SACRED DRUMMING PRACTITIONER TRAINING

Why this course?

Drumming is as fundamental a form of human expression as speaking, and likely emerged long before humans ever developed the capability of using vocal organs as instruments of communication. Drum is regarded as one of the oldest instruments in the history of humanity and its power and use for healing are universal, wide ranging and all embracing. Drum therapy and group drumming have been proven to help reduce stress, increase the body’s own healing and wellbeing responses, form and strengthen bonds beetween individuals and create a sense of oneness with one another and the universe – a feeling that so many people crave in a world of isolation and loneliness. It is said that the physical and spiritual health benefits of drumming are as old as time itself.

Our  training course aims at providing practitioners with the understanding, skills and confidence to use drum and rattle for personal growth and transformation as well as helping others in regaining their balance and healing their relationships, home and environment. Information and wisdom from other cultures are imparted to reinforce studies on the beneficial use of the drum in healing.

This training offers a balanced mix of shamanic teachings together with modern science and proven sound healing techniques. At present the School of Sacred Drumming is the only teaching college offering the authentic Sacred Drumming Practitioner Course as developed by Steven & Renata Ash.
The course is taught by Steven Ash together with Renata Ash, Ally Garrish and Mirijam Marx.

Curriculum:

Module 1 – Every journey begins with the first step

• The art of smudging – cleansing rituals
• First explorations into the Sacred Directions and the Medicine Wheel
• Creating Sacred Space
• Making and Birthing your own Inipi Medicine Drum
• Drum opening in sacred ceremony – connecting with the spirit of your drum
• Starting on your medicine rattle

Students start the course by making their own personal, double sided medicine drum and rattle. This step is complusory even if the prospective drum healer already owns a drum, since it gives students deep insight into their own hidden patterns and memories that may block their healing, growth and successful completion of their training.

Module 2 – Thinking out of the box
Part 1:

• Talking Circle, review of Module 1 and opportunity for Q&A
• Initiating and blessing your drum and rattle
• Meditative exploration of the dynamics of the Medicine Wheel and your place in it
• Finding your allies in the Sacred Directions for guidance and protection

Part 2:

• Introduction to Drum Medicine
• Distant Drum Healing
• Experiencing Drum Healing in a drumming circle
• Drumming and Medicine Songs

Module 3 – Learning to listen
Part 1:

• Talking Circle, reviw of Module 2 and opportunity for Q &A
• Anatomy of drum and rattle
• Intuitive listening using different drum sound techniques
• Introduction to Drum Healing
• Standing Protocol & practice

Part 2:

• Introduction to Trance Journeys
• Middle World Journeys
• Accessing your ancestors, tree, stone, herb and animal helpers and allies
• Sitting Protocol & practice

Module 4 – Deepening into Trust
Part 1:

• Talking Circle and review of previous weekends
• Lying Down Protocol exploration and practice
• Lower World Journeys

Part 2:

• Running a drumming circle
• Facilitating a drum bath
• Introduction to support tools: voice, crystals, vibrational essences etc.
• Upper World Journeys

Module 5 – Taking your place in the circle

• Talking Circle and Q&A
• Review and practice of drum healing protocols
• Review of trance journeys with rattle and drum
• Creating Sacred Space within and in the world around us
• Healing ourselves – Healing the earth
• Everything is Wakan (sacred)
• Drumming for peace within and without
• Sacred Pipe Ceremony
• Closing and Blessing Ceremony