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Testimonials
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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: Cherokee Teachings From the Wisdom Fire.

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

"Wonderful, easy to read, in-depth, step-by-step guide to journeying. Michael Drake has written a sensible guide to taking a traditional shamanic journey with measured drum beats to an alternate reality where, with practice, one can meet one's spirit/animal guide. He describes with obvious deep knowledge how to use and care for a drum that will act as both a vehicle to journey and as a healing tool. I got the impression from reading The Shamanic Drum: a Guide to Sacred Drumming that the author genuinely loves his relationship with sacred drumming and wants to share this timeless knowledge. His methods are completely safe. He states what I've found to be true: one always has one foot in this world as he/she journeys to another and can 'return' as soon as one wishes."
-- Yana Murphy Amazon Reviews

"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 (Nvnehi Awatisgi), author of Clearing: A Guide to Liberating Energies Trapped in Buildings and Lands and Finding Sanctuary in Nature: Simple Ceremonies in the Native American Tradition for Healing Yourself and Others

"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 Lulu 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. Trained as a ceremonial drummer in the Mongolian shamanic tradition, 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. Feelings of peacefulness, timelessness, and spiritual well-being are common along with a oneness of feeling and purpose with the totality of a dynamic, interrelated universe. This experience of mystical union with the cosmos is said, by many of the world's spiritual traditions, to be the final realization. Consciousness rediscovers its true nature and recognizes itself in all things. Shamanic drumming is a simple and effective way to induce this profound state of consciousness.

Preview & search the full text of The Shamanic Drum.

Download Now From Lulu.com--Ebook, Adobe PDF File, 2009 Revised Edition, $6.95.

Buy Now From Lulu.com--Trade Paperback, 2009 Revised Edition, 128 pp. $12.95.

Buy Now From Amazon.com--Trade Paperback, 2009 Revised Edition, 128 pp. $12.95.

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

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.

More than an oracle, the I Ching is a symbolic blueprint or map of reality. It is an extraordinary symbol system that represents the fundamental aspects of our physical, mental, and spiritual experience. The pattern images convey paradoxical truths regarding the nature of reality in an intuitive, non-linear manner. They provide a means of exploring and developing the inner self. Each linear image depicts a particular drum pattern, which renders the essence of each archetype into sound. The drum pattern projects onto the body a supportive resonance or sound pattern to which the body can attune. By drumming the rhythm archetypes, one can attain a level of intuitive understanding beyond linguistic interpretations. To learn more, read Drumming the I Ching by Hilary Barrett.

Preview & search the full text of I Ching: The Tao of Drumming.

Download Now From Lulu.com--Ebook, Adobe PDF File, 2003 Revised Edition, $6.95.

Buy Now From Lulu.com--Trade Paperback, 2003 Revised Edition,152 pp, $14.95.

Buy Now From Amazon.com--Trade Paperback, 2003 Revised Edition,152 pp, $14.95.

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.
-- Student Shaman Apple iTunes Reviews

"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 rattle."
--Modern Bushi

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. Step-by-step instructions for making shamanic journeys are explained in Michael's book, The Shamanic Drum. 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 learn more read Shamanic Journeying. 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 Now From Lulu.com--Shamanic Journey Drumming (Download), 145 MB, $7.89. This download is in the MP3 format. This is a very large file, which may require hours to download.

Download Shamanic Journey Drumming at Apple iTunes

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Buy Now From Lulu.com--Shamanic Journey Drumming (CD), regular audio format, 64 minutes, $12.89.

Buy Now From Amazon.com--Shamanic Journey Drumming (CD), regular audio format, 64 minutes, $12.89.

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."
--Irie Amazon Reviews

"Good beats, with two major variations. It's good for relaxation and meditation. I recommend it."
--Jeyln Apple iTunes Reviews

Description:
Researcher H.W. Dove discovered that when two 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 brainwave cycle. The lower of the two tones, or carrier tone, also influences consciousness. Carrier tones for the journeys on this CD are 136.10 Hz (C# or OM), the primal sound from which the universe constantly emanates, and 172.06 Hz (F or Kung), the fundamental tone in ancient China for attuning to Tao, the force that guides everything in the universe. Each journey 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 2 tracks. Select the 1st track for a 30 minute journey or the 2nd track for 15 minutes. To learn more read Binaural Beats for the Shamanic Journey. Headphones required.

