The Shamanic Drum: A Guide to Sacred Drumming

Shamanic drumming is an ancient approach that uses rhythm to promote healing and self-expression. Based on his studies and personal shamanic experience, Michael presents the first practical guide to applying this ancient healing art to our modern lives. Through a series of simple exercises and lessons, he teaches the basic shamanic methods of drumming. The focus is on creating sacred space, journeying, power practice, power animals, drum therapy, drum circles and the therapeutic effects of drumming. Whether you are an accomplished percussionist or a total beginner, this user-friendly book will help you harness the power of drumming. Recent studies demonstrate that drumming is a valuable treatment for stress, chronic pain, cancer, stroke, trauma, addictions, mental illness, emotional disorders and a wide range of physical disabilities. The benefits include relaxation, healing, more energy, greater mental clarity, enhanced creativity and deeper self-awareness.

Reviews:
"This book is a valuable, well-researched, and well-written treatment of all aspects of shamanic drumming. The author weaves together both ancient and modern lore, from oral shamanic chants to modern physics and biology, along with personal experiences to illuminate the practice of sacred drumming. Included are step-by-step exercises, analysis of different beats and tempos, and chapters on cosmology, journeying, power practice, and healing the earth. Recommended to anyone seeking to connect deeply with the drum as a tool for personal, interpersonal, or group spiritual and healing work."
--Nowick Gray, Alternative Culture Magazine

"The Shamanic Drum expresses things as they are and it's indeed true that the drum and the proper ceremonies are the way in which we balance and harmonize the energies of the Earth, its creatures, and our relationship with all realms."
--Dhyani Ywahoo, Author of Voices of Our Ancestors

"A clear and practical work."
--Julia Cameron, author of The Vein of Gold and The Artist's Way.

"Wonderful, easy to read, in-depth, step-by-step guide to journeying. Michael Drake has written a sensible guide to taking a traditional shamanic journey with measured drum beats to an alternate reality where, with practice, one can meet one's spirit/animal guide. He describes with obvious deep knowledge how to use and care for a drum that will act as both a vehicle to journey and as a healing tool. I got the impression from reading The Shamanic Drum: a Guide to Sacred Drumming that the author genuinely loves his relationship with sacred drumming and wants to share this timeless knowledge. His methods are completely safe. He states what I've found to be true: one always has one foot in this world as he/she journeys to another and can 'return' as soon as one wishes."
--Yana Murphy Amazon Reviews

"In The Shamanic Drum, Michael Drake takes the reader on a journey from humankind's earliest of times to the most modern findings of science to explore the connections and power of drumming and shamanism. At the same time factual and intuitively revealing, Drake allows the reader to become comfortable with concepts that may be foreign and even esoteric in an easy, understandable manner. Drake has provided a textbook on shamanic drumming that should be an enduring classic."
--Jim PathFinder Ewing, author of Reiki Shamanism.

"Apprenticeship would be the ideal way to learn shamanic drumming, however most of us will never be fortunate enough to have this experience. This book is definitely the next best thing."
--Lisa DiPlacido, review editor for Friend's Review.

"Beautiful Imagery. I thoroughly enjoyed the imagery presented in this book. The journeys of the soul were mesmerizing. The guidance for drumming was most useful. The songs presented were short, easy to remember, and inspiring."
--Monarch Amazon Reviews