Editorial Reviews
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Information
The
Shamanic Drum: A Guide to Sacred Drumming by Michael
Drake
Reviews:
"This book is a
valuable, well-researched, and well-written treatment of all
aspects of shamanic drumming. The author weaves together both
ancient and modern lore, from oral shamanic chants to modern
physics and biology, along with personal experiences to illuminate
the practice of sacred drumming. Included are step-by-step
exercises, analysis of different beats and tempos, and chapters on
cosmology, journeying, power practice, and healing the earth.
Recommended to anyone seeking to connect deeply with the drum as a
tool for personal, interpersonal, or group spiritual and healing
work."
--Nowick Gray, Alternative Culture
Magazine
"The Shamanic Drum expresses things as they are and it's
indeed true that the drum and the proper ceremonies are the way in
which we balance and harmonize the energies of the Earth, its
creatures, and our relationship with all realms."
--Dhyani Ywahoo, Cherokee teacher
and author of Voices
of Our Ancestors: Cherokee Teachings From the Wisdom
Fire.
"A clear and practical
work."
--Julia Cameron, author of
The Vein of Gold
and The Artist's
Way.
"Wonderful,
easy to read, in-depth, step-by-step guide to journeying. Michael
Drake has written a sensible guide to taking a traditional shamanic
journey with measured drum beats to an alternate reality where,
with practice, one can meet one's spirit/animal guide. He describes
with obvious deep knowledge how to use and care for a drum that
will act as both a vehicle to journey and as a healing tool. I got
the impression from reading The Shamanic Drum: a Guide to Sacred
Drumming that the author genuinely loves his relationship with
sacred drumming and wants to share this timeless knowledge. His
methods are completely safe. He states what I've found to be true:
one always has one foot in this world as he/she journeys to another
and can 'return' as soon as one wishes."
--Yana Murphy Amazon Reviews
"Hurray! The book is great. I'm sharing it
at my drumming workshops and have it on my resource
list."
--Brooke Medicine
Eagle, Native ceremonial leader and author
of Buffalo Woman
Comes Singing.
"In The
Shamanic Drum, Michael Drake takes the reader on a journey from
humankind's earliest of times to the most modern findings of
science to explore the connections and power of drumming and
shamanism. At the same time factual and intuitively revealing,
Drake allows the reader to become comfortable with concepts that
may be foreign and even esoteric in an easy, understandable manner.
Drake has provided a textbook on shamanic drumming that should be
an enduring classic."
--Jim PathFinder
Ewing, author of Reiki
Shamanism.
"Apprenticeship would be the ideal way to
learn shamanic drumming, however most of us will never be fortunate
enough to have this experience. This book is definitely the next
best thing."
--Lisa
DiPlacido, review editor for Friend's Review.
"Beautiful
Imagery. I thoroughly enjoyed the imagery presented in this book.
The journeys of the soul were mesmerizing. The guidance for
drumming was most useful. The songs presented were short, easy to
remember, and inspiring."
--Monarch Amazon Reviews
"I highly
recommend this book to anyone interested in the practice of
Shamanic drumming. Lots of information, easy to read. Thank you Mr.
Drake."
--Cindy (Drumheart)
Green
"Drake demonstrates the use of the drum to
achieve a mental state beyond the realm of normal experience.
Drumming, in essence, becomes the window to beyond and a mirror of
within."
--Michael
Dawson, editor of Moving Words.
Description:
Shamanic drumming is an ancient
approach that uses rhythm as a vehicle for healing, consciousness
expansion, and community building. Trained in the Mongolian
shamanic tradition, Michael presents the first practical guide to
applying this ancient healing art to our modern lives. Included are
step-by-step exercises and chapters on sacred drumming, journeying,
power practice, and healing the earth. Whether you are an
accomplished percussionist or a total beginner, this user-friendly
book will help you utilize the healing power of drumming. Recent
studies demonstrate that drumming is a valuable treatment for
stress, chronic pain, cancer, stroke, trauma, addictions, mental
illness, emotional disorders and a wide range of physical
disabilities. The therapeutic effects include relaxation, healing,
more energy, greater mental clarity, enhanced creativity and deeper
self-awareness.
Preview & search the full text of The Shamanic Drum.
