TEACHINGS OF THE DRUM

MOONSTONE WOMEN'S BIG DRUM
(The Song you are listening to is the "Moonstone Honour Song" written and
sung by Thunderbird in three languages: Mohawk, Tsimshian and Ojibwe
accompanied by Moonstone Women's Big Drum)

Raven Capturing Sun

Unity Drum
All One People

Medicine Woman (Honouring Thunderbird's Grandmother)

Gisbutwada (Orca)

Thunderbird and Horne - Fanshawe College

Dragonfly'

"No drum is painted until it has been 'dreamed"

Wolf - Teacher

Red Raven.

"No drum is played until it has been given its voice in ceremony"

Moonstone - Vision Fair, St. Mary's, Ontario

Honouring Veteran's with Women's Veterans Honour Song - Vision Fair, St. Mary's, Ontario

PERFECT HARMONY OF THE DRUM AND THE EARTH MOTHER

The magic of the Drum and its relation to Mother Earth's heartbeat moves one's consciousness into the inner worlds of vision, experience, and learning. It is often a time and place for meditation, Medicine Wheel teachings, power animals and spirit guides that guides us in the directions of inner reflection and connection or re-connection to those things that really matter.

The Drum takes us to the centre of the earth, where we can spread our arms and feel the strength of the four great winds that reside there; where our spirits, minds, emotions and body become one with that which is greater than ourselves.

In other words, Spiritual and Physical integrity follows nerve, and blood flows according to our deepest cell needs, our spirits are fed, and we are in rhythm with the Earth Mother.

DESTRUCTION OF MOTHER EARTH

One of the reasons that the earth is being destroyed at such an alarming rate, is the disconnect that humans have with her. We no longer hear her heartbeat. We lose ourselves in our quest for security through the acquisition of material possessions, paying little heed to the devastating cost to the environment in our zeal to have stuff, and look good.

The western world made their decision to follow the faster road of technology abandoning the slower route of sacred and spiritual connections. Perhaps it was pre-ordained back when even the stars were young. This technology path has caused disruption and separation on a monumental scale. It is highly ironic that on the one hand computers, text-messaging, internet, video-phones have shrunk the world to the point that communication is constant. The fact that none of us are actually saying anything, or listening to the other person doesn't matter; it is the fact that we can 'communicate anywhere at anytime with anybody.' How's it working for all of you? or is anyone actually listening out there?

The drum is a constant reminder of the responsibility humans have toward the preservation and health of the Earth Mother. In that preservation lies the preservation of humanity. Are we truly listening?

THE DRUM IS FEMALE AND HUMAN

Rotating Cloudy Earth

The drum represents the universal heartbeat of Noo Halidzoks (Mother Earth) - the universal mother to us all. The first sound that was heard first in the world was her heartbeat. The first sound a baby hears in the womb in the heartbeat of the Mother. The heartbeat is manifested through playing a special rhythm on the drum. This rhythm facilitates healing and realignment of the four realms of human existence (Mental, Spiritual, Emotional, Physical) because Great Mystery and Mother Earth revolve around the rhythm. The drum creates a hum that rests between the voice and the drum -- the hum is the spirit of the Ancestors.

Therefore, Native hand drums are not percussion instruments per se or toys, they are female and human because of their direct tie to the earth mother.

Her heartbeat on the drum can be done in a variety of ways, here are two suggestions:

Tsimshian: Four steady beats, followed for two quick beats - one, two three, four, one/two, two three four, one/two, two, three, four.....)
Anishinabe - two rhythmic beats - one/two - one/two - one/two.....

When playing a drum, it should never be hammered in an aggressive way, this suggests giving it a 'beating' and one must never 'hit' a woman! The teaching goes even further by stating that the drum mallet should not be referred to as a 'beater' because of the suggestion of aggression contained in the word. There has been too much violence in Native communities. Thunderbird refers to all her drum mallets as "Grandmother's Arms" which is a beautiful description.

Components of the Drum & their connections: The frame is made of a variety of woods that connect us to the 'standing people'; the skin is a gift from a variety of animals (deer, moose, horse, cow) that connect us to the four-leggeds. The sinew used to tie the drum most often comes from the long leg muscle of the animal. It ties the standing people and the human hand that plays the drum to the animal. Tobacco should be offered prior to playing the drum to give thanks for these gifts. It is normally a seven day ritual to make a drum, from construction, to feasting to wakening the drum and giving it a voice.

THE DRUM WAS A GIFT TO MEN AND NOT TO BE USED AS A WEAPON FOR THE OPPRESSION OF WOMEN

The Big Drum was a gift from the women to the men a very long time ago, so that men could experience a resonant connection to the Earth Mother that naturally occurs with women as Life-givers. Unfortunately, it has been A post-European tribal custom for the most part, that women not sit at the big drum or play it. Whomever made this decision were obviously a very threatened men, for there is no basis in history for such action and behaviour! It was not the intent when the drum was given that female personal power would go with it!

