1
Turtle Shaker 2:22
2 Mourning Dove Dawn
3:33
3 Eagle Rising 1:48
4 Crow Heyoka 1:56
5 Osprey Guardian
3:00
6 Flicker Drummer
2:19
7 Badger Medicine
3:12
8 Grouse Drumming
2:29
9 Salmon Run 3:25
10 Elk Autumn 2:14
11 Polar Bear Prayer
2:56
12 Jaguar Night 3:21
13 Frog Rain Chant
1:36
14 Red Deer Shaman
2:43
15 Owl Vision 3:11
16 Elephant Dreamtime
4:40
Power Animal Drumming:
Calling the Spirits by Michael Drake.
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. To learn more read Connecting With Power Animals and Power Animal Attributes. Headphones Recommended.
Special
thanks to the following artists for their contributions to this
CD.
Jade Wah'oo Grigori for Eagle
Beat
Elisia Drake for Jaguar
Beat
Cindy Dolan for Deer, Elephant,
and Grouse Beats
Kathleen Myron for Badger, Elk
and Flicker Beats
Musicians of
freesound.org:
Kerri Lake on Native American
Flute for "Flute Dance" on Turtle Shaker, "Catalpa Flute" on Badger
Medicine, "Haunted Canyon Flute" on Polar Bear Prayer, "Rainbow
Flute" on Elephant Dreamtime, "Eagle Feather" on Eagle Rising, and
"Overblow Echo" on Osprey Guardian.
Anton Woldhek on Didgeridoo for
"Drone Key-D" on Salmon Run
James Meier on Synthesizer for
"Cricket Drone" on Jaguar Night
Misha Lepetic of sampleswap.org
on Synthesizer for "Gurgler-Setting-1" on Elephant
Dreamtime
Audio Field Recorders of
freesound.org:
Lawrence M. Barker for "The
Countryside Wakes Up" on Mourning Dove Dawn
Luftrum for "Ocean Waves
Crushing" on Turtle Shaker
OYEZ! for "Crickets" on Elk
Autumn
Acclivity for "Rushing Stream"
on Osprey Guardian
Mystiscool for "Stream2" on
Salmon Run
Stichting Klankschap for:
"Distant Thunder" on Red Deer Shaman
Cover
Art: A Creative Commons licensed derivative of the Sitka Tribe
of Alaska Seal at:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/23513351@N07/2245005222/
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 Amazon
Reviews
Listen to a sample from Power Animal Drumming
Sample and Download from Apple iTunes--Power Animal Drumming, mp3, 45 min, 102 MB. Album: $7.99. Individual tracks: $.99 each. Sample and download individual tracks or the entire album.
Sample and Download from Amazon--Power Animal Drumming, mp3, 45 min, 102 MB. Album: $8.99. Individual tracks: $.99 each. Sample and download individual tracks or the entire album.
Sample and Download from CD Baby--Power Animal Drumming, mp3, 45 min, 102 MB. Album: $6.99. Individual tracks: $.99 each. Sample and download individual tracks or the entire album.
Buy the CD from Amazon--Power Animal Drumming, audio CD, 45 min, $12.89.
View the Music Video "Polar Bear Prayer"
A shaman or shamaness, by definition (vide Prof. Hutton, Shamans, Hambledon & London, London 2001), is "someone who works with spirits to help others." Shamanism is the intentional effort to acquire and nurture ongoing relationships with personal helping spirits to gain wisdom, healing techniques, and other vital information that can benefit the community.
What I mean by the term spirits is all the material and immaterial forms of life energy that are all around us. We are woven together into a net of life energies that are all around us. These energies can appear to us in different forms, such as spirits of nature, animals, or ancestors. The spirit world is the web of life itself.
Whether you realize it or not, you have always had helper spirits. Helping spirits are like family and friends, and each has a unique personality. The majority of helping spirits take an animal form, most commonly a mammal or bird. Not everyone experiences helping spirits as animals. In cultures where there are no indigenous animals or even birds or insects, the messengers of spirit are experienced through representations of the elements: air, water, fire, earth, sun, moon, planets, stars, and so on.
