The spirit of the tool we use is one of our most significant helping spirits. These are our “direct” allies in ordinary reality. The tools we use are themselves part of the ceremony and participate in ways that are in many cases, unperceivable to the onlooker. Whether is is an ornately decorated drum or rattle, a click stick, a bowl for water, flute, fan or candle, these items have their own spirit and will provide according to their partnership with the practitioner. Knowing how to care for one’s tools, and how to honor them as powerful allies is one of the most important aspects of practicing shamanism.
For many, the drum is perhaps central in the practice of shamanism. The steady beat of the drum helps us to enter non-ordinary reality and assists in calling us back when the journey is completed. The drum welcomes the embrace of the practitioner, as it indicates the time is now for work to begin. When we hold our drum in one hand, that hand is the first thing the voice of the drum encounters when it sings its rhythm. The hand that holds the beater brings together the intention of the practitioner and the power of the drum. The beater acts as the conduit for merger of the two.
When we receive a new drum, and our intention is to use the drum in a sacred manner, it is helpful to ceremonially seek partnership with the drum and set the intention of that partnership. If you are purchasing a drum or other tool in person, do some preparation work prior to selecting the right drum.
I have a rattle that has not been handled by anyone but me since I acquired it in 2004. We are partners in my healing and transfiguration work. It is an ally that I do not allow others to tough or to hold. It is the only tool that I have that is exclusive to me. The other tools in my team do not require that boundary, and when someone asks about them, I am glad to have them hold, and to even borrow.
There are practitioners who really are not comfortable with anyone picking up their tools, and that is ok. Remember.. these are our helpers and are inspirited with their own preferences and will. If you are told by a practitioner that they do not want you to touch, hold or use their tools, understand this preference is because of that relationship of practitioner and tool. It is considered quite rude to engage with someone’s drums, rattles and other tools without the express permission of the practitioner. One thing I love about gatherings and circles is to see other practitioners’ tools and appreciate the artistry in how they are adorned and decorated. But I would not simply pick up someone’s drum or rattle without first asking if it is ok, and being content with the response, whatever it is.
In Shamanism, we partner with our helping spirits. The tools that come to us are also helping spirits. Hold them in sacredness and love, and they will stay with you in your work and path.