1. 30 minute Theta OM
2. 15 minute Theta OM
3. 30 minute Theta Kung
4. 15 minute Theta Kung

Sample: Download this MP3 Journey Samples

Download Now From Lulu.com--Binaural Beats for the Shamanic Journey (Download), 140 MB, $7.89. This download is in the MP3 format. This is a very large file, which may require hours to download.

Download Binaural Beats for the Shamanic Journey at Apple iTunes

Download Binaural Beats for the Shamanic Journey at Amazon.com

Buy Now From Lulu.com--Binaural Beats for the Shamanic Journey (CD), regular audio format, 62 minutes, $12.89.

Buy Now From Amazon.com--Binaural Beats for the Shamanic Journey (CD), regular audio format, 62 minutes, $12.89.

The Shamanic Drum Instructional Recording by Michael Drake.
Review:
"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.

Description: 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.

Sample: Download this MP3 Bear & Eagle

Download Now From Lulu.com--The Shamanic Drum Instructional (Download), 56 MB, $7.89. This download is in the MP3 format. This is a very large file, which may require hours to download.

Download The Shamanic Drum Instructional at Amazon.com

Buy Now From Lulu.com--The Shamanic Drum Instructional (CD), regular audio format, 60 minutes, $12.89.

Buy Now From Amazon.com--The Shamanic Drum Instructional (CD), regular audio format, 60 minutes, $12.89.

Sacred Songs & Chants by Michael Drake
Description:
A collection of 14 multicultural and original songs and chants sung by Michael Drake. Singing and drumming are extremely powerful tools for restoring the vibrational integrity of body, mind, and spirit. When coupled together, they move us to a level of awareness beyond form, a place where we discover our own divinity. Each song and chant on this recording has a specific purpose for invoking or paying homage to spirit beings and deities. Each one creates a vibratory resonance that allows these forces to be called forth.

Sample: Download this MP3 Wolf Chant 692 KB

Download Now From Lulu.com--Sacred Songs & Chants (Download), 64 MB, $4.89. This download is in the MP3 format. This is a very large file, which may require hours to download.

Buy Now From Lulu.com--Sacred Songs & Chants (Disc), CD, regular audio format, 75 minutes, $9.89.

I Ching: The Tao of Drumming Instructional Recording by Michael Drake.
Description: On this companion recording to the book, Michael Drake instructs the listener in playing the rhythmic patterns described in the text. He provides explanations and examples of the Binary, Elemental, and Trigram rhythms, as well as a 30 minute example of the Timewave of Change. More than an oracle, the I Ching is a symbolic blueprint or map of reality. It is an extraordinary symbol system that represents the fundamental aspects of our physical, mental, and spiritual experience. The pattern images convey paradoxical truths regarding the nature of reality in an intuitive, non-linear manner. They provide a means of exploring and developing the inner self. The linear images of the I Ching are semiotic. They are resonant structures that convey ideas, words, and energy. Each linear image depicts a particular drum pattern, which renders the essence of each archetype into sound, giving it physical, mental, and spiritual impulse. The drum pattern projects onto the body a supportive resonance or sound pattern to which the body can attune. By drumming the rhythm archetypes, one can attain a level of intuitive understanding beyond linguistic interpretations. To learn more, read Drumming the I Ching by Hilary Barrett.

Sample: Download this .mp3 Thunder 125 KB

Download Now From Lulu.com-- I Ching Instructional (Download), 56 MB, $4.89. This download is in the MP3 format. This is a very large file, which may require hours to download.

Download I Ching Instructional at Amazon.com

Buy Now From Lulu.com-- I Ching Instructional (CD), regular audio format, 75 minutes, $9.89.

