Spirit Of A Healing Drum Circle

by David Johannes

What is a healing drum circle you may ask? You might say that all drumming provides healing benefits and all drum circles provide the opportunity to also experience the group energy of drumming together in community. In this article though I am speaking of my personal experiences in a circle whose intent is less musical, and more spiritual in focus and intention. 

Since the spring of 2001 I have been involved in a circle based for the most part in Atikokan Ontario, with some events held in Thunder Bay Ontario. These circles are hosted by Tod Pringle, an acupuncturist whose personal spiritual journey has taken him to many native based ceremonies, particularly in North Dakota. Typically a circle is held for each solstice and equinox, with additional circles held if desired. Lately the trend has been to hold the winter solstice circle in Thunder Bay due to the elements. All are welcome to attend and the only requirements necessary are a willingness to participate and to open up to one's own spirit. Numbers of people tend to be small, around 5-15 participants which makes for an intimate setting.

Instruments

The typical instruments involved are the water drum, hand drum, community drum and rattles, all of Native American origin or inspiration. The intention in playing is for everyone to play together, and in a monotone steady beat, which facilitates an altering of consciousness and an entrainment of energy. Added to the mix is singing, and sometimes Tibetan bowls as well. While much of the flavour of the circle draws from Native American or shamanic influences, the circle is not strictly based on any traditional rituals or rules and is open to contribution from all influences keeping in spirit with the nature of the circle.

Preparation

Before the circle begins, the room itself must be prepared. The circle room is in a separate outdoor building which is only used for spiritual practice such as the circles. This allows for the presence of very clear energy. In the "center" of the room is an octagonal area oriented to the "four directions". This altar is usually prepared by one or two of the participants with objects such as rocks, candles and plant materials symbolizing the energy and intent of the circle and also the current season. The room is also smudged to cleanse the energy by burning plant material using a combination of cedar, sage, sweetgrass and tobacco, and by sweeping the smoke around the room. Coals are provided from the wood stove in the adjoining room, which has a fire prepared in advance.

The water drum is a key drum used during the circle and originates from Native American peyote meetings. It is made from a vessel such as a metal pot which is filled partially with water, and then has a moose or deer skin laced to the vessel using small stones. It is played with a thin stick and usually at a fairly rapid pace. This drum must be assembled prior to each circle. After each playing session the skin is remoistened by shaking the drum and then blowing air into it.

Smudging and Group Drumming

Once all participants have arrived, each person will be individually smudged. If weather permits, this takes place outside in the yard around an outdoor fire pit. The smudge area is bordered by logs and each person enters the smudge area and then puts their intention into the fire with a handful of tobacco. Usually two others perform the actual smudging using the same materials as for cleansing the room. The person's energy field will be sweeped with the smoke on all sides, and also any instrument they have brought to play.

When a person is smudged they leave the pit to start playing the community drum. The first person sets up the beat, and the rest join in one at a time. When no more room is left to drum the first drummer leaves to make room for another, and so on until everyone is smudged and everyone has drummed. Our circle is blessed now in having two very special community drums. The first drum was built by Tod out of wood slats and is headed with moose skin. Its name is Albert Sugarhead (I won't go into where that name came from here) and it does have a very sweet sound. The second drum was the joint project of John and Debbie from Thunder Bay. This drum is substantially larger in volume and has a thunderous sound. John constructed the shell out of cedar boards and made the stand. Debbie obtained the buffalo hide from Manitoba and with a little help prepared and scraped the hide. When the hide was ready it was fastened to the shell using rawhide lacing by Tod, John, myself (David) and Tarmo. That was a memorable experience and the net result was simply amazing ... thank you Debbie for your vision! And so "Spirit That Wraps Around Us" was born.

Elements Of The Circle

Once the smudging and group drumming is completed, all participants settle into their spots. Tod as facilitator takes up the "west" and lately with me acting as "fireman" sitting in the "north" and all other spots open. The circle typically begins with some opening comments from Tod and whoever prepared the altar. The format and flavour of each circle varies, but some common elements usually take place. Commonly an initial drumming round takes place where each person may play a hand drum or a rattle if they desire, usually with Tod playing the water drum. The purpose of this is to help set intention for the circle. After this drumming round a "talking stick" or feather is passed around the circle, giving each person an opportunity if they desire to speak about what their current issues or thoughts are that they want to work on in the circle. If one does not feel moved to share they may pass on this as well.

At this point the circle takes a short break and then resumes with several "rounds". These rounds usually evolve from what people have spoken of in the initial round. Some rounds may involve drumming and rattling. In some of these Tod usually sings some traditional Native American peyote meeting songs while rattling, accompanied by someone on the water drum. Another round may involve shamanic journeying. A shamanic journey basically involves one person drumming a monotone beat while the others relax and "journey" into an altered state of consciousness. A person may journey for themselves, or for an issue spoken of by another. The journey itself may typically last 15-20 minutes, and after its completion those that wish to share any information or visions obtained on the journey may do so. These insights are shared without analysis or judgment, and it is up to the person whom the insight is about to consider how it relates to their own life. I find sometimes these sharings can provide very insightful information, and sometimes can sound quite humorous or entertaining.

Typically a circle may last 4-5 hours from the very beginning to the end. After all rounds have been completed, and all issues which arose feel to the group like they have been dealt with, the circle draws to a close. Some final songs may be performed, and then all arise and hold hands. Each person hugs each other person as they leave and the circle is then done. At this point we relax and commune over a pot luck meal before heading home.

Conclusion

If this article appeals to your spirit, I urge you to attend a healing or shamanic circle in your area if you can find one, or perhaps you might like to start one of your own. For me, I always leave the circle with a renewed sense of energy and spirit. Sometimes emotional issues are stirred up which then continue on with their inner healing in the days that follow. Each circle is like a "coming home" for me. The circle provides an opportunity to connect with your own spirit at a deeper level, and also to connect with a group of other like minded people. Each person who attends brings their own special gift of Spirit to the circle. I feel very blessed for knowing Tod and all of the other wonderful people I have had the chance to meet at the circles.

Meegwich ~ with gratitude and blessings ~ David.

David Johannes is a musician at heart. The language of rhythm, as well as musical performance, has always been an integral part of David's life. Later in life David received the "call of the drum" and soon realized that hand drumming was where he wanted to direct all of his creative energy. Blending his new love of drumming with his existing technological and creative skills has resulted in the community based drummer's resource known as Drum Journey. To learn more about David and Drum Journey you may visit the site at http://www.drumjourney.com.