Drum Birthing
Over two days in ceremony, birth your own medicine drum by hand.
THE CALL OF THE DRUM
More Than Making A Drum
Over two days we sit together in ceremony and birth your medicine drum by hand. Skin, wood and sinew become a voice, and your story, prayers and intentions are woven into it, stitch by stitch.
Birthing a drum asks you to slow down, turn inward and meet yourself. As your hands work the skin, old stories surface: how you came into this world, the patterns you carry, the threads that run back through your mothers and grandmothers. We meet these with gentleness.
You connect with the spirit of your skin and your animal guide, and from that day your drum is a living companion for prayer, journeying, healing and celebration.
Come as you are. There is nothing to prepare perfectly and nothing to get right.
Join The Long Line Of Drummers
People across every land have drummed to pray, heal, grieve and give thanks. Your drum connects you to the heartbeat of the earth, to the ancestors who drummed before you, and it carries your own heartbeat too.
The Two Days
Day one is mostly dry work and remembering. Day two is wet work and birthing. A drum can't be rushed, so please keep your afternoons free as we do not know when we'll be done.
Preparing For Your Ceremony
Your ceremony begins the moment you book. Here is everything you need to arrive grounded and ready.
- Kangaroo skin, drum hoop and all tools
- Beater wool and stuffing
- Ceremonial altar, cushions and blankets
- Light Refreshments & Tea on both days
- A take-home aftercare workbook
- Based at my home in Ourimbah, outdoors, under cover
- Day one: 10am start, finishing early afternoon
- Day two: 10am start, aiming to finish by 4 to 5pm
- Please arrive 10 minutes early each day
- Small groups of 1 to 4 people
- Your journal with birth story notes, and a pen
- Water bottle and lunch.
- Two sticks from nature for your rattle and beater
- Comfy layers, and clothes that can get slightly wet on day two
- An old towel that can get wet
- Before we meet, gather what you can about how you came earthside
- Ask those who were there, such as your mother, father or grandparents
- If some answers can't be found, leave the space open
- Notice dreams, signs and animals that find you in the lead-up
- Your drum dries slowly for around six weeks before it is played
- It travels home on its side, seatbelted in, out of direct sun
- Your rattle dries over a few weeks, then you finish it at home
- If we run out of time, you may also finish your beater at home
- Your aftercare workbook guides you every step
- After about six weeks, your drum is ready for its first sound
- Hold your own awakening ceremony on a day that feels meaningful
- Connect with your drums first beat and first song if you feel
- This drum is now your companion for prayer, journeying, healing and celebration
$650
Two days in ceremony, 1 to 4 people
Your own kangaroo skin drum, rattle and beater
All tools, materials and light refreshments on both days
Take-home aftercare workbook
Moments From Drum Birthing
GYPSY WILLOW ARTEMIS
Honouring My Mentor
I learned the art of drum birthing as an apprentice to my late mentor and friend, Gypsy Willow Artemis. One of the many things she has taught me.
When I signed up for my apprenticeship, she said: "Woohooo!!!! You're gonna be a phenomenal drum maker, just like me!". We were both so excited to embark on this journey together.
Sadly, she is not here to see this come to fruition, but her legacy continues on. Every drum birthed in this circle carries a thread of her teaching, her joy and her devotion to the work.
Your Questions
If you have a question that is not answered here, please reach out.
More Questions
Ready To Answer The Call?
Get in touch to find dates for you, or for you and up to three others.