Shamanism and the drum

Shamanic uses of the drum

Traditionally, the drum has been used to communicate and connect with the spirit world. On the one hand, to travel for vision or insight into certain matters such as illnesses. On the other hand for sacrificial fringes and celebrations such as harvest festivals and seasonal changes, among others.

People used to think that nature, was the Great Spirit and treated it with the utmost respect and they were humble. Everything they used was approached ritually. The drum was seen as a gift from the Great Spirit and so was treated accordingly. In this way they could address the Great Spirit. Often the drums were painted with images that the user of the drum had received through a vision or as the hallmark of a good deed. These drawings are copied today and put on a drum to make it look beautiful and then has a certain ego value.

The drum is on the rise again because it brings people something that puts them in touch with themselves. It reminds them again that they can find peace and healing within themselves through the vibrations produced by the drum. It calms and relaxes them allowing the body recovery time. Thus one becomes aware of that body again. Shamanism is being at home in your own body which means being present with yourself to make a choice in what you want. The body houses all the information called “soul” which is the indicator of what is good for you and what is not. The soul is the God part that is in constant connection with the big picture. So the drum, so to speak, is the shaman’s vehicle for communicating with God.

So the drum is an addition if you choose to accompany people in your practice. But certainly also for personal purposes such as just relaxing after a busy day or calming your loved ones.