Waking the Drum

The Drum is the most well-known tool of a shaman, for its sound drives the shamanic journey and its rhythms represent the hoof beats of the shaman's magical mount. The 'Hese Amiluulah' ritual is a Mongolian way of dedicating a shaman’s drum. Mongolian shaman Sarangerel Odigon shares a simple way that you can perform the ceremony yourself. This ritual is a good example of how shamans connect with the spirits of their instruments so that they can be used more effectively. Many of you are probably using, or will be using drums in your shamanic work, so this should be especially relevant for you. Once you become familiar with this procedure, you can adapt it easily for the awakening of other shamanic implements, such as rattles, staffs, and ritual weapons. The chief aim of awakening rituals is for the shaman to connect with the 'ezen' of the object being awakened so that it will become a helper spirit. Read More