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 in, 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. Headphones Recommended. Power Animal Attributes Turtle
is nurturing, grounding, protective, and an ancient symbol for
the earth. The heartbeat rhythm and turtle rattle attract Mother
Earth's attention. Earth stops to listen when the turtle rattle
is shaken. Mourning Dove is maternal, gentle, serene, and
embodies peace. Mourning dove's song 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. Crow is curious,
resourceful, and a mythological trickster or heyoka. The heyoka
or sacred clown uses humor and folly to awaken society to
innovative ways of doing things. 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. 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. Badger is bold,
aggressive, cunning, protective, and associated with the magic of
storytelling and the healing properties of medicinal roots.
Grouse signals a time of new rhythms and movement by drumming the
air with rapidly beating wings. Working with new rhythms and
movements will open the flow of life force into your life. Salmon
is a symbol of wisdom, sustenance, regeneration, continuity,
fluidity, and resolve. Salmon teaches us how to overcome
obstacles and flow with the shifting waters of change. The
purpose of the didgeridoo is to sound the animals into form. Elk
medicine includes stamina, strength, cadence, empowerment, and
passion. Elk power helps us pace ourselves to reach our
goals. Polar Bear medicine includes introspection, healing,
purity, strength, solitude, spirit flight, dreams, death and
rebirth, transformation, shamans, mystics and visionaries. 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 recling power. Frog sings the songs
that call the rain to Mother Earth. Its medicine includes
cleansing, transformation, rebirth, and understanding emotions.
Red Deer is a magical creature that represents spirit flight and
shapeshifting. The purpose of the deer hoof rattle is to attract
the attention of the Thunder Beings. Owl medicine includes
prophecy, wisdom, stealth, silence, intuition, shapeshifting, and
keen vision that pierces all illusion. Owl is a messenger of
omens who will call out to let all share in its vision. Elephant
medicine includes dignity, grace, strength, wisdom, patience,
gentleness, discernment, compassion, removal of obstacles, and
planetary memory. By connecting to elephant in Dreamtime, we can
shape planetary healing.
Review
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"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, 02/07/2011
"Well done! Some really nice tracks with excellent stereo field."
-- Lawrence M. Barker, Audio Field Recorder, 09/02/2010
5 Stars. "Superb! A healing shamanic journey reminiscent of David
& Steve Gordon's Sacred Earth Drums." -- iTunes Customer Review
by Drumming for Peace, 10/20/2010
5 Stars. "Sweet Medicine Music! I highly recommend this
therapeutic . 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!" -- iTunes Customer Review
by N Dreams, 11/09/2010