Starshine Roots

A sound therapist playing her shamanic drum — **The rhythm of a drum has the ability to move us deeply, connecting us to the wisdom we all have within ourselves.**

For me, it has not only helped to alleviate the pain of fibromyalgia; it has also been a tool of transcendence, supporting me to access a connection to my ancestors that had been locked in my genes.

What is drum journeying?

At its core, drum journeying is a practice where rhythmic drumming can lead you into altered states of consciousness. This state allows you to connect with your heart’s intuition.

Altered states of consciousness

Image showing the different brainwave stages for meditation

The drum is not just a musical instrument; it's a tool for transformation. Through its rhythmic beats something profound occurs within the human psyche.

Scientifically, repetitive drumming has been observed to influence our brainwaves. The beats encourage the brain to shift from our usual beta state, associated with day-to-day alertness, to the alpha state, which is more relaxed and meditative.

Sometimes, we can even enter the theta state. This altered state of consciousness, often compared to deep meditation or dreaming, allows for heightened introspection, creativity, and spiritual connection.

Drumming and our shared heritage

Across the Celtic lands of Britain and Ireland, drums have carried tales of celebration, rituals, and ancient ceremonies.

These instruments have been woven into the fabric of our cultures, symbolising community, spiritual rites, and the age-old stories that have shaped these lands.

Whether it's a tale sung in a Breton grove or an invocation on an Irish shore, drumming binds together this rich history of Celtic traditions. My Irish roots resonate strongly each time my drum sings, allowing me to hear the chants of my ancestors.

But it's not just these places; from the African djembes, evoking the spirit of community and dance, to the Native American drums, summoning the power of the earth and skies, the drum's resonance is universal.
Its beats tell stories, connect communities, and bridge the gap between the earthly and the divine.

One of our Shamanic Drum Journeys at the Mount Without

Different rhythms for different journeys

Every culture, every story, and every individual has a rhythm. The beauty of drum journeying is in its versatility. Some rhythms may lead one into a soothing, trance-like state, while others might energise and invigorate. There are beats that invoke ancestral spirits, rhythms that mirror the heartbeats of our planet, and some that are personal, reflecting one's inner journey and experiences. Engaging with these varied rhythms can be a deeply personal exploration, where each rhythm can uncover new insights.

The drum journeying experience

When immersed in the drum’s rhythm, it's not uncommon to feel like you're journeying to otherworldly realms, encountering spirit guides or receiving messages. I often find myself back in Ireland, surrounded by my ancestral tribe, receiving the medicine of the drum as a collective.

Beyond the relief from physical pain, drumming opened doors to my ancestral lineage and brought many insights. It’s not just a beat; it can be a bridge, connecting us to the wisdom of our ancestors. The wisdom within us.