Circles of Power – Core Shamanic Drum Circles

This article aims to share insights gained from more than 40 years of drum circle work in the context of the Foundation for Shamanic Studies Europe (FSSE). It does not describe the only way to run drum circles, but it does describe one that has proven itself over the years in various European countries (and beyond ).

The main subject here is core shamanic drum circles. The prerequisite for participation is at least the completion of the FSS(E) Basic Workshop. With this, we want to guarantee both, safety and quality. It ensures that participants have a common understanding of the subject and work with methodological precision.

The following paragraphs are intended to provide orientation – both, for those who want to start a drum circle and for those who want to further develop their practice. The explanations contain experience-based knowledge and relevant questions for reflection (in italics). In addition, some supplementary aspects are presented.

What Are Drum Circles?

Drum circles are groups of shamanic practitioners who meet on a more or less regular basis to work together shamanically. They can be seen as a kind of Western counterpart to the communal context of shamanic cultures. Together with individual sessions, drum circles form the foundation of shamanic practice in Europe.

Basically, there are two types of drum circles to be distinguished, so-called open drum circles and closed ones:

Open drum circles usually have a clear and stable facilitator. Participants can vary. Usually, a fee is charged for attendance. The exchange among participants tends to be more superficial, with little commitment. The central focal point is the facilitator. Due to the nature of open circles, people might participate that you do not know at all. This is why it is advisable to be very clear on the prerequisites for participation. We recommend not to allow ‘spectators’ to the circle – i.e. people who are simply curious and who “just want to know how something like this works”.

Closed drum circles have a fixed circle of participants. Facilitation of a respective evening may rotate. Usually, the rent for the room is divided among the members. No one receives a fee, and the relationships among participants are on eye level. Due to the continuity of these circles, very close bonds sometimes develop. Closed drum circles resemble a ‘shamanic family’ or a ‘tribe’. They are a community of like-minded people.

In this context, it seems relevant to highlight a few features of community:

• A community is more than the sum of its individual members: Drum circles should be seen as organisms and communities that pro-actively work with spiritual power.
• Every individual matters: The success of any work depends on the contribution of each group member.
• Everyone is equally important: Not the person’s role in a particular practice – or even in the group – matters, but rather the very contribution they make.
• The community is more important than the individual. This means that it is not about self-interest, but about the well-being of others or the greater whole. Humbleness, restraint and an attitude of service are important virtues.

Drum circles are about practice; they are not be mixed up with workshops or other forms of training. The transfer of contents and methods from FSS(E) formats – whether basic or advanced workshops, One-Year or Three Year Program – is not permitted. Any violation of this principle may result in legal consequences.

Therefore, methods or new material are not taught in drum circles. Rather, it is applied what has been learned in workshops and programmes. The general spectrum of work is broad and ranges from the application of divinatory techniques to sessions for clients and group work.

In order to practise shamanism with integrity, safely and effectively, all members of the drum circle must have basic knowledge. The FSS(E) Basic Workshop is to be taken as the – internationally comparable and comprehensible – minimum standard in this regard. In addition, those who facilitate the drum circles should have profound knowledge and genuine experience in shamanic work. If this is not the case, a person who meets these requirements should be consulted.

Drum circles are the ideal environment for addressing personal or group intentions using shamanic methods. These intentions can be relate to needs within the group or of individual clients. It is important to act in a professional manner: straightforwardly and reduced to the essence, with integrity and in compliance with ethical principles. It is up to the drum circle to decide whether to charge a fee from clients. A frequently used model is to offer the option of voluntary donations to covering the rent for the room. In general, it should be emphasized that drum circles are a community-based form of shamanic practice – and not a source of income.

Key questions:

• Do we want an open or closed drum circle?
• Who can participate? What are the pre-requisites for participation?
• Is the drum circle open to clients?

Practical Organisation

Regular meetings are essential for the sustainability of a drum circle. Intervals range from two weeks to three months; most drum circles follow a monthly rhythm. The time frame also varies. Three hours in the evening of a weekday is common, mostly because this is easily compatible with professional and private commitments.

