I Ching: The Tao of Drumming

by Michael Drake

In this user-friendly interpretation of the I Ching, Michael Drake presents drumming as a revolutionary way to approach the ancient Chinese oracle. A synthesis of shamanic drum ways and Taoist philosophy, I Ching: The Tao of Drumming provides for the first time the rhythmic structure of the 64 hexagrams or potential human situations. Drum patterns derived from the hexagram images render the essence of each archetype of experience into sound, giving it physical, mental, and spiritual impulse. Through the natural law of resonance, the drummer then embodies the qualities and attributes necessary to effect change or harmonize with change in any given situation. With clear and practical explanations of each of the 64 hexagrams along with useful exercises and illustrations, the author demonstrates how drumming these simple rhythm archetypes brings the essential self into accord with the pattern or way of cyclical change, and that way is known as Tao.

152 pages, Paperback

First published October 18, 2003

About the author

Michael Drake is an internationally regarded writer and recording artist. He is the author of The Shamanic Drum: A Guide to Sacred Drumming, Shamanic Drumming: Calling the Spirits, I Ching: The Tao of Drumming, Shamanic Drumming Circles Guide, Riding Spirit Horse: A Journey into Shamanism and Shamanic Journeys: An Anthology. His musical albums include Shamanic Journey Drumming and Power Animal Drumming. His articles have appeared in numerous publications, including Awareness, Sacred Hoop, and Mother Earth News.

Raised in a conservative 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 for meaning and fulfillment. At a crucial point in his search, Michael came in touch with the transforming power of shamanic drumming and discovered his true calling. Inspired by his research and experiences, Michael founded Talking Drum Publications in 1991 in order to share the healing power of rhythm with the global drumming community. For the past thirty years, he has been facilitating drum circles and workshops nationwide.

Reviews

[Katie Daniels · Rating 3 out of 5]

There was a lot more fortune telling in this book than I was expecting.