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“Where can I get a good drum?” “How do I make my own
rattle?”
“Where can I read about shamanism?” These are questions we are often asked,
and so we have collected some information here which we think will be
helpful for you.
DRUMS AND
RATTLES
The drum’s rhythmic power is like the heartbeat of
the Earth, and is deeply anchored in our shamanic practice. We journey on
the drum-beat to the Spirit-world and return with power. The drum and the
rattle are, on one hand, the tools of our trade, and on the other hand, our
allies with their own power and soul. In shamanic work, traditionally,
hand-held tambourine-like drums are used together with a drumstick. But
where does one find a drum? Which should one choose? Should it be a factory
made drum, or hand made? Do you think about making your own, but don’t have
the tools or experience? Should the skin be from an animal, or is it all
right with a synthetic drumskin? The most important is that this partner
feels good to you, that the sound is pleasing to you, that you can dance
with its power, that you can work together.
Rattles are filled with power and at the same time act as power
antennae. In many parts of the world they are used together with drums, and
in Siberia they are often built into the drum or drumstick. They are easy to
carry, and don’t bother your neighbors if you live in a flat. They also tend
to be much less expensive than drums, and many shops selling goods from
“third world” countries have beautiful, powerful, inexpensive rattles for
sale. You can learn more about rattles and how to make your own by reading
Jonathan’s article
POWER IN
YOUR HAND.
Mass Produced Drums are not as expensive as hand-made drums, and
generally have a good sound. They are available at music stores, and the
ones with synthetic skins can be used outside in the rain or very humid
places. The Remo company makes some nice ones, which are easy to
personalize. Even a plastic drum has a Spirit. Respect it, and it will help
you.
Handmade Drums and Rattles are getting easier to find as there are
more and more people making them. Below we have listed some of the drum
makers we know and have worked with. Several of them also hold drum and
rattle making courses. Here you make your own drum. The drum-making is done
in a ritual way with awareness, and in this way you get to acquainted with
the Spirit of your instrument as it makes itself known. If you wish to try
to make your own drum or rattle from scratch, the best book is still Bernard
Masons How to Make Drums, Tom-Toms, and Rattles (Dover) which gives you many
types to choose from. Also recommended is Nicholas Wood’s fine book Voices
from the Earth.
Drumming CDs are another option. Many people who don’t have the money
for a drum, or the time to go on a course, find that the alternative of
using a drumming CD or audio-tape works very well, using either a headset,
thereby not disturbing others, or speakers. This option should never be used
in moving vehicles of any kind, and should be regarded with the same respect
as other allies used for contacting the Spirit world.
LINKS TO
RESOURCES
There are many people making and selling good drums, rattles, and
drumming recordings, but they are not always so easy to find. Therefore, we
have collected links to drum and rattle makers we have been working with:
DRUMMING CDs:
We have now our own drumming CD, produced by
B-Joe Johansen, who is
drumming together with Jonathan, Kirsten Slots, and Marianne Hvass Kure. Get
it at
www.shamans-drum.com .
DRUM MAKING COURSES:
FINLAND
CHRIS HARLE leads drum making courses deep in the Finnish wilderness.
Contact
christiana.harle@telemail.fi
, to learn more about her drum making and other shamanic courses.
See more
here.
ENGLAND:
NICK WOOD makes drums and rattles, mainly inspired by North American
Indians. He also has courses, CDs with drumming and music from Native
America, and his own compositions.
www.nicholaswood.net
KATHY FRIED makes beautiful Spirit inspired rattles, as well as other
shamanic power objects. She also leads rattle-making courses.
www.kathyfried.co.uk
SWITZERLAND:
HANS PETER HUEGLI and his daughter MANUELA HUEGLI make resonant skin drums
which can be tuned quickly and simply as needed. Contact:
M_huegli@gmx.net
NORWAY:
DAY FEYE: Drum maker whose beautiful drums are Sami inspired with an oval
form. Day holds drum-making courses in Norway and also in other European
countries by appointment.
See: www.daydrum.com
DENMARK:
TROMMEVAERKSTEDET: Here you can order both ready-made and handmade drums,
with synthetic and natural skins. Also rattles, drumming CDs, incense,
books, and more. Also courses in drum-making
ww.trommevaerkstedet.dk
SHAMANISTISK VAERKSTED: Erik and Susanne are making drums in the same
family as Daye’s. Moreover, Susanne makes beautiful rattles on order. They
hold drum and rattle courses as well.
www.shamantrommer.dk
ART’N’DRUM.
Michael Wagner builds framedrums that can be tuned. He also repairs all
kinds of hand drums.
www.artndrum.dk
.
BOOKS ON
SHAMANISM
There are many exciting books about shamanism. This is a basic selection.
Be inspired! But please remember not to give your power away to a book.
Your own experience is much more valuable.
The Way of the Shaman, a Guide to Power and Healing by
Michael Harner (Random House). We feel that this is the best introduction to
practical as well as classic shamanism
Shamanic Voices by Joan Halifax (editor) (Arkana). In this
book, Joan Halifax has gathered dozens of accounts of shamanic practice as
described by traditional shamans. Fascinating
The Wounded Healer by Joan Halifax (Thames and Hudson). A
fascinating text, exploring shamanism as practiced in many traditional
cultures. Beautiful and unusual photographs.
Soul Retrieval, Mending the Fragmented Self by Sandra Ingerman
(Harper San Francisco). The basic book on soul retrieval in modern shamanic
practice, as well as in traditional cultures.
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