This unique shamanic drumming CD presents 4 rhythm archetypes from the I Ching for practical journey work. The 4 drumming tracks contain the archetypal rhythms of the Thunder Beings: thunder, lightning, wind, and rain. Each track has 15 minutes of uninterrupted solo drumming with callback, providing a means of exploring and developing the inner self. We can journey within to access information and energies that can help awaken us and restore us to wholeness. Entraining to these primordial rhythms, we experience them directly and discover our rhythmic interconnections. Through the integration of these rhythmic patterns, we reconnect to our core, enhancing our sense of empowerment and creative expression. Recorded with a 22-inch, elk hide, cedar frame drum pulsed at 3 to 4 beats per second. Researchers have found that if a tempo of 3 to 4 beats per second is sustained for at least 15 minutes, most people can journey successfully even on their first attempt. To support your journey you can choose from four different tracks:  Track 1 - Thunder. Track 2 - Lightning. Track 3 - Wind. Track 4 - Rain.In virtually all traditions across the globe it is the Thunder Beings who govern nature and all life. They sustain balanced life, and destroy imbalance, the cause of suffering. They travel in the clouds and lightning and speak through the thunder. We can relate to them in storms and nature, but primarily we must seek them within. The drum can help us immeasurably in this quest. The drum personifies the creative spirit and energy of the Thunder Beings. The drum, like the Thunder Beings, is a catalyst that unites masculine and feminine energies, generating life force or chi. It quickens us with the energy needed to revitalize ourselves and grow. The drum is a safe and powerful vehicle for traversing the inner world, which is a microcosm of the outer world. To learn more, read "An Introduction to the Thunder Beings" at: http://shamanicdrumming.com/thunderbeings.html.Michael Drake is an internationally respected writer, rhythmist, and shamanist. He is the author of The Shamanic Drum: A Guide to Sacred Drumming and I Ching: The Tao of Drumming. His articles have appeared in numerous publications, including Awareness, Sacred Hoop, and Mother Earth News. Raised in a conservative Southern Baptist Church, Michael had his first ecstatic experience as a youth at a church revival; an evangelistic meeting intended to reawaken interest in religion. This state of rapture and trancelike elation inspired his spiritual quest. Michael spent more than 30 years of his life seeking answers to some of life's most perplexing mysteries: Why am I here? What happens when you die? What is life's purpose? He explored the world's great religions. He considered the philosophies of humanity. He studied the theories of modern science. At a crucial point in his search, Michael came in touch with the transforming power of shamanic drumming and of an ancient shamanic way of self-knowledge. Under the tutelage of Mongolian shaman Jade Wah'oo Grigori, he learned the healing rhythms and drum ways of an ancient shamanic lineage. He discovered that therapeutic rhythm techniques have been used for thousands of years to create and maintain physical, mental, and spiritual health. Inspired by his studies, research, and experiences, Michael founded Talking Drum Publications in 1991 in order to publish information related to shamanic drumming. For the past 20 years he has been facilitating drum circles and workshops nationwide. To learn more, visit Michael's web site at: http://ShamanicDrumming.com.This product is manufactured on demand using CD-R recordable media. Amazon.com's standard return policy will apply.