The Perfect Fifth: Initiative

initiative, action, assertion, aggression Ratio: 3:2

In the Harmonic Series, the balanced wholeness of the Octave gives rise to the Perfect Fifth. The Perfect Fifth marks the primary appearance of the Initiating Force within the Series, and it penetrates the Octave’s restful singularity. The Perfect Fifth is the first harmony, and probably the first we sang; it is the birth of structure, of multiplicity, and an affirmation of individual beingness; it is the Tree of Knowledge, the birth of consciousness; it is primal action and primal intent.

Musically, the Perfect Fifth has a clarion quality; it is an annunciation and sometimes a battle cry. In a casting, it indicates a rising up, a taking of initiative. If not navigated consciously it can be overly aggressive or brutal.