Across all time and in every culture, persons of power have traveled to alternate realities on the vibrations of a journey drum.

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Shamanic drums on Kaua'i Hawaii

During my holiday on Kaua'i, Hawaii, two interesting things came together.  My friend took lots of pictures of water, and a visitor we met on the beach asked me about my shamanic drums.  When I began describing my journey drums I found myself thinking of Sue Garvey's photographs and here are the connections I made.



This clear, light 14" frame drum I call "Sunshine" is like the gentle ruffle of water that eases one into the turquoise depths.  There is no apprehension here for the journey to come, just a welcome in. 



This 19" frame drum called "Keeper" continues to be a mystery.  It has been sold several times and yet comes home.  It has been repainted twice and now I think I will paint it again--always the same two creatures but sometimes more clear and sometimes like these fish who live in a world apart from earth and air, and yet participate in these elements.  



This 17" blacktail deer skin drum called "Fox Medicine" beckons to a place alien and apart from ordinary reality.  A place that once one has entered--all semblance of control is given over to the spirits who inhabit its depth.  A true shamanic journey.



Perhaps odd at first look, this small 12" "pebble" drum built during the Mayan awakening of December 21, 2012 is the biggest view of all. Every part, and every part between each part of this drum resounds with meaning at a vast scale--just as water takes form and light from the earth and sky and yet moves to a rhythm beyond what can be understood from a single perspective.