A power animal is the archetypal spirit that represents the entire species of that animal. It is actually the spirit of one of the First People, as they are called, who at the end of mythic times turned into the animals as we know them today. Raven, for example, is embodied in each individual member of the raven species, but Raven himself still lives in mythic times. In practice this means that while many shamans may work with Raven spirits, there are not many different raven spirits that work with different shamans. Power animals are valuable allies who can help you navigate through life's challenges and transitions. Many animals will come to guide you, some briefly and others throughout your life.
In the worldview of the shaman, power animals or animal archetypes such as Eagle, Coyote, and Bear represent and protect their entire species. When you connect with a power animal, you align yourself with the collective strength and wisdom of the entire species. One of the most important gifts that animal allies offer is protection and guardianship to the shaman during arduous shamanic tasks. Without this alliance, it is widely accepted that it is impossible to become a shaman. Power animals are themselves great teachers and shamans. In many shamanic cultures, the knowledge imparted by a power animal is considered more important than the practical guidance of a master shaman.
Power animals offer humans a much needed medicine. They remind us of what is innocent and truthful. Animals subsist from the heart, with a deep instinctual knowing that is always connected to the web of life. They live from the heart and are not entrapped by their reason. Humans, on the other hand, tend to live from the head, trying to figure everything out. But the energy that comes in from the source is directed through our hearts. We come into our own power when we learn to live from the heart. The heart attunes us to the flow of a dynamic, interrelated universe, helping us feel connected rather than isolated and estranged.
There are many ways to bring power animal energy into your life. Try any of the following:
1. Hang pictures of animals around your house or work area.
2. Read books about animals.
3. Learn about their connection in the web of life.
4. Go for a walk in nature.
5. Take time every day to meditate and tune into an animal.
6. Simply call or invoke an animal. When you call upon the power of an animal, you are asking to be drawn into complete harmony with the strength of that creature's essence.
Shapeshifting
One of the best ways to connect with power animals is through shapeshifting. Shapeshifting is more than just transforming into an animal as is often depicted in shamanic accounts and tales. It is the ability to shift your energies to adapt to the demands and changes of daily life. We all learn which activities, behaviors, and attitudes support or hinder our survival and growth. It is a natural and instinctual ability that we all share. The minimal development of this talent is the ability to mimic. We often mimic for the purpose of learning something or to blend in with our social or physical environment. It implies changing one's pattern of appearance or behavior, rather than just using what you already have. Actors, for example, are known for their ability to take on the characteristics of another person or thing.
A shapeshifter is one who manipulates their aura or energy field to access a higher or inner power in order to grow and learn. All shapeshifting occurs on an energy level. If everything is broadcasting its own energy pattern and if you could match and rebroadcast the same pattern, then you would take on the appearance and qualities of the thing you were matching. The only constraining factor is the degree of belief, connection, and energy. Learning to shift your consciousness, to align with and adapt your energies to power animals, opens your heart and mind to the wisdom and strength of the animal world. You must empty yourself so that spirit may embody you. "Become like a hollow bone," a Lakota elder once advised me in the sweat lodge.
Power Animal Drumming
Drumming is an excellent way to induce embodiment trance states and facilitate shapeshifting. 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. As Ted Andrews explains in his book Animal Speak, "Some are so skilled at drumming, they can duplicate the rhythms of various animals. There is snake drumming, wolf drumming, hawk drumming -- a drumming for every animal. As the rhythm is created it plays upon the metabolism of the individual causing entrainment -- the individual's own heart and metabolic rhythm is brought into synchronization with the drum beat. This is used to facilitate a shapeshifting, an aligning with the archetypal forces represented by the animal." (Animal Speak, © 1993 by Ted Andrews, page 224)
Through drumming, it is possible to co-create a resonant field with a power animal. I recently recorded the CD, Power Animal Drumming: Calling the Spirits to help the listener connect with power animals. The spirit calling rhythms on this CD evolved over many years through me and fellow shamanic circle drummers who gained and nurtured enduring personal relationships with helping animal spirits. Each pattern creates a vibratory resonance that allows these spirit helpers to be called forth. The drumbeat is the tuner sound. Each rhythm projects onto the body a supportive resonance or sound pattern to which the body can attune. As one resonates in sync with the rhythm of an animal, energy and awareness are exchanged.
The basic steps to connect with a power animal are as follows:
1. First, select a private and quiet space. Make whatever arrangements are necessary to assure that you will not be disturbed. Dim the lights and sit comfortably in a chair or on the floor.
