Have you ever participated in a drum circle?

Question

What did you think of it? Did it help you with your spirituality at all? Would you do it again?

A friend and I just went to our first this weekend, and we feel bad about all those years we thought it was a silly hippie thing. (We always say, "We're real Pagan Witches, not New Age hippies!") The thing is, it suits us down to the ground--we love rhythm (we take the same belly dancing class and were the rhythm section of a band together) and ecstatic worship that's heavy on experience and light on words. We figured the hippies had a point. It was supposed to "heal the earth." I don't know about the earth, but it helped heal me.

I'd love to read about others' experiences.

Answer 1

My first drum circle was about 10 years ago in northern california.

I had a totally amazing and very spiritual experience, and I have been drumming ever since- although living in vegas now, I don't get the chance as often as I'd like.

And about healing the earth? Healing ourselves pretty much IS healing the earth. We're her biggest abusers, but also her lovers, and her best chance at a legacy that outlives the next 'big event'- whatever that may be.

Answer 2

Even if it's got nothing to do with healing the earth or anything else, it can be a really interesting experience.

First, you've just got a very primal form of music - that in and of itself can be fun. But on top of that, you can easily "zone out" and start to slip into a trance state due to the beat.

Personally, I've found doing it solitary to be a pain in the neck - once I start to hit the edge of that trance state, I find I stop drumming..... which sorta breaks the process. :-\ For solo work, I've been told that recordings work okay, and there's a certain convenience issue there.

My drum of choice is a bodhran. Obligatory joke: How to best care for a bodhran? Rub all surfaces gently with lighter fluid, then set on fire. ;)

Answer 3

This is something that I'd like to do someday. I think I'd like it. I actually like listening to the same music over and over again because it acts as a trigger and puts me in a trance-like state. I like the steady rhythm and find it expanding (I know that's a strange word but I can't think of another that fits). Is drumming a little like that?

Out of curiosity, what kind of drums do most people use? I'm sure that it would vary but I'm just wondering in a general sense. And would it still be rewarding to try solitary?

Answer 4

Drumming and drum circles have been around for centuries, we, modern man have begun to rediscover some of the old things that serve us, sustain us, heal us.

I go to drum circles all the time, we have a monthly one at a shop in my area.

I have found that drumming hits on more than one level.

Physically, it's the pounding of the drum, the feeling of the vibrations going in and through you.

Mentally, rhythmic drumming can produce a trance like state, which can be mentally and physically energizing or relaxing depending on the rhythm used.

Spiritually, drumming allows for you to express yourself and if you are in a group, allows for a bonding of spirit with those drumming and those who allow the drumming to carry them.

Answer 5

Well, I consider a few are extra WRONG than others. For illustration, religions that educate that there's just one god are toward the reality than polytheistic religions, due to the fact that they are handiest off by way of one. I consider that any faith must consciousness on tips on how to reside a larger lifestyles on this international and carry approximately well for one's self and others. It will have to now not problem itself with the unknowable, comparable to what (instead of rotting) occurs to humans once they die. The extra a faith specializes in matters which can be impractical, the fewer importance it has.

Answer 6

I went to a drum circle in Balboa Park (San Diego) the night Jerry Garcia died. It was incredibly moving, and one of the most spiritual experiences of my life.

I wasn't a Deadhead, but most of my friends were. They drew me into the entire experience of being a fan, and I actually felt the loss. The sense of community, as well as unity, that I felt that night hasn't been paralleled since.

Answer 7

I was camping once and a drum circle started up. At 10pm. After an hour I went over and suggested a tuba circle. They said they didn't play tuba and I said That's okay, you can't play drums either.
Drum away dear, but don't forget your neighbors.

Answer 8

I love drum circles. I have been to them at SCA events, pagan gatherings, and church. The rhythm helps me to loosen up and make it easier for meditation and relaxation.

Answer 9

I have not participated, but have witnessed a couple over the yrs. I can't say it helped with my spirituality as a whole... but was great for "drumming up" energy. =) It was a great experience. =)

Answer 10

Yes.