Download Now From Lulu.com--Ebook, Universal EPUB format for Adobe Digital Editions, Stanza, iPad, Sony Reader, Blackberry, iPhone, and other eBook Readers, 2009 Revised Edition, $5.95. Sale Price: $4.76.
Download Now From Lulu.com--Ebook, Adobe PDF File, 2009 Revised Edition, $5.95. Sale Price: $4.76.
Download Now From Amazon.com--Ebook, Kindle Edition, $5.95.
Buy Now From Lulu.com--Trade Paperback, 2009 Revised Edition, 128 pp. $12.95. Sale Price: $11.01.
Buy Now From Amazon.com--Trade Paperback, 2009 Revised Edition, 128 pp. $12.95. Sale Price: $10.95.
Shamanic
Journey Drumming by Michael Drake
Reviews:
"This is the perfect album for
journeying. The beats are simple and deep as is needed to
successfully journey. Just as necessary are the call backs. Thank
you Michael Drake. Just what I needed."
--iTunes Reviews
"I first
heard Michael's shamanic drumming in 1993 at the Earth and Spirit
conference in Portland, Oregon. His drumming had a hypnotic,
trance-inducing effect on the audience. His CD entitled Shamanic
Journey Drumming is equally powerful and can be used for both
individual and group shamanic experiences."
--Martin Gray, anthropologist, photographer, and author
of Sacred Earth
"This is a
very well done, easy to use sound guide to a shamanic journey. It
consists of nothing but drumming or drumming with a rattle and a
call back for each session."
--M. Garrison Amazon Reviews
"Nice album.
The sound quality is deep and resonant, with a mixture of solo
drumming and solo drumming with a rattle accompanying."
--iTunes Reviews
"I highly
recommend this album to anyone interested in shamanic journeying.
The driving beat, rich acoustics and overtone harmonics readily
induce the altered states necessary for making shamanic journeys.
The companion book The Shamanic Drum is also recommended
reading." 5
Stars.
--iTunes Reviews
"Wow, I
purchased this album and since then I have explored journeying.
This album was great through my Qc3 headphones, but when I played
it through my JBL 6" studio monitors in my home studio, WOW!!! THE
TONE!! After 7 min I had to stop it. The fullness and vibrations
were overwhelming. Well done Michael Drake!!!" 5 Stars.
--iTunes Reviews
Description:
This CD has been digitally
recorded to support the listener in making shamanic journeys. The
spirit journey is a time-honored shamanic method of inner
consultation. It is a way of communicating with your inner self and
retrieving information. Your inner self is in constant
communication with all aspects of your environment, seen and
unseen. You need only journey within to find answers to your
questions.
The harmonic overtones and undertones on this recording were produced by a 22-inch single-headed, elk hide, cedar frame drum pulsed at four-beats-per-second. This tempo induces a theta wave cycle in the brain. Theta rhythms are associated with the deepest states of shamanic consciousness. Researchers have found that if a tempo of four-beats-per-second is sustained for at least 15 minutes, most people can journey successfully even on their first attempt. To support your journey you can choose from three different tracks:
1. 15 minute
solo drumming with callback
2. 15 minute solo drumming with
rattle and callback
3. 30 minute solo drumming with
callback
Begin your journey by sitting in a dimly lit space. Reflect for a moment on the purpose of your journey, then begin listening to the CD. Focus your attention on the beat of the drum, then close your eyes and allow yourself to be carried away by the rhythm. Once you enter a trance state, you may experience a change in body temperature, feel energy flowing through your body, or find yourself twitching or rocking. It is not uncommon to hear sounds or voices. You may see colorful patterns, symbolic images, or dreamlike visions.
When you hear the four strong beats of the callback, begin your return journey. Try to retrace the same route back; otherwise you might have trouble remembering the details of your journey. In some cases, your journey experiences will be clear and easy to understand. At other times, your journey may be dreamlike and full of symbolism. Interpret such journeys as you would any dream. Look for possible associations related to each symbol or image. The key is to observe whatever happens without trying to analyze the experience. Like developing any skill, journeying takes practice. Nothing may happen on your first journeys. You may only experience darkness. When this happens, simply try again at a different time. Step-by-step instructions for making shamanic journeys are explained in Michael's book, The Shamanic Drum. To learn more read Shamanic Journeying.
