The awakening of the drum is an important part of becoming the caretaker of such a sacred instrument. When we make a drum, buy a drum, or are given a drum it is always a good idea to take some time and make prayers with the drum. I have been taught, and it seems to be true, that drums have a life of their own. They bring the people together and watch over them energetically. They create a space for prayer in two ways.

First they create an emotional togetherness. As we drum and rattle together we begin to feel in a real way that we are all there together. It is good to drum early in the ceremony until the drumming becomes second nature. At first it seems to go a little too long. then people begin to shrug it off and start getting into it. Then they start feeling those feelings that are associated with early alpha state.

Secondly the rhythm and the tones and overtones of the drums induces changes in the brain which create the sense of peace and openness that allows people to come together and to speak from their heart.

So it is that when we take on the responsibility of the drum we need to be in relationship with it. That is why we state our intention and work with the energy around the drum. We blend our prayers with the quality of the drum so that when we drum our prayers echo out into the world.

Drum awakenings depend on whether we do the awakening when the drum is being made or after it is made and it is about to be given, or received.