TEACHINGS OF THE DRUM AND
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)




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"Traditional teachings are as relevant today as it was in the time of my Ancestors. They are blueprints for human behaviour - they connect us to the teachers of the natural and supernatural worlds, celestial beings, plants, animals, earth, air, fire, water -- respected equals, in other words, whose unique traits provide models for living in a "good way." There are lessons to be learned from both the seen and unseen worlds -- to be passed down from generation to generation through songs, drumming, stories, sharing, caring, medicine wheel teachings and ceremony." (S. Thunderbird)
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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.
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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?
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MOONSTONE WOMEN'S BIG DRUM 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.
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.
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 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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OWNERSHIP OF THE big DRUM
, hand drums &
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.
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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.
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"The drum is the Great Spirit's
favorite instrument. That's why we were all given a heartbeat."
Just remember Drumming is simply a joyous thing to do
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"Natives
who beat drums to drive off evil spirits are objects of scorn Mary Ellen Kelly |

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Note to Gentle Readers: Due to the almost mythical number of SPAM emails (average: 3,000/mo), anti-spam software has been installed. Be Patient and answer the question from IPermitmail. Thunderbird & Teya Peya look forward to hearing from from you. |