TEACHINGS OF THE DRUM &
MOONSTONE & KOOLGYET NA HOOL BIG
DRUMS
Song:
Moonstone Big Drum Honour Song that I wrote in
three Indigenous Languages starting with Mohawk, Sm'algyax, and Ojibwa
(Ojibwa translation by my friend, James Shawana)
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I SHARE WITH YOU ONE OF MY DREAMS WHILE OUT ON VISIONQUEST A NUMBER OF YEARS AGO "Listen. I can you hear it! The sound is beginning to build in my heart. It is rhythmic, powerful, it comes from the depths of my soul as I cry for a vision. I close my eyes, and see stately guardians all around me (trees), Huge red cedar, they bend toward me as they, too, listen to the heartbeat coming from the centre of Mother Earth. The rhythm is swirling on the wings of the four great winds who reside there. Their breath encircles the trunks of the guardians and dance upwards to embrace the leaves and the fruit.
The Star Nation glitters, Father Sky surrounds me in a protective embrace, the pounding rhythm travels up the rays of Grandfather Sun and just before he disappears into a blazing horizon, he kisses his mate Grandmother Moon....Listen. It is happening, I can feel my connection to my higher power, that level of super-consciousness that touches my spirit and brings it into the fullness of its glory. For a blessed and sacred time I have moved outside the concrete jungle, and lost myself in the rhythms of nature. I feel I can do anything, accomplish my dreams, live my life in a manner that pleases my Ancestors. I am home."
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THE MAGIC OF DRUMMING CIRCLES
Moreover,
the beauty and wisdom of First Nations stories when combined with the
Africa:
Aburukuwa, Djembe, Drun, Berber,
Batá,
Bougarabou, Ashiko,
Ewe, Kpanlogo, In other words, Drums do not know about race, racism, jealousy, hate, resentment, greed, language, genders, gender choice, human diversity. None of that matters, what matters is inclusivity and the sound of one heart beating. It is a proven fact that drumming circles in businesses improves productivity and teamwork while reducing absenteeism. Drumming is the natural world's prozac! It dramatically reduces stress through a synchronicity of group 'right' action. Disputes are healed with drumming, reconnections made that elevate individuals and their places of work. Do it, it works!
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THE VOICE OF THE DRUM Just like humans, each drum has its own very unique voice and vibration for the simple reason that 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 a special sacred ceremony. It is, after all, a living being and under the care of a Drum keeper. I follow First Nations traditions, and do not play any of my drums until they have been woken in ceremony. I have had the privilege of waking many drums across Canada. I've said numerous time, "it is hard to resist playing the drum, but part of the ceremony teaches discipline and honouring of the process." Part of the Waking Ceremony includes smoking my pipe, prayers of dedication to the drum, the Ancestors & the Universe; tobacco is offered in thanks.
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Perfect Harmony of the Drum & Mother Earth 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 you to the centre of the earth, where you spread your arms and feel the strength of the four great winds that had their origins there; where your spirit, mind, emotion and body becomes one with that which is greater than yourself. 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. Come to my circles and let's drum together.
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NATIVE DRUMS ARE FEMALE & HUMAN
The
drum represents the universal
heartbeat of Noo Halidzoks (Mother Earth) - the 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). Listen to the hum that rests between the voice and the drum -- the hum is the spirit of the Ancestors.
Her heartbeat on the drum can be done in a variety of ways, here are two suggestions:
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 is already too much violence in Native communities. Sandy and I refer to all all 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 & NEVER TO BE USED AS A WEAPON OF FEMALE OPPRESSION. ALAS......
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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).
If women think they are "offending" men by playing the big drum, I suggest that (a) it is time to reclaim your authentic power; (b) those men who are offended are hanging onto territory which they never owned in the first place, and who simply made up rules to subjugate women 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. Moreover, since before recorded time, women across the world have played drums, kept drums, and enjoyed drums. Both genders are entitled to participate in the beauty of those healing words by playing a big drum whenever and wherever they choose to do so. Also, the drum 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:
Alas
as recent history shows, this continues not to be the case as family
violence in 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. Sandy and I, for example, do not own Moonstone or K'oolgyet Na Hool. They own themselves. We are simply their caregivers and they let us ride in the van with them as they go to various events to bring their healing messages! The Haudenosaunee 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. "Get with it, gentlemen, times have changed, women's voices must be heard by whatever means if Mother Earth has any chance of survival."
More
on Women
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MOONSTONE BIG DRUM As if I didn't have enough trouble with some male Elders, I had a vision in 2000 while out in the bush. I was told to acquire a big drum for the healing of women. It was to be a drum that would help unite women in creating peaceful solutions to the problems that beset the earth. As well, I was to create a Drum Staff consisting of Eagle feathers, among other things. She came into our lives in November, 2003 when she showed herself in all her glory at a big powwow in Toronto. 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.
Moonstone has been invited to a number of events to help heal dis-chord in communities and among individuals including three powwows!! True to my 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. I decided to make them "honorary women" and gave them moonstone necklaces which they proudly wear when they know Moonstone is coming. Peter (husband); Jeff (Sandy's husband), 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.
Sandy and I both contributed four Eagle feathers to the staff. My nieces, Shannie and Erin offered the two Eagle feathers they had been given at their naming ceremonies. Have I mentioned for the zillionth time how much I love my girls?
The first wing feather was given to
the drum during a drumming circle at a festival
near Heron 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.