Sample: Download this MP3 Solo Drumming
Download Now From CD Baby--Shamanic Journey Drumming, mp3 download, 64 min., $6.99.
Download Shamanic Journey Drumming at Apple iTunes--mp3 download, 64 min., $9.99.
Download Shamanic Journey Drumming at Amazon.com--mp3 download, 64 min., $8.99.
Buy Now From Amazon--Shamanic Journey Drumming, regular audio CD, 64 min, $12.89.
Binaural
Beats for the Shamanic Journey by Michael Drake
Reviews:
"I like this CD it's to the
point, not a lot of other crap - just Theta. I am still new to
using it, but I can say it's very relaxing. I use it when I walk
and it doesn't block my regular hearing. Make sure you use
headphones for maximum benefit. All in all, very good."
--Amazon Customer Reviews
"Good beats,
with two major variations. It's good for relaxation and meditation.
I recommend it."
--iTunes Customer Reviews
"Good choice
of soothing tones: Theta OM and Theta Kung. Using this binaural
beat album, everyone can easily achieve a very deep, relaxed state
of consciousness. Recommended to anyone seeking to reduce stress,
expand their consciousness and experience the Shamanic Flight of
the Soul."
--iTunes Customer Reviews
"Theta
binaural beats for people who like things direct and
straightforward and don't want all the cheesy extras, e.g.,
waterfalls, chirping birds, relaxing voices, soothing synths,
etc."
--Listmania! Reviews
"Precise,
consistent theta waves for journeying and as Drs. Elmer and Alyce
Green of the Menninger Foundation first reported in the 1970's,
inducing theta brain activity daily over a period of time has
enormous benefits, including boosting the immune system, enhancing
creativity, and facilitating integrative experiences leading to
feelings of psychological well-being."
--Elisia Webb, Lulu
Reviews
Description:
Until recently, only those who
practiced ancient meditative disciplines could enter transcendent
states of awareness. Now there is an easier pathway called binaural
technology. Researcher H.W. Dove discovered that when two pure
tones close in frequency are presented, one to each ear, the brain
detects the difference between them as a third frequency. The two
hemispheres of the brain entrain to this binaural beat rather than
the audible tones. For example, a 90 Hz tone and 95 Hz tone will
induce a 5 Hz theta brainwave cycle.
Theta activity reflects the dreamlike state between wakefulness and sleep. Theta rhythms are associated with meditation and shamanic states of consciousness. Theta increases creativity, enhances learning, reduces stress, and awakens intuition. Binaural beats can induce profoundly deep altered states within minutes. All you need is a pair of stereo headphones and a comfortable chair. The recording does the rest.
The audible tone, or carrier frequency, also influences consciousness. The carrier tone must be a pure sine wave. If this tone is complex, like a drum or synthesized sound, the target binaural beat frequency will be corrupted. You should hear a continuous tone when listening to left and right channel separately, and a pulsating sound when listening with headphones. Carrier tones for the journeys on this CD are 136.10 Hz (C#) and 172.06 Hz (F). According to Swiss scientist Hans Cousto, 136.10 Hz corresponds to OM, the primal sound from which the universe constantly emanates. This tone relieves stress, opens blocked energy pathways, and restores inner peace. 172.06 Hz corresponds to Kung, the fundamental tone in ancient China for attuning to Tao, the force that guides everything in the universe. This tone supports cheerfulness, clarity of spirit, and cosmic unity on the highest levels.
Each journey on this CD ends with a callback and has a binaural beat of 4.5 Hz, the theta rhythm associated with the deepest states of shamanic consciousness. 30 minute journeys are split into two tracks for your convenience. You can select the first track for a 30 minute journey or the second track for a 15 minute journey. To learn more read Binaural Beats for the Shamanic Journey. Headphones required.
1. 30 minute
Theta OM
2. 15 minute Theta
OM
3. 30 minute Theta
Kung
4. 15 minute Theta
Kung
Download Binaural Beats for the Shamanic Journey at Apple iTunes
Download Now From Amazon--Binaural Beats for the Shamanic Journey, mp3, 140 MB, $3.96.
