This CD has been digitally recorded to support the listener in
making shamanic journeys. The shamanic journey is a time-honored
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. To support your journey you can choose from three
different tracks:
Track 1: 15 minute solo drumming with callback
Track 2: 15 minute solo drumming with rattle and callback
Track 3: 30 minute solo drumming with callback.
The overtone harmonics on this 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 activity increases creativity, enhances
learning, reduces stress, and awakens intuition. 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. For best results,
listen to this while wearing headphones.
From the Artist
Begin your journey by sitting in a dimly lit space. Close your
eyes and gently exhale any tension you might feel. Reflect for a
moment on the purpose of your journey. It is important to focus
on the issue that you want to know more about. Focusing on an
issue develops a receptive state of mind and helps you clarify
what it is you are truly seeking.
Once you have defined a specific question, begin listening to the
CD. Focus your attention on the beat of the drum, then close your
eyes and allow yourself to be carried away by the rhythm. Once
you enter a trance state, you may experience a change in body
temperature, feel energy flowing through your body, or find
yourself tw or rocking. It is not uncommon to hear sounds
or voices. You may see colorful patterns, symbolic images, or
dreamlike visions.
Prevalent among the descriptions given of shamanic journeys is
that of a tunnel or tube to which the journeyer is transported.
The tunnel sometimes appears ribbed and may bend or spiral
around. According to shamanic cosmology, this tunnel-like imagery
is associated with the central axis that unites the three inner
planes of consciousness: the Upper, Middle, and Lower Worlds. It
is commonly referred to as the World Tree and exists within each
of us. Drumming opens the tunnel and conveys the journeyer up or
down the passageway to an exit that opens out upon the archetypal
worlds of the collective unconscious. In these worlds, the
journeyer experiences sensations and communications that go
beyond the usual senses. Conversing with s, animals, and the
guiding forces of nature becomes possible. The journeyer accesses
knowledge, power, and healing. Upon finishing the explorations,
he or she returns via the tunnel to ordinary reality.
When you hear the four strong beats of the callback, begin your
return journey. Try to retrace the same route back; otherwise you
might have trouble remembering the details of your journey. In
some cases, your journey experiences will be clear and easy to
understand. At other times, your journey may be dreamlike and
full of symbolism. Interpret such journeys as you would any
dream. Look for possible associations related to each symbol or
image. The key is to observe whatever happens without trying to
analyze the experience. Like developing any skill, journeying
takes practice. Nothing may happen on your first journeys. You
may only experience darkness. When this happens, simply try again
at a different time. Step-by-step instructions for making
shamanic journeys are explained in my book, The Shamanic Drum.
When sold by Amazon.com, this product will be manufactured on
demand using CD-R recordable media. Amazon.com's standard return
policy will apply.