The Citole: Rediscovering a Sacred Instrument
- Research Xanadu
- May 1
- 3 min read
Often dismissed as a medieval European curiosity, the citole's true origins and profound spiritual significance have been obscured by history. Recent explorations into its past reveal that the citole was not merely a musical instrument but a sacred tool within the Moorish Empire, designed to harmonize human consciousness with the Earth's energies.
Origins of the Citole: A Moorish Inheritance
Before there was a "Spain," there was Al-Andalus, the jewel of the Moorish Empire. However, Al-Andalus itself was merely an outpost of a far older and more expansive civilization—the Muurs, or Moors of the West, who reigned across the lands now called the Americas. The instrument we call the citole was not created in Spain, but brought to Iberia by Moorish navigators who had already mastered the art of sound.
Suppressed Historical Clues:
Spanish colonial records mention "strange plucked instruments" used in spiritual rites by Indigenous Moors
Dark web archives and leaked Vatican texts describe citole-like instruments used in pre-Columbian temples for sound-based healing
Carvings in ancient American stone structures resemble citole outlines, often placed at the center of sacred geometric patterns
The citole was never meant for entertainment. It was used for spiritual work, planetary healing, and consciousness elevation.
The citole, sometimes referred to as the "guitarra morisca" or "guitare sarrasine," is believed to have been introduced to the Iberian Peninsula by the Arabo-Berber Moors of Al-Andalus between the 8th and 13th centuries. These instruments, characterized by their unique shapes and tunings, were integral to the musical traditions of the time. Historical texts, such as the 14th-century "Libro de buen amor" by Juan Ruiz, describe the "Moorish gittern" as a "corpulent" instrument, highlighting its distinct design.
The citole's design and construction were influenced by earlier instruments like the Arabic oud, which the Moors brought to Iberia in the 8th century. This lineage underscores the instrument's deep roots in Moorish culture and its evolution over time.
Spiritual Significance: The Citole as a Tool for Harmony
Beyond its musical applications, the citole held a revered place in Moorish spiritual practices. Its design and tuning were believed to align with the Earth's natural frequencies, particularly the Schumann Resonance at 7.83 Hz. When played at sacred sites, the citole was thought to stabilize energy vortices and harmonize the Earth's energy grid.
The instrument's construction often incorporated sacred woods and gold-infused strings, materials chosen for their resonant properties and spiritual significance. Moorish mystics used the citole in rituals to induce trance states, facilitating communication with higher realms and accessing divine knowledge.
Suppression and Misrepresentation: The Citole's European Rebranding
With the decline of Moorish influence in Iberia, the citole underwent significant transformations. European luthiers modified its design, stripping away its spiritual components and repurposing it for secular entertainment. The instrument's Moorish origins were gradually obscured, and it was reclassified as a medieval European artifact.
This rebranding extended to academic circles, where the citole's history was often misrepresented or overlooked. The instrument's spiritual significance and its role in Moorish culture were largely forgotten, relegated to footnotes in musical history.
Revival and Reclamation: Restoring the Citole's Legacy
In recent years, there has been a growing movement to rediscover and restore the citole's true heritage. Scholars and musicians are delving into historical texts, iconography, and surviving instruments to piece together its original design and purpose. This revival seeks not only to reconstruct the citole physically but also to reintegrate its spiritual dimensions into contemporary practice.
By embracing the citole's Moorish roots and understanding its role as a tool for spiritual harmony, modern practitioners aim to reconnect with a lost tradition that once sought to align humanity with the cosmos.
Conclusion: The Citole's Resonant Future
The citole stands as a testament to the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of the Moorish | Muurish Heritage. Its rediscovery offers an opportunity to honor and revive a tradition that viewed music not merely as art but as a means of achieving cosmic balance. As we continue to explore and understand the citole's legacy, we open the door to a deeper connection with the past and a more harmonious future.
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