Download Now From CD Baby--Binaural Beats for the Shamanic Journey, mp3, 140 MB, $3.99.
Buy Now From Amazon--Binaural Beats for the Shamanic Journey, audio CD, 62 min, $11.88.
Power
Animal Drumming: Calling the Spirits by Michael
Drake
Reviews:
"Well done! Some really nice
tracks with excellent stereo field."
--Lawrence M. Barker,
Audio Field Recorder
"Sweet
Medicine Music! I highly recommend this therapeutic recording. The
healing rhythms resonate deep within and stimulate the release of
unexpressed feelings and emotions. The music has wonderful
transportive qualities; resounding drums and plaintive flutes lull
one into a dreamy spirit flight. Many tracks can be looped for
continuous play for extended meditation or journeying. I recommend
headphones for the richest listening experience. Well done Michael
Drake!" 5 Stars.
--iTunes Reviews
"A healing
shamanic journey reminiscent of David & Steve Gordon's
Sacred Earth Drums." 5 Stars.
--iTunes Reviews
"Love this
music! Thanks for the great packaging and I will play this CD
whenever calling my spirits for advice. It is full of powerful drum
beats and brings out calm and relaxation." 5.0 out of 5
stars.
--Candy O'Donnell Amazon Reviews
"Listening,
"Turtle Shaker" has me 'air shaking/rattling' my empty hands.
Spirit-filled, I slowly circle the hearth room of my home. Then
come mourning doves calling. Now I am walking through cottonwood
leaves among the elder trees beside salmon stream. Eagle beat lifts
me up and carries me high above the Earth, soaring, seeing. And on
the drum beats go--even as they call in these power animal spirits,
these guides and protectors of my spirit, I am transported to other
realms where my heart is gladdened and my spirit at peace and
enlivened, refreshed. As the drum beats roll on, cultures call to
me from around the globe, "We are One;" Michael's gift to all of
us. My heart is filled with joy anew, reconnected to my roots. My
deepest gratitude goes to you Michael."
--Kathleen Simpson
Myron, Artist
Description:
Power animal drumming is a
shamanic way to evoke and internalize animal archetypes. An animal
archetype represents the spirit and attributes of the entire
species of that animal. Shamanism is the endeavor to cultivate
ongoing relationships with power animals to gain insight, healing
methods, and other vital information that can benefit the
community. When an animal spirit is invoked, there is often an
accompanying rhythm that comes through. Shamans frequently use
these unique rhythms to summon their helping spirits for the work
at hand. The spirit calling rhythms on this CD evolved over many
years through me and fellow shamanic circle drummers as gifts from
our animal relations to all who seek the oneness of everything.
Evocative drum rhythms, rattles, flutes, didgeridoos, animal calls,
nature sounds, and synthesizers connect you with the collective
strength and wisdom of power animals. Headphones Recommended.
Click here
for samples and full description
Didgeridoo for the Shamanic Journey
by Michael Drake
Description:
The didgeridoo is one of the
world's oldest musical instruments, originating in Australia tens
of thousands of years ago. It is a wooden wind instrument that
produces a resonant trance inducing drone to support the listener
in making shamanic journeys. The shamanic journey is a time-honored
method of inner consultation. It is a way of communicating with
your inner self and retrieving information. Your inner self is in
constant communication with all aspects of your environment, seen
and unseen. You need only journey within to find answers to your
questions. To support your journey you can choose from three
different tracks: 1. 15 Minute Didgeridoo with Hand
Clapping;
2. 15 Minute Didgeridoo with
Rattle; 3. 30 Minute Didgeridoo with Drum
The hand clapping, rattle, and
drum complement the rhythmic droning, thereby boosting the total
sonic effect. Each journey ends with a callback. Headphones
recommended. Sample This New Release
I Ching: The Tao of Drumming by Michael
Drake
Reviews:
"A fascinating
multicultural synergism of thought regarding the rhythmic pulses of
the universe and their relationship to divination and
drumming."
--Jonathan Goldman, author of
Healing
Sounds.
"Michael has done all of us a huge
kindness by compiling this exhaustive work into one volume in clear
concise language."
--Dru Kristel, author of
Breath Was the First
Drummer.
