Editorial Reviews

Please read the following reviews and product descriptions to learn more about our publications. The easiest way to purchase our shamanic books and music is to visit our online stores:

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.

"A clear and practical work."
-- Julia Cameron, author of The Vein of Gold and The Artist's Way.

"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

"I enjoyed this short book and found the instructions short, simple and practical and perfect for the novice wanting to experiment with drumming for journeying as there is nothing complicated here. Again, these are brief instructions so don't expect any deep explanations about how to drum or the lore and spirituality surrounding drumming. I purchased the Kindle e-book version since I wanted to read it right away and the price is reasonable. This is more in the neo-shamanism vein. The author incorporates cross cultural beliefs and practices into this book. Along with the drumming instruction the author recounts some of his own journeys. He writes briefly about conducting a drumming circle. Overall I enjoyed this book and thought it was a nice drumming intro for novices."
--Kavanava Amazon Reviews

"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 to promote healing and self-expression. Based on his studies and personal shamanic experience, Michael presents the first practical guide to applying this ancient healing art to our modern lives. Through a series of simple exercises and lessons, he teaches the basic shamanic methods of drumming. The focus is on creating sacred space, journeying, power practice, power animals, drum therapy, drum circles and the therapeutic effects of drumming. Whether you are an accomplished percussionist or a total beginner, this user-friendly book will help you harness the 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 benefits include relaxation, healing, more energy, greater mental clarity, enhanced creativity and deeper self-awareness.

Download Now From iTunes--Ebook, Universal EPUB format for Adobe Digital Editions, Stanza, iPad, Sony Reader, Blackberry, iPhone, and other eBook Readers , 2009 Revised Edition, $5.99.

Download Now From Amazon.com--Ebook, Kindle Edition, $5.99.

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.

The Shamanic Drum Instructional Recording by Michael Drake.

On this companion recording to the book, Michael Drake instructs the listener in playing ten ceremonial drum rhythms, including those for invoking the seven directions. A 30-minute ceremonial drumming is also performed, which listeners may use for training and journeywork. The recording can be used independently or as an integral companion to the book.

Reviews:
"A very fine piece of work. What Drake has put together is unique and fills an important need for all those folks discovering the magic of drumming."
--Dennis Carpenter, editor of Circle Magazine .

"If you have just made or purchased a frame/medicine drum or already own a drum this is a fantastic CD to expand your knowledge around drumming and increase your enjoyment of playing. Michael is very clear in his instructions, his drum sounds wonderful, which increases your motivation and desire to learn. He makes it very easy to learn and play along with his drumming. It is also good to play this CD while you are doing other things as the rhythms stay in your mind. I highly recommend this CD and I hope he makes more. It has helped me form a wonderful connection with my drum and we both love playing the new rhythms I have learnt; they allow one to move more quickly and easily into a trance state and connect with spirit."
--FlairforLife Amazon Reviews

"Excellent. I'm new to Shamanic Drumming so this recording was an excellent resource. I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in the subject."
--J. Spencer Amazon Reviews

"Five Star Shamanic Drumming CD! I received this CD and it is great. Sounds good with good instruction on shamanic drumming. Thanks."
--Barbara Shinton Amazon Reviews

Download The Shamanic Drum Instructional at Amazon.com--mp3 download, 60 min., $8.99.

Sample and Download The Shamanic Drum Instructional at iTunes--mp3 download, 60 min., $9.99.

Buy Now From Amazon--The Shamanic Drum Instructional, Audio CD, 60 minutes, $12.89.

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

Sample: Download this MP3 Solo Drumming

Download Shamanic Journey Drumming at Amazon.com--mp3 download, 64 min., $2.99.

Download Now From CD Baby--Shamanic Journey Drumming, mp3 download, 64 min., $5.99.

Download Shamanic Journey Drumming at Apple iTunes--mp3 download, 64 min., $9.99.

Buy Now From Amazon--Shamanic Journey Drumming, regular audio CD, 64 min, $12.89.