Buy I Ching Instructional CD at Amazon.com

Thunder Beings Journey Drumming by Michael Drake
Description:
This unique shamanic drumming CD presents four rhythm archetypes from the I Ching for practical journey work. The four drumming tracks contain the archetypal rhythms of the Thunder Beings: thunder, lightning, wind, and rain. Each track has 15 minutes of uninterrupted solo drumming with callback, providing a means of exploring and developing the inner self. We can journey within to access information and energies that can help awaken us and restore us to wholeness. Entraining to these primordial rhythms, we experience them directly and discover our rhythmic interconnections. Through the integration of these rhythmic patterns, we reconnect to our core, enhancing our sense of empowerment and creative expression. Recorded with a 22-inch single-headed, elk hide, cedar frame drum pulsed at three to four beats per second. Researchers have found that if a tempo of 3 to 4 beats per second is sustained for at least 15 minutes, most people can journey successfully even on their first attempt.

In virtually all traditions across the globe it is the Thunder Beings who govern nature and all life. They sustain balanced life, and destroy imbalance, the cause of suffering. They travel in the clouds and lightning and speak through the thunder. We can relate to them in storms and nature, but primarily we must seek them within. The drum can help us immeasurably in this quest. The drum personifies the creative spirit and energy of the Thunder Beings. The drum, like the Thunder Beings, is a catalyst that unites masculine and feminine energies, generating life force or chi. It quickens us with the energy needed to revitalize ourselves and grow. The drum is a safe and powerful vehicle for traversing the inner world, which is a microcosm of the outer world. To learn more, read An Introduction to the Thunderbeings.

Track 1 - Thunder 16:09.
Track 2 - Lightning 16:35.
Track 3 - Wind 16:14.
Track 4 - Rain 16:19.

Sample: Download this MP3 Thunder

Download Now From Lulu.com--Thunder Beings Journey Drumming (Download), 149 MB, $4.89. This download is in the MP3 format. This is a very large file, which may require hours to download.

Download Thunder Beings Journey Drumming at Amazon.com

Buy Now From Lulu.com--Thunder Beings Journey Drumming (Disc), CD, regular audio format, 65 minutes, $9.89.

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FREE DOWNLOADS

Shamanic Journey Rhythms Volume 1 by Michael Drake
Description:
This unique recording uses primitive instruments to support the listener in making shamanic journeys. The bullroarer, mouth harp, and rattle provide sonic driving for the journey as an alternative to drumming. The bullroarer is a flat elliptical shaped piece of wood attached to a cord that that produces a whirring trance inducing drone when whirled through the air. The mouth harp is a small lyre-shaped instrument that consists of a flexible tongue attached to a frame. The tongue is placed in the mouth and plucked with the finger to produce trance droning tones and overtones. The rattle produces high frequencies that complement the low frequency droning, thereby boosting the total sonic effect. Each journey ends with a callback.

1. 15 Minute Bullroarer & Rattle.
2. 15 Minute Mouth Harp.

Sample: Download this MP3 Journey Samples

FREE Download From Lulu.com--Shamanic Journey Rhythms (Download), 45 MB, FREE Download. This download is in the MP3 format. This is a very large file, which may require hours to download.

Shamanic Journey Rhythms Volume 2 by Michael Drake
Description:
This recording uses primitive instruments to support the listener in making shamanic journeys. The didgeridoo, berimbau, rain stick, and rattle provide sonic driving for the journey as an alternative to drumming. The didgeridoo is a wooden wind instrument of Australian origin that produces a resonant trance inducing drone. The berimbau is a gourd-resonated, trance droning musical bow of African origin. The rain stick is a percussion instrument that originated in Chile. Made from a dried cactus branch, it produces the sound of gentle rain. The rain stick and rattle produce high frequencies that complement the low frequency droning, thereby boosting the total sonic effect. Each journey ends with a callback.

1. 15 Minute Didgeridoo & Rattle.
2. 15 Minute Berimbau & Rain Stick.

Sample: Download this MP3 Journey Samples

FREE Download From Lulu.com--Shamanic Journey Rhythms Volume 2 (Download), 53 MB, FREE Download. This download is in the MP3 format. This is a very large file, which may require hours to download.

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