2 of 4 – the next section (part 3 of this series) will offer instruction for making your very own amulet pouch. For fuller exploration of this subject, read Dream Medicine: The Intersection of Wellness and Consciousness (Toplight Books, 2021).

In her book, Italian Folk Magic, Fahrun (2018) shares how she cleans her water-safe amulets—it is the way her aunt taught her many years ago. She combines water, a little dish soap, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Then, she takes the amulet and moves it around in the solution, clockwise, three times. Next, she takes it out and rinses it under running water before drying it with a clean towel and allowing it a little air-drying time. When completely dry, she takes her amulet in her hands, says, “May it bring me luck” (“Che mi porta fortuna”) and kisses it (p. 103).

One significant feature of the Spanish Madrigal was its use of the Spanish language. Spanish composers chose texts that celebrated love, nature, and human emotions, often drawing from popular poetry of the time. By incorporating vernacular language, the Madrigal became relatable and accessible to a broader audience, contributing to its widespread popularity in Spain. Among the notable Spanish composers of Madrigals were Juan del Encina, Francisco Guerrero, and Tomas Luis de Victoria. They crafted exquisite vocal compositions that showcased the expressive power of the Spanish language and the skillful use of counterpoint and harmony. These Madrigals were typically performed by small vocal ensembles, where each voice had an independent melodic line, creating intricate and captivating polyphony. The Madrigal's popularity in Spain reached its peak during the late 16th and early 17th centuries. It became an essential part of courtly entertainment and was often performed at royal gatherings and special occasions. The Madrigals' expressive and emotional qualities resonated with the Spanish nobility, who sought to showcase their refined taste and cultural sophistication. The Spanish Madrigal played a vital role in shaping Spanish music and setting the stage for future developments. Its influence extended beyond the Renaissance and Baroque periods, inspiring composers throughout history. Even today, the Madrigal continues to be performed and celebrated as a significant contribution to the rich musical heritage of Spain..

Reviews for "Madrigal Magic: The Spanish Connection"

1. John - 2/5 - I really struggled with "Madrigal magic key to Spanish". The book claimed to be a comprehensive guide to learning Spanish, but I found it to be confusing and overwhelming. The author seemed to jump around from topic to topic, leaving me feeling lost and frustrated. The exercises were also poorly explained and I didn't feel like they helped me grasp the concepts. Overall, I would not recommend this book to beginners looking to learn Spanish.

2. Sarah - 1/5 - I was extremely disappointed with "Madrigal magic key to Spanish". The title made it sound like a magical solution to learning Spanish, but it definitely did not live up to its promise. The book was poorly organized and lacked coherence. The author introduced new vocabulary without adequately explaining its meaning or usage. Additionally, the exercises were repetitive and did not provide enough practice to solidify my understanding. I ended up feeling more confused than when I started. Save your money and look for other resources if you want to learn Spanish.

3. David - 2/5 - "Madrigal magic key to Spanish" claims to be a revolutionary approach to learning Spanish, but it fell short for me. The author's teaching style didn't resonate with me. I found his explanations to be convoluted and hard to follow. The book also lacked structure, making it difficult to progress through the lessons. While there were some useful phrases and vocabulary included, they were overshadowed by the chaos of the overall presentation. I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone looking for a systematic and practical approach to learning Spanish.

4. Emily - 3/5 - I had mixed feelings about "Madrigal magic key to Spanish". On one hand, the book provided a good overview of basic Spanish grammar and vocabulary. However, I found the author's writing style to be dry and monotonous. The exercises were repetitive and didn't offer much variety. While I did gain some knowledge from the book, I didn't feel motivated or engaged throughout the learning process. I believe there are better resources available for learning Spanish that offer a more enjoyable and effective learning experience.

Singing Your Way to Spanish Fluency: The Madrigal Approach