It is important to have a suitable room. It should be free from distractions and available without restriction for the duration of the drum circle. It is also important to ensure that no one feels disturbed by the drumming and any other noises (e.g. during breaks).

Offering drum circles outdoors is not – or only on single occasions – recommended. Participants should have safe experiences. This is the top priority and best guaranteed indoors.

Drum circles require a certain level of organisation: One person takes of the coordination in practical terms, acts as a link between the participants and the landlords and takes care of the finances. Clarity and transparency are important here.

Regarding the shamanic work, it is recommended, at least during the initial phase, to have an experienced shamanic practitioner in the group – one that has authority in shamanism, provides guidance and acts as a reference person for shamanic matters. This person must be thoroughly trained and able to deal competently also with complex or difficult situations. As the group gains experience and the relationships between members intensify, this function can – and should – be divided among several or all members, with the effect that each evening is prepared, moderated and led by a different facilitator. This creates opportunities to gain experience in different roles and results in an atmosphere of genuine cooperation and shared responsibility.

Key questions:

• How often should the drum circle take place?
• Where is a suitable room / location? What makes a room / location suitable?
• How will the costs be shared? How will they be collected? Who will take care of the financial and practical arrangements?
• Who will take the organisational lead and coordinate the drum circle?
• Who will (temporarily) take the lead in terms of shamanic practice? Who will ensure the methodological quality of the drum circle?

Structure and Content

The specific structure for drum circles is flexible.

There are no limits in terms of topics. Often, group or seasonal topics (e.g. solstices, seasons, specific practices on specific days in the year etc.) are addressed.

It is important that each evening is well prepared. This means that one person mainly designs the programme, acts as facilitator and implements the work. The more precise the preparation and the clearer the moderation is, the better spiritual power can be held and worked with.

The following prototypical structure has proven successful for an evening session of approximately 3 hours:

1. Introduction

• Welcome and organisational matters – including an overview of the evening’s program, on framework and mode of cooperation
• Building up of power
• Circle – “I circle around” – calling the spirits
• Power animal dance

2. Divinatory work on a current topic

Members of a drum circle should continuously improve their perception of non-ordinary reality and ongoingly develop communication with their allies. Results should be reduced to their essence, and any answers for potential clients should be conveyed in a useful manner.

The content of divinatory work can include current topics or specific questions, as well as research journeys or, if there is sufficient time, divinatory work on a partner’s intention.

3. Shamanic work for clients

Shamanic work in drum circles can be performed for clients within the group as well as for those from outside the group. Through this form of common work, important practical experience is gained.

It is important to note that shamanism focuses on the spiritual aspect of a person, their soul. No diagnoses are made, no therapy is offered. Medical and psychological aspects are left to the duly qualified and legally authorised professionals. At the same time, our fundamental approach is one of complementarity and cooperation. This means we are glad to contribute to the health of a client, in concert with practitioners from other disciplines.

Clients should be well prepared for the drum circle. They should not be introduced into shamanism but, rather, develop a sense of what to expect (i.e., how a drum circle runs in practical terms, what will be done, what they are expected to do etc.).

The person who brings the client serves as the contact person. He/she coordinates the preparation and follow-up. During the drum circle, this person also watches out for the client’s well-being.

Absolute confidentiality and discretion must be guaranteed for the clients.

The design of a session for clients could be as follows:

At the beginning, the clients briefly outline and define their intentions. This is followed by a divinatory journey to a transcended, compassionate spirit to obtain answers to the client’s intention. The identified information is transmitted, and a sequence is created (what is to be done, by whom, and when). Finally, any necessary interventions are carried out by the shamanic practitioners who possess the necessary methodological qualifications. A formal closing and a brief informal exchange end the session.

One of the shamanic practitioners coordinates and structures the process. He or she involves the clients, ensures the efficient transmission of relevant information, and guarantees that interventions are carried out safely and correctly.

4. Group work and conclusion

After the divinatory work and/or the session for clients, respectively, it is useful to do a group practice, related to the “topic of the evening.” This allows everyone to experience the power within the circle once more and strengthens the group bond.