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KOOLGYET NA HOOL (ONE PEOPLE DRUM) As if being the keeper on one big drum isn't stressful enough upon occasion, I had another dream in early 2008 that a second big drum needed to be acquired. Fortunately, Sandy only winced slightly when I told her about the dream. I said that the new drum needed to be a Family Drum in which both genders would be able to sit at it. However, the dream did place an emphasis on men. "Oh boy, this is going to be interesting." was pretty much Sandy's response. As I did with Moonstone, I let the dream float in the universe so my Ancestors could do their thing. On November 29, 2009, Sandy and Jeff, decided at the last minute on the last day to attend the Hamilton powwow. Well, didn't Sandy meet the same man who'd made Moonstone six years earlier! He told her he'd made the new drum as "an all people, family drum." He said it hadn't sold because most of the male drum groups thought it looked a little sissy, because it had been painted in the four colours of human (red, black, yellow, white). Lucky for us we don't have those kinds of hang-ups! Sandy couldn't get me by phone, and time was running out, the powwow was about to close. What to do, buy it, don't buy it. She walked away from the drum and immediately a thundering headache flooded her. (I told her later it was probably a combination of me and my Ancestors slapping her upside the head - "Don't you dare walk away!") She went back to the drum, the headache went away immediately. She bought the drum. She wasn't sure if I was going to be upset because I wasn't there when she found it. "Hey," I told her, "we are sisters, I trust you implicitly. You heard my dream, you saw the drum, you knew they were connected and the rest is history." It is called, One People Drum, translated it into Sm'algyax, K'oolgyet Na Hool, Anyone who plays the drum is known as a "Kool Drummer."
The drum is 24" in
diameter and made of moose hide and packed with
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MOHAWK:
TSIMSHIAN:
OJIBWA: |
Without seeing the drum, I had another dream that gave me K'ool's song. Moonstone has her own song, K'ool needed one as well. I wrote it originally in Sm'algyax. When I finally met the drum, I knew the lyrics and the music, which has a more contemporary rhythm and sound were perfect.
"We will gather
people together
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WOMEN
DRUMMERS ON THE BIG DRUM IN NORTHERN Just so the world does not think that Moonstone Big Drum is the only Women's big drum in Canada, here are a couple of photos of the Okistitawan Mista Hiya (Grizzly Bear) Women's Big Drum from Sturgeon Lake First Nation, Northern Alberta. Led by Cree Drummer, Matricia Brown they have been drumming together for over a year. The women have been taking their drum into schools, played for Aboriginal Women’s day and performed at a Grande Concert. They have also been asked to play for an Alberta Northern Teacher’s Conference (First Nation, Metis, and Inuit). Sisters, Moonstone & K'oolgyet Na Hool Big Drums in Ontario play and sing you an honour song for your courage in stepping forward and re-connecting with the Big Drum.
Always remember, Sisters, the drum, no matter its size, has been ours since before the beginning of recorded time. It is our connection to Mother Earth, and we have a sacred obligation and right to play her.
Stayaa yugyetk
halaayt
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OWNERSHIP OF THE BIG DRUM, HAND
DRUMS 1. 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 it has been identified as a Share Drum. 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. 2. Keep reminding yourself that the drum is human and one does not fondle other humans without permission! Accord the drum the same respect. In my case, my Sisters, Kate and Sandy are the only ones allowed to touch my hand drum without first asking permission. 3. 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 is already too much violence in Native communities. We call them Grandmother's Arms" which is a beautiful description. 4. The drum is a sacred object, therefore, when not in use it should be allowed to sleep in its own bag made of natural materials, (i.e. 100% cotton, animal hide). Hanging a hand drum on a wall as an art piece to be admired diminishes its voice and purpose. You wouldn't hang your mother on the wall would you? The drum should always be placed skin-side up when at rest as a sign of respect, it is also easier on the hide. 5. No drinking, no smoking, bad language or any other behaviour that is disrespectful to yourself and the drum.
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MOTHER EARTH IN PERIL 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. Cree Elder, William Commanda has said on a number of occasions, that the western world made the fateful decision to follow the faster road of technology abandoning the slower route of sacred and spiritual connections. It was pre-ordained back when even the stars were young. The 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 reminds us of the responsibility we have toward the preservation, health and wellness of the Earth. Are we truly listening? |
"The drum is the Great Spirit's favorite instrument. That's why we were all given a heartbeat." Mano, Navajo Elder
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DIFFERENT TYPES OF DRUMS & SHAKERS
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PACIFIC NORTH WEST COAST
Hand drums are the choice today, the big drum is not normally used. (Photos left are drums I made and named 'Raven Capturing the Sun' and 'Teacher' -Wolf). ANISHINAABE, CREE, MIKMAQ Frame Drums and like most Indigenous peoples, the adoption of the big drum. As is the case with all tribes, these communities recognize the drum as the centre of life and Mother Earth's heartbeat. Deer and moose hide are popular choices for the skins. HAUDENOSAUNEE
INUIT
Gilaut (right) is another version and gifted to me. The echo, when played is magical.
PLAINS
SHAKERS FROM MY COLLECTION
Left
to Right:
Gourd shakers, gifts to me;
Horn shakers made by me; Marakas, gifts to me, Anishinaabe Rabbit fur and birch bark, gift to
me, Haudenosaunee shaker, gift to me and it is my most favorite
rattle, it is used in
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"Natives who beat drums to drive off evil spirits are objects of scorn to smart Americans who blow horns to break up traffic jams." Mary Ellen Kelly |
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