Shamanism is a spiritual practice that dates back thousands of years and is found in cultures all over the world, from Siberia to the Amazon and North America. One of the most fundamental techniques shamans use to make contact with the spirit world is drum journeys. Drum journeys are a form of meditative trance induction, in which the rhythm of the drum is used to bring about an altered state of consciousness that makes it possible to communicate with spirits, receive visions, or perform spiritual work for oneself or others. The technique has been in use for thousands of years and has also been rediscovered by modern practitioners of core shamanism, an approach to shamanic practice developed by Michael Harner.
How do drum journeys work? A drum journey involves the shaman, or the one journeying, listening to rhythmic drumming that proceeds at a steady, repetitive beat. This can last from a few minutes to several hours, depending on the intention of the journey. The monotony and rhythm of the sound are the key to inducing a trance that changes the journeyer's state of consciousness. In this state, also called a "shamanic mind," the shaman is able to experience a spiritual world where they can interact with spirits, either for personal insight or to help others.
Scientific studies have shown that rhythmic drumming affects brain waves by stimulating a transition from beta waves (associated with normal wakefulness) to theta waves (associated with dreaming, meditation, and deeply relaxed states) (Winkelman, 2000). This induces a trance that makes it possible to have deep spiritual experiences.
Drumming techniques in shamanic work
Steady, repetitive rhythm The most important aspect of a shamanic drum journey in core shamanism is the steadiness of the rhythm. The most common drumming beat is around 180 to 220 beats per minute, a frequency known to induce trance. The sound is often low and deep, mimicking the heartbeat, and has a calming, almost hypnotic effect on the listener.
Building up and winding down During a drum journey, the shaman can use variations in the rhythm to mark transitions in the journey. For example, an increase in tempo can signal the beginning of the journey, while a gradual winding down marks that the journey is nearing its end and that the journeyer should return to ordinary consciousness.
Use of instruments In core shamanism, drums made of animal hide stretched over a frame are used. In addition to drums, other instruments such as rattles or flutes can also be used to create a multilayered soundscape that helps maintain the trance state.
Stages of a drum journey A typical drum journey can be divided into several phases:
Setting an intention Before the journey begins, the shaman or the journeyer sets a clear intention. This could be to seek guidance, healing, or to make contact with a particular spirit. A clear intention gives the journey direction and structure.
Initial drumming The journey starts with a period of calm drumming to allow the journeyer to relax and prepare mentally and spiritually for the journey.
Transition into trance As the rhythm establishes itself, the journeyer gradually enters a deeper state of consciousness. Many describe a shift in perception, often accompanied by visual images, feelings, or thoughts that originate from the spirit world.
Exploring the spiritual world Once the journeyer is in a trance, they begin to explore the spiritual world. This may involve encounters with spirits, guides, or ancestors who provide insight, advice, or healing. In some cases, the shaman may perform healing work or retrieve fragments of the soul that have been lost due to trauma.
Return When the journey is over, the shaman uses changes in the drumming rhythm to guide the journeyer back to ordinary consciousness. This is done gradually to ensure that the journeyer returns grounded and ready to integrate their experiences.
The significance of sound and rhythm Sound and rhythm play an essential role in shamanic work. The monotonous sound of the drum acts as an auditory bridge between the physical world and the spiritual world. The repetitive rhythm helps the brain enter a deep meditative state, confirmed by EEG studies that show changes in brain wave activity during drum journeys (Maxfield, 1994). Theta waves, which dominate during trance and deep meditation, promote creative visualization and provide access to deep, subconscious areas of the mind.
In traditional indigenous practice, such as among the Sami, the music and rhythms are more varied and complex than in core shamanism. Joik, a traditional Sami musical form, is used as a powerful tool in spiritual contexts. Joik consists of personal and place-specific melodies that do not necessarily follow the steady rhythm found in core shamanism. In many indigenous cultures, drumming may also be more closely tied to rituals, dance, or contact with particular natural forces, and the rhythms can vary considerably (Hirvonen, 1999).
Sami tradition and drum journeys Sami tradition is one of the few indigenous traditions in Europe in which the use of drum journeys is described and documented. The drum, known as "runebomme" or "goavddis," was a central tool for the noaidi, the Sami shaman, who used it to make contact with the spirit world. In the original Sami practice, it was mainly the noaidi who undertook such journeys, while the other participants were more passive onlookers or assistants.
In today's society, this practice has changed, especially among modern practitioners of Sami shamanism. Now it is not only the noaidi who journeys, but also the participants in the ritual. This can be seen as an extension of shamanic practice, in which drum journeys have become a collective experience. The drum is used communally to bring the participants into a shared trance, in which everyone can experience spiritual contact or deep insights.
This development can be attributed to several factors. One of these is the influence of the modern neo-shamanic movement, in which the emphasis on personal spirituality and experience has become more prominent (Paine, 2003). The modern practice emphasizes that each individual participant can attain a form of spiritual connection through the drumming, regardless of their role as a shaman or not.
Scientific studies also support this idea. Research has shown that rhythmic drumming can affect the brain wave activity of all participants in a group, leading to synchronization of brain waves and a shared trance experience (Friedman, 2000). This may explain why today's practitioners, not just the noaidi, can take an active part in drum journeys and achieve effects similar to those of traditional shamans.
Furthermore, Sami culture is characterized by a strong collective spirit, which may also explain this development. The role of community in spiritual practices is central, and in today's practice this collective spirituality has become more visible in ceremonies where all participants are active (Sara, 2009).
Scientific studies on the effect of drumming Several scientific studies support the transformative effects of drumming and drum journeys. A study by Michael Harner, the founder of core shamanism, showed that drumming at a frequency of around 4 to 7 beats per second could change brain wave patterns and induce a trance-like state (Harner, 1990).
Another study by Barry Quinn and John Friedman showed that drumming had a positive effect on emotional health. Their research showed that regular drumming over time reduced stress levels, increased creativity, and improved the sense of belonging and personal power (Friedman, 2000).
Drum journeys are a powerful technique for achieving spiritual communication and performing healing work. Through the repetitive sound of the drum, the shaman attains an altered state of consciousness that provides access to the spirit world. The drumming techniques, together with the intention behind the journey, are central to achieving a successful trance. Modern scientific studies also confirm the drum's ability to affect brain waves and promote mental and emotional health. At the same time, it must be taken into account that indigenous musical traditions, such as joik, offer more varied and culturally specific rhythms and techniques that provide a deeper understanding of spiritual practice.
Sources:
Friedman, J. H. (2000). The healing power of the drum. White Cliffs Media. Harner, M. (1990). The way of the shaman. Harper & Row. Hirvonen, V. (1999). Sami culture and traditions. Nordic Academic Press. Maxfield, M. (1994). "Effects of rhythmic drumming on EEG and subjective experience". Journal of Music Therapy, 31(1), 4-24. Winkelman, M. (2000). Shamanism: The neural ecology of consciousness and healing. Bergin & Garvey.
