Drumming

Drumming is an common, ancient and modernshamanic method used to open a Connection to Consciousness.

Connection Techniques

Connection Technique > Affirmation, Affirmation of Connection, Autogenic Training, Biofeedback, Bornless Ritual, Breathing, Caloric Reduction, Cocooning, Connection Visualization, Dance, Deprivation, Detachment, Dhikr, Drumming, Fasting, Flow Control, Flow Purification, Graduation Invocation, Holotropic Breathwork, Hypnotism, Hypoventilation, Intent, Intent to Connect, Japam, Mantra, Meditation, Mindfulness, Musical Audition, Mysticism of the Historical Event, Poetry, Power Quest, Receptive Seeking, Relaxation, Sensory Deprivation, Spirit Canoe, The Method of the Lamp, The Way of the Hollow Bone, Thought Control, Vajra Breath, Vision Quest, Visualization, Writing, Zazen

Notes

Harner suggests that a steady rhythm of 205 to 220 BPM is enough to "change consciousness."

"the Turks and the Uigur regarded the drum as a " celestial bridge" (rainbow) over which the shaman made his ascent. This idea forms part of the complex symbolism of the drum and the bridge, each of which represents a different formula for the same ecstatic experience: celestial ascent. It is through the musical magic of the drum that the shaman can reach the highest heaven."

Michael Drake presents drumming as a practice capable of inducing a "transcendent state of unity consciousness" where one becomes a Hollow Bone, an individual who has or can enter a trance state "without their personal ego. This non-ego hollowness makes a way for Spirit to use them as a healing tool. In this way, the shaman is a channel for higher consciousness."

Michael Drake suggests a tempo of three to four beats per second. "Focus your attention on the sound of the drum, thereby stilling the chatter in your mind. Allow the drum to empty you - become one with the drum."

Clearly, shamanic drumming facilitates Channeling, specifically Trance Channeling, a disconnected form of Intramonadic Communication. There is absolutely nothing wrong with this, but the long term goal is not Trance Connection but Perfected Connection.

Tibetan Pau (Shamans) use drums, bells, and chanting "The pau are wild because they enter trance by simultaneously and loudly playing a small two-sided, hourglass-shaped dharu11 (hand drum) and shang [gshang] (flat bell), one in each hand, sometimes for an hour or longer."

Footnotes

References