Sacred Drumming

Every Full Moon, Dave and I enjoy sacred drumming. It’s a way to connect to spirit through the rhythm of the Earth. It’s conducive to healing. Drumming helps form community bonding. And it’s fun!

Every culture has holy drumming in one form or another. Any society that has shamans (medicine talkers, spirit folk, hedge-riders, aka those who freely cross between the seen and unseen, or who connect human civilization to the natural world) has some form of spiritual percussion music. Some folx use the sound for making dream journeys, others for meditation or trance work. Dancing, chanting, and questing also can accompany that beat.  

Sacred drumming is best done in a circle, outside around a bonfire, with room enough for body movement – although realistically, those who live in freezing climates must make do with a cozy room indoors and a hearth-fire, woodstove, or candles. A nice slow rhythm is best, with a plain four-count that mimics the heartbeat. However, faster rhythms of five, six, or seven beats can get the blood flowing. Complex beats are most satisfying later in the evening, when everyone has found their groove. Wild, chaotic drumming can summon energy for a cause. The tempo often builds to a crescendo, then fades.

In the in-between times, folks can light candles, offer prayers, hydrate, read or recite poetry, or chat together. It’s best to keep subject matter positive – since energy is high during the moons, and power is raised by drumming, spoken words can come into manifestation during drumming sessions. Then it’s back to the shared drumbeat, the sacred chants and songs, the counter-rhythm, and the bonding that ensues.

The photos are from Elements, The Lavender Door in Marcellus, top left and bottom right, and KellyAnna at Paganstock, lower left

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