Shamanic Drum: The Sonic Driver

The shamanic drum, namely the single-headed frame drum, originated in Siberia, together with shamanism, thousands of years ago. Shamanic drumming is regarded as one of the oldest methods for healing and accessing inner wisdom. Practised cross-culturally, this technique is strikingly similar all over the world. Shamanic drumming uses a repetitive rhythm that starts slowly and then slowly builds in intensity to a rhythm of three to seven beats per second. The ascending tempo will generate light to deep trance states. Shamans use intention and discipline to control the nature, depth and qualities of their trance experiences. They may progress through a range of ecstatic trance states until they reach the level necessary for healing. 

The drum acts as a sonic driver. Sonic means sound driver, which propels and moves us in a direction. The sound of the drum beat, which, when played, causes our brain rhythms to follow and synchronise with it., and moving into a light trance. Theta State. In this state, we have expanded awareness, allowing us to have the experiences we receive on the shamanic journey.

Entering an ecstatic trance state is named the soul flight or shamanic journey. During shamanic flight, the sound of the drum serves as a guidance system, indicating where the shaman is at any moment or where they might need to go. The drumbeat also serves as an anchor, or lifeline, that the shaman follows to return to their body and/or exit the trance state when the trance work is complete. When prepared to exit the trance state, the practitioner slows the drumming tempo, drawing consciousness back to normal. 

The sound of the shamanic drum is very important. A shamanic ritual often begins with heating the drum over a fire to reach the desired pitch. The subtle variations in resonance and ever-changing overtones of the drum allow the shaman to communicate with the spiritual realm. Part of the shaman’s training involves learning to hear and interpret a larger range of frequencies than a normal person can. The shaman listens and finds the right tone and sound to which the spirits will respond. Through the many tones, pitches, and harmonics of the drum, the shaman communes with the subtle and normally unseen energies of the spirit world. 

Tuvan shamans acknowledge that the spirits of nature create their own sound world, and humans can communicate with them through the sound of the drum. We understand the spirit’s answers mostly from the tangible communication results regarding benefit or harm. But some people actually hear the spirits singing. Tuvan shamans use the drum to convey their greetings, requests, and thanks to the spirits of a place. It is a spiritual practice designed to help humans relate to all of nature. Tuva (southern Siberia) is one of the few places in the world where the shamanic heritage has remained unbroken. 

Drumming opens the shaman’s inner, spiritual ears and eyes and calls the helping spirits. By changing and listening to the frequencies and overtones of the drum, the shaman can send messages to and receive them from both the spirit world and the patient. For example, the shaman might use the overtones to send signals to the sky, where they provoke a voice from the cosmos; in turn, the cosmic signals are caught on the drum and reflected to the shaman by creating subsequent overtones.” 

The shamanic drum is a time-tested vehicle for healing and self-expression. A shaman may use the drum to address any number of health issues, including trauma, addiction, depression, and chronic pain. Additionally, the shamanic techniques of extraction, soul retrieval, and journeying can be performed with the drum. The drum is used in a variety of ways in shamanist rituals; it may serve as:

1. A rhythm instrument.
2. A divination table.
3. A “speaker” for communicating with the spirits.
4. A spirit-catcher.
5. A spirit boat.
6. A purifying device.
7. The shaman’s mount.”

Drumming allows for deeper self-awareness

One of the things I love about drumming is that you are outwardly active but can be inwardly so still. Drumming synchronises brain function, making the left and right sides work harmoniously. Time drumming is good quality time, feeling relaxed and happy and with an opportunity for reflection and thinking about your current situation from a slightly different viewpoint. You can see things slightly differently than normal in this more relaxed and deeper theta state. You can help you see life in a different light.

Drumming is good for your health

Aside from the obvious exercise you get from playing the drum for however many hours you are lucky to be playing, shamanic drumming has some great documented health benefits.

Beating depression, addiction, anxiety and stress and helping the management of pain, blood pressure, immune function and recovery from stroke.

Drumming brings communities together

Gathering a number of you together with drums and playing a rhythm together breaks down barriers between people, promotes social cohesion within that group, encourages listening to one another, interchanging responsibilities of leading and following the rhythm, and provides an activity where you are all focused creatively on one thing, together. Unsurprisingly, drumming is becoming more common in business team-building events as it helps group bonding, involvement, and communication.

Drumming is accessible

Everyone can join in, no matter how old or young you are, whether it is your first time with a drum or whether you have been playing forever. First-time drummers quickly get over the doubt and the worry about keeping rhythm once they start. Everyone has a drum beat beating in their chest, and with a drum in hand or feeling the rhythm of other drums in a circle around you, all can access and enjoy the healing of the drum.

Drumming assists in spiritual growth and insight

Whether drumming in a group or journeying to the rhythm of someone else drumming, the beat can drive you into a deep meditation-like state where you are physically very relaxed but consciously very aware. Riding the sacred rhythm of the drum into the shaman’s cosmos, drumming allows you to journey to connect with the timeless wisdom and medicine available. As well as connecting you spiritually, the drum rhythm is extremely grounding and brings you to the present.