As Native history has evolved, this prejudicial attitude is slowly changing, and there are more and more instances where women are taking back the big drum, because of the failure of men to do their tasks in a manner that pleased their Ancestors. Women are again raising their voices in joy. Also, this, in some part, has been borne out of the fact that some traditional families who have only girl children, must continue to pass down important teachings. For more on Women and the Drum, see below.

WOMEN PLAYING THE BIG DRUM

In the twenty-first century, as Indigenous cultures continue to adapt, evolve and move forward, and given the fact that women are taking back the drum which is their right to do because of the lack of leadership shown by men, it is becoming more common to see women big drum groups at powwows. This is a slow evolution because of the fierce patrilineal protection of turf (unfortunately Euro-centric attitudes toward women have been learned well by many Native Men).

There has been much animosity and outright refusal to allow women drum groups to participate at powwows and other Indigenous events. This whole "which gender is allowed to play the big drum" is sexist and borne out of Christian dogma of recent history. There is no irrefutable proof or teachings of any kind that tries to stop women from sitting a big drum other than those who have 'invented' new teachings as a convenient way of keeping women down. Not happening in Thunderbird's world!

If women think they are "offending" men by playing the big drum, Thunderbird suggests that those men who are offended are hanging onto territory which they do not own, never had and simply made up. As a result, they have no right to claim ownership, for the simple reason that the drum (no matter the size) is a universal symbol of healing, harmony, dignity, honour, respect, humility, love, trust, courage and wisdom. Both genders are entitled to participate in the beauty of those healing words by playing a big drum.

It is also FEMALE, so it is simply illogical that women are denied what is rightfully theirs....a female sister! Moreover, as noted below, if we are all given a heartbeat, why is it that women must shut theirs down during important events or ceremonies?

Wherein, it is true that women a long time ago gave the big drum to men so they could feel the resonant connection to the Earth Mother that women naturally feel, the gift came with some simple rules:

Men were to respect women, and women's leadership role in the community.
They were never to raise their voices or hands against women or children.
They were to protect the "giver of life" at all costs.

Alas as recent history shows, this continues not to be the case as family violence in Native communities continues to be at least five times the national average, a national scandal in any language! Men have no longer earned the right to ownership of the drum. Moreover, the whole notion of 'ownership' flies in the face of even the most basic of Native teachings as regards sharing and caring for each other. Thunderbird and Horne, for example, do not own Moonstone. She owns herself. We are simply her caregivers and she lets us ride in the van with her as she goes to various events to bring her healing message!

The prophecy which states, "when the maple trees starts dying from the top, women will take back the drum" is happening all over Turtle Island, the trees are dying. Men have not fulfilled their responsibilities and promises; women must now re-assert themselves in order to save themselves, their children, their communities and the Earth Mother.

Thunderbird's message? "Get with it, times have changed, women's voices must be heard by whatever means if Mother Earth has any chance of survival."

More on Women

MOONSTONE WOMEN'S BIG DRUM
(Background picture)

In a vision while out in the bush a few years ago, Thunderbird was told to acquire a big drum for healing purposes. It was to be a drum that would help unite women in creating peaceful solutions to the problems that beset the earth. As well, she was to create a Drum Staff consisting of Eagle feathers, among other things.

Looks are deceiving: Although Moonstone looks like a powwow drum, she IS NOT and NEVER WILL BE one. Moonstone is not in competition with men; her gentle, yet powerful spirit is needed for other purposes. SHE IS A WOMEN'S HEALING DRUM.

Women of all cultures are invited to sit at Moonstone. She is a thirteen-sided, 32" in diameter buffalo-hide big drum that honours the 13 full moons. She was originally made as a Women's drum by a Cree man who believed in the healing power of women and wanted to create something to help women heal. Nice, there is hope for the male species!

Moonstone has been invited to a number of events to help heal dis-chord in communities and among individuals including three powwows!!

True to Thunderbird's vision, men of good cheer, loads of humour and genuine respect for their sisters, came forward to offer support and teachings as regards the care and respect for the big drum. Thunderbird decided to make them "honorary women" and gave them moonstone necklaces which they proudly wear when they know Moonstone is coming. Peter (husband); Rick, Bill, Phil, James, Stevie (Oni-ah-gra Men's Big Drum Group), Entertainer, Chris McKhool friends Don and Leo are on the current roster of "honorary women." They don't play her, but they help to move her; she is one big, heavy, beautiful drum.

True to the vision, the pieces for the Drum Staff started to fall in place when a beautiful Birch tree on Thunderbird's property passed to the spirit world. It was brought down with great ceremony on September 25, 2004 with Moonstone pounding out an honour song.

Sandy and Thunderbird both contributed four Eagle feathers to the staff. Thunderbird's nieces offered the two Eagle feathers they had been given at their naming ceremonies. Has Thunderbird mentioned for the zillionth time how much she loves her girls?

The first wing feather was given to the drum during a drumming circle at a festival near Heron Bay in Red Rock, ON (August 8, 2004). It was an emotional moment. It was given to Thunderbird by a a wonderful man who simply walked up to her and offered it. Nice! Thunderbird, explained to the crowd that the feather was not for her but for Moonstone. There wasn't a dry eye in the group. Quite a moment.