At the end, the circle is closed, thanks are given to the spirits and participants, and a song is sung.

Either between or after these elements a break of approximately 30 minutes should be taken. Each person brings a small snack and drink, which is shared. This gives an opportunity for important informal exchange and fosters a sense of community.

Key Questions:

• What does the structure of a prototypical evening in our drum circle look like?
• What topics are currently relevant for us? What is important to us?
• Which seasonal or otherwise cyclical phenomena do we want to give space to?
• How do we proceed when clients arrive? Who does what? How can we ensure that clients feel safe and welcome, and the shamanic work is carried out effectively?
• What do we want to do for ourselves as a group?
• What does not belong in the drum circle? What should not be given space and time here?

Variant: Online Drum Circles

Pre-requisite for participation is completion of the online introductory workshop “The Shamanic Journey to Power and Knowledge” or the basic workshop “The Way of the Shaman.”

A schedule of two hours monthly, in the evening of a weekday, has proven effective.

The general principles for drum circles, as described above, apply also here. Due to the virtual environment, the following additional aspects must be considered:

• Safety for participants and methodological sovereignty have highest priority.
• A quiet, undisturbed space without distractions is necessary for focused participation in the drum circle. This applies to online and in-person settings.
• The settings of the online meeting have to be predefined, suited to serve the programme, requirements, and needs.
• The host must be able to use the chosen software at ease and confidently. Any necessary technical introductions have to be organised on their own and in due time ahead of the meetings. This is the host’s responsibility.
• The host is the person facilitating the drum circle on a particular evening. Among others, the host facilitates journeys using drum recordings as well as exchanges in the plenary or in break-out rooms. If live instruments or singing are used, “Original Sound” should be activated at the beginning of the meeting. Technical session management can sometimes be handled by a “tech host.”
• Participants are also expected to follow certain rules. The FSS “Meeting Etiquette” can serve as a guideline in this regard.
• Break-out rooms provide a good opportunity to work in small groups. The coordinating person remains in the main room to be available for any questions or interventions.

Content-wise, the focus of online drum circles is clearly on divinatory work.

Networks

The FSSE explicitly supports exchange among shamanic practitioners and networking among drum circles. We want that all involved – shamanic practitioners as well as potential clients – benefit from the highest possible quality.

For this reason, we organise networking meetings for drum circles and drum circle facilitators.

In addition, the Foundation for Shamanic Studies Europe maintains a list of drum circles. Upon request, we are happy to refer clients or shamanic practitioners to those drum circles.

Only core shamanic drum circles that commit to complying with the guidelines set out in this article are included in the list.

If you are interested in being included in the list, in networking with other drum circles, or in establishing a drum circle meeting yourself, please contact us at office@shamanicstudies.net.

To Close: A Question of Attitude

For drum circles, the same principles apply as to shamanic work in general:

• Never work without permission. This applies to all types of practice, including divination.
• “Do only what you are capable of and qualified for.” Profound training and experience are the pre-requisites for successful work.
• Free yourself from expectations, performance pressure, or competitive behaviour. You do not have to “complete everything immediately.” One works as far as one is able to go.
• In shamanism, it is not the practitioners – with their personal experience or knowledge – who are the central authorities, but the spirits. Accordingly, the guidance on what is to be done comes from the spirits.
• Shamanic practitioners cooperate with the spirits, as partners on their side. They do so with restraint and with as little personal influence as possible. They do not interfere, but rather act like a “hollow bone”, thereby directing spiritual power to where it is needed.

Drum circles are not a place for self-promotion, exaggeration, or spectacle. They represent spaces where the power of the group and the service to the community are primary. We sincerely thank all those who commit to these principles!

Sources

[1] See also: Mokelke, Susan (2007): Effective Core Shamanic Drumming Circles. Vol. 20, No. 1. https://www.shamanism.org/effective-core-shamanic-drumming-circles/ | The Foundation for Shamanic Studies (accessed February 12, 2026).

Roland Urban, MSc., is Director of the Foundation for Shamanic Studies Europe.

Photo credit: Minka von Kries