2013 Winter Solstice Drum Circle

Sunday December 22, 2013, 1 to 4 pm at the Silverton Grange, 201 Division St, Silverton, OR 97381. Facilitated by Michael Drake, author of Shamanic Drumming: Calling the Spirits. At the Winter Solstice, we begin a new cycle on the Medicine Wheel of Life, entering the North -- the home of winter, night, wisdom, clarity, renewal, rebirth, and the great Bison. Bison teaches us the importance of gratitude for all we have and giving for the greater good. As we join our hearts in prayer and sacred drumming, we participate in this season of renewal, attuning ourselves to the cyclical rhythms of nature. As we celebrate the return of the light, we affirm the continuation of life at the very moment of dissolution. Prayer, gratitude, and generosity at this time will clear the way for renewed growth and prosperity. Bring a drum, a dish, and a donation.

Calling the Spirits eBook Sale

Starting Friday, November 29, 2013, I am offering a Kindle Countdown Deal on my book "Shamanic Drumming: Calling the Spirits." The sale price will start at $0.99 and then slowly rise back to full price. Click on the preceding link between 8 a.m. Friday, November 29 and 8 a.m. Thursday, December, 5, 2013 to receive a discount. In "Shamanic Drumming," I recount my journey into shamanic practice and explore what someone should do if they feel the call to become a shaman. My shamanic training began under the tutelage of Mongolian shaman Jade Wah'oo Grigori. Jade's knowledge of shamanic drumming was most influential in putting together my first book. I founded Talking Drum Publications in 1991 with the release of "The Shamanic Drum." Soon after the book's publication, I began teaching workshops. My responsibility is to provide tools and techniques designed to bring the aspirant into contact with their helping spirits, securing a solid foundation upon which to build a spiritual practice. Once you have learned the basic skills, your helping spirits can provide you all the training you need. Click here to look inside my latest book.

"Before They Pass Away"

"Before They Pass Away," a long-term project by photographer Jimmy Nelson, gives us the unique opportunity to discover more than 30 secluded and slowly vanishing tribes from all over the world. Spending two weeks in each tribe, Jimmy became acquainted with their time-honoured traditions, joined their rituals and captured it all in a very appealing way. Jimmy not only presents us with amazing images of customs and artifacts, but also offers insightful portraits of people who are the guardians of a culture that they--and we--hope will be passed on to future generations in all its glory. All of his stunning photos are now showcased in a historic art book. So embark on a journey to the most remote corners and meet the witnesses of a disappearing world.

An Invitation to Participate in a New Book

Today's post is a bit different from the usual; I am asking for your help with a project. I am in the process of writing a book titled "Shamanic Drumming Circles Guide." This book is the culmination of nearly twenty-five years of shamanic circling. Since 1989, I have been involved in facilitating shamanic drumming circles and hands-on experiential workshops nationwide. Many of the participants in my workshops were inspired to start or join drumming circles in their communities. Over the years many of these shamanic practitioners have shared the specific challenges and issues their circles experienced. This ongoing networking with other practitioners evolved into a manual which will offer some guidelines for anyone considering starting a shamanic drumming circle. The guidelines are also meant to help established drumming circles become more effective. If you have ideas for the book or want to share interesting insights that would be useful, either leave a comment below OR contact me via email and I'll get right back to you. I look forward to your thoughts. I'm excited about the prospects for this book. With your help, we can make it a truly-valuable resource for shamanic circles.

Post Update -- May 30, 2014: I am pleased to announce the publication of my new drum circle guide. I would like to thank everyone for their contributions and support. Click here to look inside my Shamanic Drumming Circles Guide.