Curious about drumming? Let's walk together.....
The first drum I birthed was in Guatemala, and I made it with my own hands alongside a skilled drum maker named Pablo. He taught me how to craft the drum, to feel its rhythm, connect with its spirit, and pray through it. It was a profoundly special moment for me.
Right now, I travel with my second drum, made of goat skin from Peru. It carries an entirely different energy—deep, motherly, and patient. When I sing with her, I hear a thousand voices singing with me. My drums have been my friends and teachers, I hope you enjoy this blog, and please feel free to share your story below in the comments.
Drumming: An Ancient Practice
Drumming is not just an art form, but an ancient practice with deep roots in many indigenous cultures around the world. It has been used as a tool for spiritual connection, and emotional healing, and even as a way to access altered states of consciousness. The steady rhythm of the drum has long been a powerful means of synchronizing the mind and body, aligning one's energy with the earth, and connecting to the spiritual realms.
Here’s a look at the history of drumming across cultures:
The San People (Southern Africa): The San use drumming in trance dances to induce altered states for spiritual journeys, healing, and connecting with ancestors.
Native American Tribes (North America): For many Native American tribes, the drum is a sacred tool used in rituals and ceremonies. The powwow drum plays a central role in healing, prayer, and community gatherings.
The Daghestani People (Caucasus Mountains): In the remote mountains of the Caucasus, the Daghestani people use the drum to summon the spirits and communicate with nature. The drumbeat represents the heartbeat of the earth, and through it, participants enter trance states to receive messages from the spirit world.
The Aboriginal People (Australia): Drums are used in Aboriginal ceremonies to call upon the Dreamtime, a sacred era where creation took place. The drum’s rhythms connect participants to the land, ancestral spirits, and the collective consciousness of their people.
The Shona People (Zimbabwe): The Shona people use drumming in their spiritual rituals to call the spirits of their ancestors. The drumbeat creates a connection between the physical and spiritual realms, allowing for communication and guidance from the other side.
When the Drummers Were Women
Throughout history, drumming has been deeply intertwined with the sacred feminine. As Layne Redmond writes in her book, When the Drummers Were Women: A Spiritual History of Rhythm, "Because drumming was recognized as an ancient source and symbol of the power of female technicians of the sacred, drumming was banned. Henceforth divinity was to be exclusively masculine. The suppression of women was directly linked to the suppression of the goddess."
This quote underscores the sacred role drumming played for women in ancient spiritual practices. It was not just a tool for rhythm but a symbol of feminine power, often connected to the Earth, the moon, and the cycles of life.
As the power of women in drumming was suppressed, society moved towards more patriarchal structures where divinity was exclusively associated with masculinity.
This comes to be a practice of honor and reclamation!
Corine Sombrun and the Science Behind Shamanic Trance
Drumming has also been a focal point of modern research, especially in the realm of shamanism. Corine Sombrun, a French musician and trained shaman, provides a fascinating example of how drumming can alter consciousness. After being trained in the Mongolian shamanic tradition, Sombrun became the first Western woman fully initiated in the practice. She spent years in Mongolia, learning how to induce shamanic trance with the power of the drum.
Sombrun’s work with scientists has shown that shamanic drumming can indeed modify brain function, especially in relation to theta waves. Through her collaboration with Flor-Henry et al. (2017), studies have shown that shamanic drumming can alter brain circuits, enhancing states of consciousness that are deeply meditative and insightful. Her experience and research further validate how drumming can be used as a therapeutic tool for accessing altered states of mind and healing.
Shamanic Drumming and Theta Waves
Have you heard of shamanic drumming?
Shamanic drumming (Shaman - a spiritual healer, guide, or practitioner in various indigenous cultures) works by using repetitive, rhythmic sounds within a specific frequency range to bring about an altered state of consciousness. In shamanic ceremonies, the drum serves as a powerful tool to connect with the spirit world, guiding participants through spiritual journeys, healing processes, and deep inner exploration.
Research shows that rhythmic drumming at frequencies between 4 to 7 Hertz (Hz), which aligns with theta brainwave activity, is key to inducing this trance-like state. Theta waves are associated with deep relaxation, mental clarity, creativity, and subconscious access, often leading to dream-like states or heightened intuition.
The most effective way to induce theta waves is by drumming at 4 to 4.5 beats per second (around 240-270 bpm) for about 15 minutes. This steady rhythm helps practitioners disengage from external distractions and enhances brain activity associated with internally directed consciousness, allowing for deeper access to the subconscious mind.
Dr. Bruce Lipton suggests that during the first seven years of life, the brain predominantly operates in theta waves, which explains why the mind is highly receptive and absorbing information—shaping beliefs and behaviors that persist into adulthood. Therefore drumming at this pace taps into this natural theta state, enabling us to access subconscious realms, clear old beliefs, and heal emotional wounds (if guided with intention and expertise).
Practice: Drumming for Subconscious Reprogramming
Set Your Intention:
Begin by sitting comfortably with your drum. Take a few deep breaths to center yourself.
Set a clear, positive intention for your session. Think about something you want to release (like an old belief or habit) or something you wish to manifest (like self-love, confidence, or peace).
Say your intention out loud or silently, and feel the emotion behind it. The heart-centered energy will help "program" your subconscious.
Begin Drumming:
Start drumming at a rhythm of 240-270 beats per minute (around 4-4.5 beats per second). This will bring your brain into a theta wave state.
Let the steady rhythm guide you into a deeply relaxed, meditative state. As the drum beats, imagine the vibrations moving through your body, calming your mind, and opening you to new insights.
Focus on the Breath:
As you drum, focus on your breath. Inhale deeply for a count of four, and exhale for a count of four, aligning your breathing with the rhythm of the drum.
Each breath and beat brings you deeper into relaxation. Allow your body and mind to let go of distractions.
Visualization:
While drumming, visualize the old beliefs or patterns you wish to release. Imagine them dissolving into the rhythm of the drum, being carried away by the beats.
Now, visualize the new beliefs or intentions you want to integrate. Picture them being planted deep within your subconscious, growing strong and rooted with every beat of the drum.
Feel the Shift:
As you continue drumming, stay present and observe any shifts in your emotional or physical state. You may feel lighter, more peaceful, or more connected to your inner wisdom.
Trust the process of the drum guiding you into your subconscious. It’s a safe space to heal and reprogram.
Close the Session:
After about 15-20 minutes, gradually slow down the drumming to a gentle pace.
Take a few more deep breaths and reflect on the experience. Trust that the subconscious mind has absorbed the positive changes you’ve intended.
Close with gratitude for the healing and transformation that is unfolding.
Integrate the Practice:
As you finish, take a moment to journal about your experience. Write down any insights, emotions, or thoughts that arose during the practice.
Repeat this practice regularly to reinforce your new subconscious programming.
The practice of "Drumming for Subconscious Reprogramming" is intended for personal growth and relaxation. It is not a substitute for professional medical or psychological care. If you are experiencing mental health challenges, please seek guidance from a qualified healthcare provider. Always approach this practice with mindfulness and in a safe, supportive environment.
Join the Conversation with Isla Macleod
As we've learned, drumming is a powerful tool that helps us reconnect with our bodies and bring ourselves back into harmony with the world around us. It guides us back to our inner truth.
In the episode below, we dive into the healing power of drumming, its rich cultural history, and how you can begin incorporating it into your life today. We’ll also explore the importance of protecting ceremonies and rituals with Isla Macleod—a ceremonialist, soul midwife, and guide through life's transitions, who honors all aspects of life and death.
LISTEN HERE Depths of Motherhood Podcast
Thank you for walking with me. Love, Danielle
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