Shamanic drum journeys have been practiced by indigenous cultures around the world for centuries as a means of spiritual exploration and healing. Repetitive drumbeats induce a trance-like state that allows us to enter the realm of the spirit world and connect with our higher selves, spirit guides, or totem animals. These guides and animals can offer insight, guidance, and healing as we navigate the spiritual plane. These journeys can be used for a variety of purposes, including healing emotional wounds, finding direction in life, or connecting with past life stories.
The drumbeat used in shamanic drum journeys is typically slow and steady, ranging from three to six beats per second. This beat is meant to mimic the rhythm of the heart and symbolizes our connection to the heart of the earth. It also helps synchronize our brain waves with the spiritual realm. As we listen to the drumbeat and close our eyes, our minds can enter a trance-like state as we explore different realms of consciousness.
The Three Realms (Representative of the Tree of Life):
There are three distinct realms that we travel through during a drum journey: the upper realm, middle realm, and lower realm.
- The upper realm is often considered the realm of spirit and higher consciousness where we receive guidance and insights to gain a greater understanding of the spiritual nature of reality. Here we may encounter angels, ascended masters, and other spiritual beings.
- The middle realm is considered the realm of the earth and the physical world, representing the conscious and subconscious realities of our everyday lives. We can connect with spirit animals, plant spirits, fairies, and other beings that represent the power and energy of the natural world.
- The lower realm is often considered the realm of the unconscious and our shadow aspects. It is a place where we can connect with our ancestors and parts our ourselves that need to be uncovered and brought to the light.
Shamanic drum journeys are often conducted in groups, with a shaman or trained facilitator leading the session. The facilitator will typically begin the journey by setting an intention and creating a sacred space for us to feel safe and supported. They will often guide the group, or individual if it is a private session, through the drum journey starting at the tree of life. They offer prompts and guidance to help us connect with our guides and navigate our inner world.
Tips for an Effective Shamanic Journey:
- Intention setting: Before embarking on a shamanic journey, it can be helpful to set an intention for the journey. This intention can be a specific question we want to be answered, a goal, or a particular aspect of ourselves we want to explore. Setting an intention can help us stay focused during the journey and give us a sense of direction and purpose.
- Creating an altar: An altar is a sacred space where you can honor the spirits and energies you want to work with during your journey. We create an altar by placing objects that hold personal significance for us, such as crystals,
feathers, candles, statues, or photographs, on a table or shelf. The altar can be a physical representation of your intention and a way to call in the energies you want to work with.
- Clearing the space: Before beginning the journey, it can be helpful to clear the space of any distractions or negative energies. We can do this by smudging with sage or other herbs, or by simply taking a moment to set our intention and create a sacred circle of protection around the participants.
- Embarking on the journey: Once we have set our intention, created an altar, and cleared the space, we can begin the shamanic journey. We can use drumming, rattling, or other techniques to enter an altered state of consciousness and connect with the spiritual realms mentioned earlier. As we journey, we stay focused on our intentions and allow the spirits and energies we encounter to guide us.
- Integrating the journey: After the journey, we should take time to reflect on our experience and integrate any insights or messages we received. We can journal, meditate, and talk with a trusted friend or practitioner to help us process and integrate our experience.
Shamanic drum journeys are a powerful tool for spiritual exploration and healing. I have facilitated many drum journeys in my practice that allow for great healing and guidance for my clients. If you are looking for a deeper way to connect with your guides and explore the depths of your consciousness, please feel free to contact me about booking a journey.