2. Next, close your eyes and focus on the breath as it enters the nose and fills your lungs, then gently exhale any tension you might feel. Continue this breathing exercise until you feel calm and relaxed.
3. The next step is to frame a simple and clear statement of your intentions. Whether asking for help or merely getting acquainted with an animal, one must clearly convey the purpose of invoking them.
4. After clearly stating your intent, begin listening to the track on the CD corresponding to the animal you wish to invoke, or begin drumming the animal rhythm yourself. It may take a few moments for you to fully synchronize with the drum pattern.
5. As the drumming progresses, vividly imagine with every sense the animal you are invoking. When you can visualize it fully in front of you, imagine that your body is merging with that of the animal. Allow the change to come slowly. It is not uncommon to be and see the animal simultaneously. Be open to the sensations and feelings of being that animal. Feeling is the most important sensation because you want to imagine what it feels like to be that animal. It helps to mimic the posture, movements, and sounds of the animal. Animal sounds and calls often accompany the drum on the CD as an aid in merging. The degree of merging is limited by any negative attitudes such as anger, fear, and doubt. The goal is to merge to the greatest degree possible while still retaining a bit of self-awareness.
6. Finally, separate from the animal by imagining yourself back into your physical body. Do not rush the transformation. Imagine the animal fully and completely outside of you once more. Thank the animal for its power, presence, and assistance. Then allow its image to dissipate.
Be flexible with the steps outlined in this exercise. Adapt and experiment with them. Moreover, your animal guide may gift you with a unique drum beat to summon its presence and power. Remember to thank power animals and seek practical ways to give something of value back to the animal world.
Turtle is nurturing, grounding, receptive, protective, patient, enduring, adaptable, and the personification of goddess energy and the Earth Mother herself. The turtle rattle heard on "Turtle Shaker" is an ancient cross-cultural symbol of the world on the turtle's back, Turtle Island. According to the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois Confederacy), "Mother Earth stops to listen when the turtle rattle is shaken." The heartbeat rhythm and ocean waves are both archetypes of the sacred mother. The conch shell heard at the beginning signals the start of a ceremony and draws the attention of the Creator.
Mourning Dove is maternal, gentle, serene, and embodies peace, love, and harmony. It is linked with dawn and dusk when the veil between the seen and unseen worlds is at its thinnest. Dove can help us connect with the spirit world at these times. The mourning dove's song speaks to our heart and stirs our emotions. Its mournful coo soothes our soul and calms our troubled thoughts, allowing us to find renewal in the silence of mind.
Eagle medicine is the ability to soar above the hurdles of life's dilemmas, keeping one's attention focused on more distant horizons of self-realization. Eagle reminds us to pay attention to what really matters in life. The eagle and the drum carry our prayers to the Creator.
Crow is sociable, curious, adaptable, resourceful, skillful, playful, and a mythological trickster or heyoka. The heyoka or sacred clown uses satire, folly and misadventure to awaken society to innovative and better ways of doing things. Crow's lesson is to stop acting out of habit.
Osprey is a messenger, guide, fearless protector of its young, and guardian of both the Air (Consciousness) and the Water (the Unconscious) it dives into for fish. Like the shaman, osprey moves between the seen and unseen realms joining both worlds together. Osprey is a master shapeshifter who merges light and darkness, seeing both inner and outer reality. When we align our energies with Osprey, we are able to access our inner truth or sense of what is correct. Inner truth reflects, like a mirror, the higher, universal truth that exists in every situation. We should allow this higher truth to guide our actions and transform our life.
Flicker is a master drummer that can link you to the rhythms of life. Its drumming is a reminder to align ourselves with the natural rhythms of the universe. Rhythm and resonance order the natural world. Dissonance and disharmony arise only when we limit our capacity to resonate totally and completely with the rhythms of life.
Badger medicine includes courage, cunning, endurance, grounding, perseverance, root and herbal remedies, and the magic of storytelling. From her den below the ground, Badger connects us to the Earth mother, her stories, and the healing properties of medicinal roots. Badger helps us helps us see below the surface of things and boldly express ourselves with the clarity of inner knowing. Flutes, like the one heard on "Badger Medicine," are instruments connecting the seen and unseen worlds.
