What is Shamanic Jam?
Shamanic Jam is a healing improvisational music circle that seeks to create a safe container for the mystical gifts in our talented community to shine. The goal of the jam is to allow our authentic energy to flow, be heard, expressed, and transmuted using the healing power of music in a group setting.
Shamanism is a practice that involves a practitioner interacting with the spirit world through altered states of consciousness, such as trance. When we drum rhythmically and chant, our brains are able to access meditative theta states where we are able to communicate directly with the unconscious. When we access these states with the intention to speak truth for that which is afraid to be heard in every day life, the result can be profoundly healing.
The shamanic drum, or frame drum, is depicted across ancient cultures as the centerpiece of many ancient rites of "ritual madness". Through ritual madness, participants were moved out of their senses. They were released from their individuality and possessed by energy and creativity. The rites also functioned as a stimulus, which intensified negative emotions, bringing them to a crisis state and discharging them from the consciousness. To put it simply:
This is a ritualized group spiritual practice where the goal is to enter a trance state, connect with the higher self, sing, improvise, perform, play and feel every emotion that wants to be felt.
Shamanic Jam is about showing up in your ugly, raw, vulnerable emotions, sharing them, and transmuting them with the power of the collective. It’s about fully letting go and expressing whatever is true for you in the moment. It’s about the group being able and willing to fully resonate with you in whatever energy you’re in- unafraid to plunge into the deepest darkest depths of the soul together, knowing that buried treasure lies in the most hidden corners.
We begin this ceremony with brief Kundalini activation and breathwork to open our energetic channels, followed by the sacred plant medicine of Cacao to open our hearts and connect to spirit. The power of the Drum and sacred Sanskrit mantras lead our opening prayers as we flow into the jam.
After testing various formats for this event across Mexico and California for the last 6 months, I am debuting the current version with great excitement.
At every jam, we are now inviting a Guest Shaman who will help to lead our main circle during the evening. It is our goal to support local shamanic practitioners to share their unique wisdom and music with the community.
Jam attendance is now split into categories.
Inner Circle
The Inner Circle includes 10 seats for musicians and active jam participants. Inner Circle is expected to participate fully in the jam, by contributing their voices, instruments and emotional energy. They are invited to lead their own songs and activities within the jam and expected to participate in sharing exercises. They have the option to temporarily or permanently swap with members of the Outer Circle at any time. By limiting our number of active participants, the music stays more harmonious and each individual is guaranteed time to be heard. Inner Circle members must bring a drum or a rattle and be able to keep rhythm in our opening shamanic drum journey.
Outer Circle
The Outer Circle consists of dancers, healers, watchers, listeners, lovers, students, precious companions and supporters who want to experience the jam but don't necessarily want to actively participate at all times. They are welcome to bring instruments and practice, or simply settle into a comfortable seat, drink the cacao and enjoy the jam. They can swap roles with a member of the Inner Circle if both individuals volunteer.
Patron Receivers
In addition, we would like to welcome Patron Receivers to our group. These honored patrons of our community are invited to receive individual healing from the talented members of our circle at designated times. When these patrons are not receiving healing, they are welcome to participate as Inner or Outer Circle members.
Itinerary
6:30pm Arrival
6:45pm Kundalini Yoga Activation and Cacao Ceremony
7:00pm Mantras and Shamanic Trance Drum Circle
7:30pm Shamanic Jam
8:45pm Sound Bath & Meditation
9:00pm Snacks and Closing
Inner Circle (10 spots) $33
Musicians, song leaders, active participants, main drum circle
Outer Circle (30 spots) $22
Dancers, backup drums, backup musicians, passive participants, audience members
Patron Receiver (4 spots) $55-$222 donation
A seat of honor for a guest who would like to receive special individualized attention from the group for the purposes of shamanic healing and receiving energy.