"Ever since I first saw the book
I Ching, The Tao of
Drumming by Michael
Drake, I have been fascinated by it. It's one more way to
experience the connection of all things. Drake instructs the
drummer to create rhythmic patterns. These can be assembled to drum
the four elements, the four directions, and the I Ching hexagrams.
"It is a synthesis, a blending of rhythmic knowledge from Taoism,
shamanism, and the philosophical wisdom of the I Ching." The
inspiration that comes from these philosophies can now be felt
through the vibration of drumming."
--Arlene
Arnold, The New
Times
"I like what Michael is doing and saying
in I Ching: The Tao
of Drumming. The
drum is the presence of ha-moo-low-nay, which is how the Infinite
is seeing the unfolding of the deeper levels of the vast
self."
--Joseph Beautiful
Painted Arrow Rael, Ute-Tewa artist and author of
Being and
Vibration.
A true "way"
of Drumming. Michael Drake truly captures "the way" of the drum and
also I believe our emotional and spiritual connection to it. From
the ancient ceremonial drums of early man until modern times, this
"way" of the drum has not changed within us - and Michael Drake
captures this in all of his books. This book actually has rhythmic
exercises and pattern the reader can learn and use as a guide to
finding their own "way". As a lifelong drummer, and student of
related speed bag rhythms, I found it very interesting and
enlightening.
--Alan Kahn Amazon Reviews
"Amazing
work, given the role of music in the lives of many."
--Anthony Judge, author
of Periodic Pattern of Human Life
"It's a fascinating idea, especially for I
Ching aficionados, and another good excuse to put your hands on
those healing skins."
--NAPRA ReView
"I recently
bought your book and CD for the Tao of Drumming. I am a martial
arts teacher of a Daoist Kung Fu system. My arts are based on Chi
Cultivation which I found that your Tao of Drumming fits in well
with as the vibrations of the drum will enter certain organs for
its healing benefits plus much more. So I needed to write to you to
thank you on a huge effort and great job on the book and
drumming."
--Garry Hearfield, Shaolin Yau Kung Mun Kung Fu Academy,
Sydney, Australia
Description:
In this user-friendly interpretation of the I Ching, Michael Drake presents drumming as a revolutionary way to approach the ancient Chinese oracle. A synthesis of shamanic drum ways and Taoist philosophy, I Ching: The Tao of Drumming provides for the first time the rhythmic structure of the 64 hexagrams or potential human situations. Drum patterns derived from the hexagram images render the essence of each archetype of experience into sound, giving it physical, mental, and spiritual impulse. Through the natural law of resonance, the drummer then embodies the qualities and attributes necessary to effect change or harmonize with change in any given situation. With clear and practical explanations of each of the 64 hexagrams along with useful exercises and illustrations, the author demonstrates how drumming these simple rhythm archetypes brings the essential self into accord with the pattern or way of cyclical change, and that way is known as Tao.
More than an oracle, the I Ching is a symbolic blueprint or map of reality. It is an extraordinary symbol system that represents the fundamental aspects of our physical, mental, and spiritual experience. The pattern images convey paradoxical truths regarding the nature of reality in an intuitive, non-linear manner. They provide a means of exploring and developing the inner self. Each linear image depicts a particular drum pattern, which renders the essence of each archetype into sound. The drum pattern projects onto the body a supportive resonance or sound pattern to which the body can attune. By drumming the rhythm archetypes, one can attain a level of intuitive understanding beyond linguistic interpretations. To learn more, read Drumming the I Ching by Hilary Barrett.
Preview & search the full text of I Ching: The Tao of Drumming.
Download Now From Lulu.com--Ebook, Universal EPUB format for Adobe Digital Editions, Stanza, iPad, Sony Reader, Blackberry, iPhone, and other eBook Readers, 2003 Revised Edition, $4.95. Sale Price: $4.21.
Download Now From Amazon.com--Ebook, 2003 Revised Kindle Edition, $4.95.
Download Now From Lulu.com--Ebook, Adobe PDF File, 2003 Revised Edition, $4.95. Sale Price: $4.21.
Buy Now From Lulu.com--Trade Paperback, 2003 Revised Edition,152 pp, $11.95. Sale Price: $10.76.
Buy Now From Amazon.com--Trade Paperback, 2003 Revised Edition,152 pp, $11.95.
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