Welcome to the Magickal Drumming Retreat!

In many cultures, to use a tool first involves creating that tool; Hunters make their own bows, leather workers make their own scrapers and punches, drummers make their own drum, healers make their rattles.

In societies where drumming was a form of prayer, everyone made their own drums, learning from others. Thus, not only was the knowledge passed on, but it was refined over generations.

Become part of this ancient tradition by creating your own playable works of healing, magickal art and learn the use of these tools from both an ancient and modern perspective, based on my two decades of experience.

DRUM MAKING PLAYSHOP

My Drum Making Playshop allows each member to impart their own energy into the instrument.

Class includes:

·A prepped kit (cut and punched head, finished hoop, pre-cut lacing, stick, cover and padding) to work with
Your choice of materials and sizes:
Buffalo, Elk, Deer, and Horse
16” 18” 20”
·Unlimited Q & A

Please list size and hide preference upon registration.

RATTLE MAKING PLAYSHOP

The more artistic part of the experience, I bring ready to fill rawhide rattle heads, sticks, fillings, paints, beads, and other colorful goodies so you can make your own rawhide rattle.

Available in your choice of Elk, Buffalo. Horse or Deer.
Bring your own talismans and fill (crystals, beads, bells, etc.) to make these even more special!

Please list hide upon registration.

DRUM CIRCLE 101

These facilitated circles are designed to help and encourage beginners and bring the wisdom of more experienced players into a playful atmosphere of fun and experimentation.

Excellent for "people without rhythm", these circles explore sonic "public" circles.
Bring your favorite drum and noisy toys!
A few drums and other rhythmic noisemakers will be supplied.

MOTHER DRUM ENCOUNTER

Dating back at least 10'000 years, the Mother Drum is the oldest of the tympanic drums. Allow me to share this gift with you.

This is not your normal drum circle as the energy feedback is completely different.

Remember, this is the only instrument that gets better (and more powerful) as more people play it.

Magickal Drumming Playshops

This is a perfect set of playshops whether you are a wholistic practitioner, priest/ess, solitary, or if you’d just like to incorporate drumming with deeper meaning into your own life. Can be done over four sessions or in one all day run, perhaps incorporated into an immersive weekend with my Drum and Rattle Making Playshops (my favorite way – contact me for details).

This playshop series isn’t based upon any particular teachings, traditional or otherwise, but upon my two decades in the field, combining my unusual background in physics and music with drumming ideals and principles that have existed for millennia. You don’t need to be a “Shaman” or “Enlightened” to put these lessons into practice. And, if you don't yet own your own drum, I supply a brace of curated drums and other toys to use in your exploration.

Introduction to Magickal Drumming

This is exactly as it sounds, an introduction with a whole bunch of Q and A. Drums are not needed, as this will be primarily lecture, but drums are a really good idea as we explore basic rhythm and tonal structure.

Topics covered:

History, rhythm structure, harmony, tonality, simple introductions to the tie-ins between Meditation, Celebration and Healing.

Meditation

Expect active participation.

Topics covered: Personal meditation, guided, group, and which drums to use under what circumstances.

Ceremonial and Ritual Drumming

This is an active participation session for drummers and practitioners alike – whether seasoned or exploring.

Topics covered: opening/closing sacred space, raising energy, “talking” to the spirits, types of drums to be used in which situations, planning and “winging it”.

Healing

Ah, the age-old Shamanic practice. Bring your drums, ailments, ideas, and get ready to get your hands dirty as you’ll be working on your classmates.

Topics covered: Rhythm styles, appropriateness, drum choices, and why.

Location

Star::Body::Earth

10725 Shadowwood Lane

Weed, CA 96094

Dates

June 6-9, 2025

October 3-6, 2025

Packages

$1,111 classes/meals/lodging

$ 888 classes & meals

$ 777 classes only

Retreat Registration Cut Off

June: 5/1/25

October: 9/1/25

Limited to 16 participants

Contact Don with any questions!

We understand there are changes to schedule or commitment....

If we need to cancel the event for reasons beyond our control, the event will be rescheduled and all fees will be applied to the new retreat date.
If you need to cancel, we will issue a refund up to the registration cutoff date. Otherwise, a credit will be issued for the next retreat.

Schedule

(subject to change)