Shamanic Drumming: Calling the Spirits by Michael Drake
Reviews:
"Are you being called to one of the oldest traditions on the Mother Earth? In your heart you know. Michael Drake shares his journey of being "called" by his higher self. It is a wonderful journey with the drum. I live in a remote area of the USA. Michael's book offers a sacred way of learning Shamanic Drumming and shares his knowledge of Ceremony." 5 Stars.
--Amazon Reviews

"Valuable learning tool. Michael Drake is a blessing for all who wish to understand more about traveling on the drum and the spiritual practice it can lead to." 5 Stars.
--Amazon Reviews

Description:
Shamanism has achieved a dramatic modern resurgence. Recent studies by some of the world's foremost scholars on shamanism reveal that the contemporary world still hungers for transcendent experiences because the shamanic narrative is hard-wired in us all. Study results demonstrate that the cross-cultural manifestations of shamanism and its contemporary appeal are rooted in innate functions of the brain, mind, and consciousness.

The revival of shamanism can, in large part, be attributed to the fact that shamanic drumming offers a relatively easy means of controlled transcendence. Researchers have found that if a drum beat frequency of around three to four beats per second is sustained for at least fifteen minutes, it will induce significant trance states in most people, even on their first attempt. Shamanic drumming continues to offer today what it has offered for thousands of years: namely, a simple and effective technique of ecstasy.

Many people in today's world are being called by spirit to become shamans. A yearning exists deep within many of us to reconnect to the natural world. It is a call to a life lived in balance with awareness of nature, of spirit, and of self. In his third drum guide, Shamanic Drumming: Calling the Spirits, Michael Drake recounts his journey into shamanic practice and explores what someone should do if they feel the call to become a shaman. Following up on his definitive handbook on shamanic drumming, The Shamanic Drum, the author provides a new series of exercises and lessons that allow for a deeper understanding and utilization of this core shamanic practice. He has written a guide to becoming a shamanic healer that encompasses the power of the drum, of community, and of the accountability inherent in authentic shamanic practice.

This empowering book is a call to build relationships with helping spirits. Spirit helpers are the caretakers in the unseen world who want to support the earth and her inhabitants at this time. The shamanic relationship between humans and helping spirits supports our spirit's quest for self-realization. Helping spirits, if engaged regularly and skillfully, offer flexibility, creativity and perseverance in fulfilling our own unique path. The spirits are here to assist us in doing the principal, unique thing we have come here to do in a way that benefits all living things.

Buy Now From Amazon--Shamanic Drumming: Calling the Spirits, Trade Paperback, 2012 First Edition, 150 pp. $12.95.

Download Now From Amazon.com--Ebook, Kindle Edition, $5.99. Amazon Prime members borrow this book for free from your Kindle.

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.

Download Now From iTunes--Ebook, Universal EPUB format for Adobe Digital Editions, Stanza, iPad, Sony Reader, Blackberry, iPhone, and other eBook Readers , 2003 Revised Edition, $5.99.

Download Now From Amazon.com--Ebook, 2003 Revised Kindle Edition, $5.99.

Buy Now From Lulu.com--Trade Paperback, 2003 Revised Edition,152 pp, $12.95. Sale Price: $9.71.

Buy Now From Amazon.com--Trade Paperback, 2003 Revised Edition,152 pp, $12.95.

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:
Pure theta brainwave entrainment tones for shamanic journeying. 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 Shamanic Journeying. 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 CD Baby--Binaural Beats for the Shamanic Journey, mp3, 140 MB, $1.99.

Buy Now From Amazon--Binaural Beats for the Shamanic Journey, audio CD, 62 min, $12.89.

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. To learn more read Power Animal Drumming and Power Animal Attributes. Headphones Recommended.

Sample and Download from CD Baby--Power Animal Drumming, mp3, 45 min, 102 MB. Album: $3.99. Individual tracks: $.99 each. Sample and download individual tracks or the entire album.

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.

Buy the CD from Amazon--Power Animal Drumming, audio CD, 45 min, $12.89.

A Journey into Shamanism

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