History of Shamanic Drumming
Spiritual Journeys, inner connection, dream states, trance-induction, and healing have been attained through the use of Shamanic Drumming. These Drumming Ceremonies are among the oldest and most extensive methods of healing known to civilization. In addition to healing, the Shaman would communicate with Ancestral and Nature Spirits while in a trance. Many tribes used drums in ceremonies and celebrations to call Spirits and help people directly connect with the Spiritual World.
The Drums became a tool to communicate with this Spiritual World through different tempos and tones, as everything is seen as a flow in the Universe. The world was created by vibration and it is interesting to observe that humans can be altered by beating drums, which alter their vibration state. Shamans believed that sound opens a tunnel through which the Spiritual Universe can reach us through sound waves.
Shamanic Drumming Journey
During a Shamanic Drumming Ceremony, different parts of the drum are beaten to create various levels of vibration. This allows connection to either the Spiritual Animals or Spiritual Guides, dependent on the tone of the beat.
A higher tone is beaten out on the drum when the Shaman wishes to enter trances with spirit guides. In ancient cultures, these ethereal beings are viewed as coming from higher vibrations, so they were considered higher beings.
As spirit animals are believed to live in the lower world, a lower tone is drummed out if the drumming ceremony is intended to meet them. Shamanism believes that all of us have one or more power animals that can be accessed for insight and/or healing through Shamanic Ceremonies or Journeys.
Consequently, the spirit world allows us to communicate with them through subtle variations in the sound of the drum. That is the belief anyway. Shamanic Drumming is a perfect medium for this, as sound has no barriers in either world, only various vibrational levels.
Performing a Ceremony
Normally, shamanic drumming ceremonies begin with clearing the mind and focusing on an intention while on the Shamanic Journey. Depending on the time in the ceremony, the drumming is performed at 150-220 beats per minute. It is at this level that the brain will slowly shift into the theta state. As the person travels deeper into the journey, they begin to experience vivid sensations and sounds. Nature has been described as our closest spiritual bond to the spirit world. The person breathes into their heart space and focuses their mind on the Shamanic Journey.
Individuals will discover which of the senses are heightened in this state – sight, hearing, sensation, even smell. The sensory experiences that take place in a shamanic journey all have meaning. There will be a variety of things to discover and experience in this realm whether the shamanic journey involves spiritual animals or spirit guides. Therefore, setting an intention prior to the journey keeps the focus on the wisdom sent from the spiritual realm. All the sensory wisdom and messages are brought forth to create a deeper understanding of one’s self. Getting in touch with your dream world or an altered state of being is possible when you relax.
Ultimately, a Shamanic Journey puts us in touch with higher consciousness where wisdom, healing, and an understanding of our true self come into being. Shamanic Drumming awakens the capability to commune with the Inner-Self for deeply profound Personal Growth.
