About Us
ShamanicDrumming.com was launched in 2009 by Talking Drum Publications in order to share information with the global drumming community. Talking Drum Publications was founded in 1991 by Michael Drake. Raised in a conservative Southern Baptist Church, Michael had his first ecstatic experience as a youth at a church revival; an evangelistic meeting intended to reawaken interest in religion. This state of rapture and trancelike elation inspired his spiritual quest.
Michael spent more than 30 years of his life seeking answers to some of life's most perplexing mysteries: Why am I here? What happens when you die? What is life's purpose? He explored the world's great religions. He considered the philosophies of humanity. He studied the theories of modern science. At a crucial point in his search, Michael came in touch with the transforming power of shamanic drumming and of an ancient shamanic way of self-knowledge. Under the tutelage of Mongolian shaman Jade Wah'oo Grigori, he learned the healing rhythms and drum ways of an ancient shamanic lineage. He discovered that therapeutic rhythm techniques have been used for thousands of years to create and maintain physical, mental, and spiritual health.
Though Jade was his mentor, the drum became Michael's teacher and creative addiction. He developed an insatiable thirst for its rhythms. He became a rhythm seeker, learning new rhythms from other drummers, from nature, and from dreams and visions. Michael explored the rhythms of many of the world's shamanic and spiritual traditions. It was only natural, at least from Michael's perspective, that rhythm, as a path, would lead him to the rhythmic roots of all cultures.
As he learned the drum ways of various world cultures, Michael found the same rhythmic qualities underlying all of them. Like the colors of the rainbow, each culture has its own hue or identity, yet each is a part of the whole. Although the focus or intent differs from culture to culture, rhythmic drumming invariably has the same power and effects in all traditions. The resonant qualities and attributes of these rhythmic phenomena are universal and come into play whenever we drum.
Inspired by his studies, research, and experiences, Michael launched ShamanicDrumming.com in 2009 in order to share information related to shamanic drumming and music. Michael holds a degree in Business Administration and is the author of The Shamanic Drum: A Guide to Sacred Drumming and I Ching: The Tao of Drumming. His articles have appeared in numerous publications, including Awareness, Sacred Hoop, and Mother Earth News. For the past 20 years he has been facilitating drum circles and workshops nationwide. To learn more read "The Calling," an excerpt from Michael's forthcoming book, Shamanic Drumming: Calling the Spirits.
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