The eagle feather teachings also say that when one eagle feather is given, another feather usually follows shortly after...and so it did, within 30 minutes of receiving the first Eagle feather, the second arrived from an entirely different source again at the same festival. The two Heron Bay Eagle wing feathers are from opposite wings providing the perfect balance needed for the staff. From that day forward the staff has been called the "Heron Bay Drum Staff." Magic time! Moonstone pounded out her thanks.

OWNERSHIP OF THE big DRUM , hand drums &
DRUM ETIQUETTE

The drum is the exclusive property of the person who made it OR purchased it OR traded for it OR had it given to them as a gift OR prayed for it. It is not community property unless that is its purpose. If the drum belongs to an individual, then permission must be given by that individual for anyone else to even touch it much less play it. In other words, look but do not touch unless permission has been given.

Keep reminding yourself that the drum is human and one does not fondle other humans without permission! Accord the drum the same respect. In Thunderbird's case, her Sisters Kate and Sandy are the only ones allowed to touch her hand drum without first asking permission.

THE VOICE OF THE DRUM

Just like humans, each drum has its own very unique voice and vibration. Each animal and tree from which the drum is made have their own unique medicines; their spirits are part of the drum. It is usually a seven day ceremony from birth (making it) to waking a drum. In order to give a drum its voice it needs to be 'woken' in sacred ceremony. Until the ceremony takes place the drum should not be played. This is a hard thing to resist, but part of the ceremony teaches discipline and honouring of the process.

During waking ceremony the drum is first dedicated to Great Mystery and tobacco is offered in thanks.

The drum is a sacred object, therefore, when not in use it should be shrouded in its own bag made of natural materials, (i.e. 100% cotton, animal hide). Hanging the drum on a wall as an art piece diminishes its voice and purpose. You wouldn't hang a human on a wall to be admired, and as the drum is human, it should not be put there either. The drum should always be placed skin-side up when at rest as a sign of respect.

Welcome to The Drum Cafe PLAYING THE DRUM

"The drum is the Great Spirit's favorite instrument. That's why we were all given a heartbeat."
Mano, Navajo Elder

Prayers through the ritual smudging of the drum and the drummer are said each time the drum is used.
Prayers that ask Great Mystery and the Ancestors for the ability to sing in a good way.
Prayers that thank Great Mystery for the animal and tree that gave their lives to create the drum.
Prayers for the people who hear the teachings from the drum; that they be blessed and feel good when they hear the songs and the rhythms.
Drums are played in unison, as an indication the drummers are acting as a cohesive unit; there is no room for solos! One heartbeat, One Mother Earth!

Just remember Drumming is simply a joyous thing to do

THE MAGIC OF DRUMMING CIRCLES

People from many different backgrounds are getting together to create connections through the sheer joy of drum rhythms. Drumming circles are the ultimate stress reducer, the prozac of the natural world if you will. It is a time for everyone to get together and just be. Natural biochemicals in the body are released which help boost the immune system, among other things. Inner chatter is instantly quieted, and a peaceful meditative state is often the result, as the drum connects with your own heartbeat. Adults, in particular, re-learn how to play and have fun because remember, the drum has the ear of Mother Earth and Great Mystery.

Moreover, the beauty and wisdom of First Nations stories when combined with the music and rhythm bridges the cultural divide in a way that allows for the magic of all Turtle Island's Native people to be celebrated and understood in a positive and uplifting way. Peace on earth becomes a reality. So drum for the Earth, Community, Family, Yourself.

MESSAGE FROM MOONSTONE WOMEN'S BIG DRUM

I am Mother Earth's heartbeat and the sacred gift of Creation.
I am the universal heartbeat of the seen and unseen worlds.
I help ground people in the truth of their existence.
I put the drummer in touch with creation itself. I speak to all people equally and peacefully.
I fulfill and create spiritual, mental, emotional and physical balance.
I am a powerful non-verbal form of peaceful communication.
I am the practice of peace.
I am renewal, re-growth and fulfillment.
I am the pulse of the Universe and the ancient wisdom of the Ancestors.
I am alert, alive and ready to move the drummer to another state of consciousness.
My top represents the sky.
My bottom represents the earth
My stitching represents the warriors for peace who play me.
The hand of the drummer is never raised in anger, and on a big drum should not be raised high above the shoulder and slammed down - that is just MALE EGO. See next point.
The hand of the drummer should not be raised above the heart, for I am peace.
I release tension, emotional stress and mental fatigue.
I reconnect with the natural rhythms of the drummer.
I take you to the dream world to let your unconscious speak with your conscious in safety and harmony.
When you play me there is a synchronization of energy, a unity of common purpose.
When you hear the rhythm of unison group drumming and contribute your beat and your breath, you are listening, playing, open, receptive and creative at the same time.
When you play me together you play as one heartbeat. One heartbeat can heal everything.
I heal disconnects and sing songs for all the brave tomorrows.

All My Relations