I've had the good fortune of making my first drum, and as I play it I recall my first experience in a drumming circle many years ago.

The energy starts out slow as we each find our rhythm and sense of connection. The lead drum begins it's consistent beat, offering a base for the rest of the drumming to build on.

I am self-conscious at first, not sure if I am fitting in or not. I start by simply keeping my beat in time with the lead drum. I listen to others, and secretly compare the sound and rhythm of my own drum with them.

Each person joins in with their drumming as is comfortable for them. Some do as I, keeping their beat simple and uniform at first. Others immediately begin to find a complementary beat.

The drumming starts off slow, mostly uniform and exploratory, and gradually grows and quickens as we become more comfortable and familiar with this group energy.

Introspectively, I realize that this experience isn't about comparison at all, and feel a need to shift my consciousness to loosening up, letting go and allowing this creative and inspired energy to flow. I shift my focus to this beautiful round creation in my hands, and find myself inspired to let go of inhibitions and let the drum speak.

The beat of my drum ventures away from the lead drum almost without my intervention or intention. Naturally, the voice of the drum begins to speak, and how exciting to allow it to happen! Letting go!

I am wondrous as the magnificent, powerful energy of the drumming envelops me and lifts my spirit in a dance of soul-joy.

After awhile I realize that the same thing is happening all around the circle. The increasing energy is palpable, and you couldn't slap the smile off my face.  Utter joy! The drums are creating an upward, swirling spiral of indescribable energy and growing intensity... and I am part of it!

Completely enchanted, my ears tune in to another sound being produced in the circle. Unsure of where it is originating, it takes me a moment to realize it is the sound of a voice. I open my eyes, which I hadn't realized were closed, and catch the vision of a woman across the circle from me, her own eyes closed as she rocks and sways in her spontaneous sacred chant. Others gradually join in with their own voices, and the spiralling vibration increases even more.

Then another sound breaks through into my awareness - an internal sound. A humming, growing, beautiful sound, full of emotion and thankfulness... it is my own voice - my own sacred chant! Amazed and shocked, I give myself up to the song, allowing it to run through me. It seems to start in my center, the core of my being, radiating outward to the tips of my fingers and toes and beyond. An amazing experience for someone who, before this, has refused to sing in the presence of anyone. Ever.

Enthralled with the collective and personal energy of the circle, one of my main spirit guides appeares in front of me for a few moments, grinning a wise, pleased smile. I greet him and thank him for being a part of this wild, primal experience.

Losing perception of time, the group collectively drums and chants in a limitless space of enchantment and wonder. When it is time, the drums and chants naturally slow themselves, and the swirling finally winds itself down in a gradual quieting of sound and vibration. Soon, even the lead drum speaks it's last beat, and the room is filled with the cameraderie of enchanted silence.

What a gift to be a part of this drumming circle.

This article has been reprinted with the author's permission in Issue 77 June/July 2006 issue of Synchronicity The Magazine

Renée Deakin's personal journey of growth and discovery has taken her to teach, work and live in several locations across North America. Currently residing in the woods in a remote area of Vancouver Island, Renée has devoted her life work to helping others find harmony and balance in their daily lives through connecting with their intuition. http://www.spiritcircle.ca