What is 'Journeying'?

Drum Journeys are probably the best known and most widely practiced technique of both traditional and core shamanism. The drum beat allows us to alter our state of consciousness for a short period of time, in a very intentional and disciplined way. Using this 'non-ordinary' mind, we can experience aspects of our reality which the analytical mind can't reach. There we might find new inspiration, healing energy, new ways of looking at the world...

Drum Journeying - like other aspects of Shamanism - fosters our ability to stop thinking in a logical way and open ourselves up to a different way of being and perceiving. There are other methods to do this: meditating, praying, being in nature, connecting to art, dancing, attending a sweatlodge, etc.

It is a practice which anyone may enjoy and find valuable, regardless of their religious or spiritual belief.

We can ask questions and state our intention for the journey, and then receive targeted guidance and healing.

When we widen our consciousness and connect to non-ordinary reality, we are supported by ‘spirit allies’ who help us find new inspiration, deep knowledge, healing potential and positive life direction.

Depending on the person who works with them, spirit allies will show themselves in a specific form or persona that can be perceived and understood by the journeying person.

Scientifically speaking, participants change their brainwaves from alpha waves (our usual way of thinking) to beta or theta waves (this is how the brain works when we are sleeping or meditating). Journeying is a bit like dreaming – the difference is that we are fully awake and can take an active part in the journey.

Some people may encounter spirit allies as power animals, angels, enlightened beings, healers, grandfathers or grandmothers, ancestors or even religious figures of their tradition.
Some people may not perceive anything concrete, but just sense colours, vibrations or sound.