You might not think about it very much, but your voice is unique. In fact, it’s pretty much your sonic fingerprint.
Oh, and if you don’t believe me, then maybe you should check with your bank the next time you call customer service. It all happens so seamlessly, it’s sometimes hard to notice, but when they prompt you to say your name, they’re actually collecting biometric identification. This tiny audio clip is compared against other samples of your voice and a determination is made as to whether or not you are who you say you are.
There are so many different things that go into the exact tonal makeup of your voice: the size of your lungs, length and shape of your vocal chords, and the exact positioning of resonant chambers in your throat and head — that names a few, but there’s probably hundreds. And of course, that’s just the start.
Exactly how you use all of those muscles also makes a huge difference. How widely do you separate your lips? How quickly do you say words? How much change in tone do you incorporate between the beginning and end of a sentence?
When you add it all up, there’s not just thousands of possible variations… there are millions.
Certain people have very distinct and recognizable voices — famously, of course, Morgan Freeman, Patrick Stewart, and Christopher Walken all come to mind on this topic. But your voice is distinct and recognizable, too!
I’ve always thought this puts a new lens on magick, especially words of power, prayers that are spoken out loud, chants, or invocations. Your voice isn’t just a way of delivering your intent — it’s also a way of identifying yourself to the spirit world.
Think about that the next time you use it!
Good morning and happy Monday, friends! Let’s bid farewell to March.
This past week I felt pretty unproductive. I got sick right after we returned from Phoenix (and am still sick today). I did what I could here and there, but I don’t think it amounted to that much. Frustratingly, I was really looking forward to all the extra time from “spring break” allowing me to finish up some things. Oh well!
To top things off, we’ll have to have a brief moment of silence for our AC. It just decided to kick the bucket yesterday, so we’re going to be stewing for a bit until we can get a replacement installed.
In lighter news, here are some some chocolate covered strawberries that I made to celebrate our wedding anniversary.
For whatever reason, fruit is a “traditional” 4th year wedding anniversary gift. I really thought dipping strawberries in chocolate would be an easy task… and now I have come to have a newfound respect for chocolate.
Also, some fun news… I got some Datura seeds in the mail!
I’m very excited to grow them and hopefully form a new relationship with this plant ally.
Earlier in the week, and through all the chaos of sickness, I did manage to condense all of my thoughts from Phoenix Phyre 2025 into a festival recap post. If you haven’t already, I think you’ll enjoy reading it!
Well… that’s about all I can squeeze out for now. Five hundred words in and I’m already starting to sweat. I think I’m seeing heat waves inside now, too.
I do have exciting things coming soon, but for now, I think I’m going to go stick my head in the freezer. Stay tuned for more!
Aerik Arkadian 
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