Grouse is a vibrant symbol of sacred dancing and drumming. Rhythmic movement generates life. Grouse signals a time of new rhythms and movement by drumming the air with rapidly beating wings, releasing the energy to the four directions. Working with new rhythms and movements will open the flow of chi or life force into your life.
Salmon is a symbol of wisdom, sustenance, regeneration, continuity, fluidity, insight, and resolve. Salmon teaches us how to overcome obstacles and flow with the shifting waters of change. The didgeridoo, like the one heard on "Salmon Run," is one of the world's oldest musical instruments, originating in Australia tens of thousands of years ago. According to Aboriginal mythology, the Great Spirit Byame created man and woman and gave them the didgeridoo to sound the animals into form.
Elk medicine includes stamina, strength, cadence, confidence, empowerment, sensual passion, and the inspirational power and influence of sound energy. As the days shorten and the temperature drops in autumn, bull elk, like the crickets heard on "Elk Autumn," use sound to attract mates. Sound is regarded as one of the most powerful ways of establishing connections. It moves through space, penetrates visual and physical barriers, and imparts information from the web of the collective mind. Sound provides a means of "relationship" as well as a "transformation" of energy. Elk power helps us use sound to inspire others, stirring them into action. We gain the confidence to fully express our ideas and intentions in an inspirational manner. Elk teaches us how to reclaim our power and how to pace ourselves to reach our goals.
Polar Bear medicine includes introspection, healing, purity, strength, solitude, spirit flight, dreams, death and rebirth, transformation, mystics and visionaries. Inuit peoples regard polar bears as shamans and holy beings. View the Music Video "Polar Bear Prayer" below.
Polar Bear Prayer
Polar
Bear
We call upon
you
From the core of our being
flow
Words, songs, and
rhythms
Brother
Bear
We speak words of
love
We sing you into
existence
We drum your
heartbeat
Spirit
Bear
Listen to our
Prayers
Bless us with your Healing
Power
Teach us Higher
Truth
Polar
Bear
May you always
dance
Between being and
nonbeing
Forever
Reborn
Jaguar is the gatekeeper to the unknowable. Jaguar medicine includes comprehending the patterns of chaos, walking without fear in the darkness, moving in unknown places, shapeshifting, psychic vision, soul work, and reclaiming power.
Frog sings the songs that call the rain to Mother Earth. Its medicine includes cleansing, transformation, rebirth, and understanding emotions. It teaches us to know when it is time to purify, refresh and replenish the soul. The Frog Rain Chant speaks of new life and harmony.
Red Deer is a magical creature that represents spirit flight, shapeshifting, and the qualities of swiftness, grace, and keen scent. The Red Deer's call is a deep bellowing roar-like-sound similar to a lion's roar. Mongolian shamans revere Red Deer as their distant ancestors and spirit helpers. Among Iroquois medicine societies, deer hoof rattles, like the one heard on "Red Deer Shaman," are associated with thunderbird imagery and attract the attention of the Thunder Beings who control the weather and sustain all life on Mother Earth.
Owl medicine includes prophecy, wisdom, stealth, silence, intuition, clairvoyance, clairaudience, shapeshifting, and keen vision that pierces all illusion. Night Eagle, as Owl is called, is the bird of magic and darkness, of prophecy and wisdom. Great Horned Owls, like the one heard on "Owl Vision," have a large repertoire of haunting calls. Some calls are ventriloquial. The males "hoo-wah-hooo-hoo-hoo" can be heard over several miles on a still night. Owl is a messenger of omens who will call out to let all share in its vision.
Elephant medicine includes dignity, grace, strength, wisdom, confidence, patience, commitment, gentleness, discernment, intelligence, compassion, and removal of obstacles. The elephant's head denotes wisdom and its trunk represents OM, the primal sound from which the universe constantly emanates. Tribal peoples invoke elephant for health, good luck, longevity, memory, and unity with the oneness of everything. By connecting to elephant in Dreamtime, one's sense of being a separate individual gives way to an experience of union with the totality of a dynamic, interrelated universe. The benefits of attaining planetary collective consciousness include relaxation, healing, more energy, better memory, greater mental clarity, enhanced creativity, and communion with the resonant web of information that is the universe.
© 2001 - 2012 Talking Drum Publications