Shamanic Drum Circles: A Playful and Healing Ritual

This article from Spiritual Paradigms does the best job I've seen so far of outlining a shamanic drumming circle healing ritual. It has some background on drumming circles and then spells out in detail the different pieces that make up the ritual. Here's some background:

Indigenous cultures (Native Americans) have been practicing drumming rituals for thousands of years. People all over the world are taking up drumming in astounding numbers. At a grass roots level,  some drum circles simply jam and make a lot of rhythmic noise, others however prefer to explore the prayerful ritual of shamanic drumming.

Shamanic drumming is a time-honored ritual utilized to heal and nurture the soul. Shamanic drum circles provide like minded people an opportunity to unite for the attainment of a shared objective. There is power in drumming alone, but that power is elevated and multiplies on many levels when celebrated in a group. The drums draw individual energies together, unifying them into a consolidated force. Synchronized drumming is the most effective, so individuals should alternate the responsibility of setting the tempo and leading the group. Most circles have found the following formula useful in setting both the intention and establishment of a circle.

The article goes on to cover the process of the shamanic drumming circle ritual:

• Formation of the circle
• Cleanse the space
• Call to the directions
• Form your intent
• Prayer round
• Finding unision
• Healing round
• Giving thanks
• Closing the circle

If you are looking for a shamanic drumming circle, ShamanicCircles.org has a worldwide listing of them.

Image from munkt0n on Flickr