The use of Drums and Rattles to uplift, inspire and energise us is an
ancient tradition. For thousands of years, drums and rattles have
been used to lead magnificent ceremonies and parades, liberate free-
spirited ecstatic dancing, motivate armies, stop babies crying and to
inspire inner journeys into the wisdom of the unconscious.

Our earliest experience was of the rhythmic beat of our mother's
heart and later, the growing beat of our own heart. Heartbeat-style
rhythms are still powerful to relax and heal us in adult life. They
give us a sense of security, connection and the timelessness of
eternity.

Many of us have found great delight in joining a drumming group
to "jam" creatively and combine our free-spirited rhythms into a
unique and constantly evolving teamwork experience. In stress
management circles, group drumming is now recognised as one of the
potent ways to lift depression, reduce anxiety levels, boost creative
self-expression and eliminate any pervasive feeling of "separateness"
or burnout.

WHERE TO BEGIN?
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There is a wide range of drums to choose from, so it is good to have
a range of them to play around with, and "feel" your way into the
type of drum and the type of rhythm that just "hits the spot" for you
right now.

We will be holding a beginners' drumming workshop (with opportunities
for singing and dancing along with the drumming should you wish) this
Saturday afternoon at the White Tara Centre in Newmarket for anyone
who is interested. The workshop will include some instruction in the
technique of "rattling" to clear blocks in the human energy field. A
range of drums will be provided. Details here:
http://www.sunflower-health.com/workshops.htm

There are also periodic drumming picnics at Wandlebury Country Park,
Cambridge organised by local pagans, details here:
http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/CambridgePaganMoot/