APPENDIX

Shaman's Resource

Guide

Drams, Rattles, and Other Resources: There is a great vari-

ety of drums, rattles, crystals, tapes, and other useful para-

phernalia helpful in shamanic work. You do not have to have

anything fancy or historical in order to carry out the tech-

niques.

Drums: In a pinch, almost any drum will do. For excellent

sonic sound, rawhide drums approximately 16" in diameter

by 8" high work well. They are manageable and mobile.

Drums 16" high provide a deeper and louder sound for larger

group work. Water drums provide a rich, deep resonance but

require care and specific knowledge for preparation. Cas-

sette recordings of drumming are completely adequate for

journey usage provided you have good speakers or repro-

duction equipment. We have used them with good results.

When you buy a drum, test out a number of them for

sound. Select the one that has a good deep sound. This is a

personal ritual that you will enjoy. When a drum is cold it

tends to go flat. Bringing it into a heated room or heating the

skin over a fire will tighten it again.

Rattles: Native American rattles and other ethnic rattles are

usually made from dried gourds with pebbles or seeds within,
to make the sound. Suppliers of Native American crafts
usually carry them. Our favorites are the brightly colored
Hopi rattles that are often decorated like animals. Huichol
rattles also provide a good high-pitched sound for shamanic
work. You can use maracas for rattling as well. According to
Michael Harner, the Professional Maraca (LP 281) available
at music stores produces an excellent sound. Warning: Rat-
tles tend to be fragile and they crack with any kind of rough
handing.

Crystals and Other Minerals: Most good rock shops carry

crystals and other specimens that you can use for personal

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