Shaman Whirlwind

How To Make A Shaman's Medicine Necklace

2012-01-27T17:51:00.000-05:00

You can make a shaman's medicine bag necklace in a snap. But why would you want to? Well, it begins with my opinion that you are a healer. Everyone is, but they don't realize it yet. You're ahead of the pack because you happened to stumble across this blog!

So jump on over to my main blog, Shaman Drums 2.0, and learn how to make a necklace, a spiritual necklace that could well help you discover that powerful shaman healer who's not even an arm's reach away. It's the healer right inside of YOU!

Aho & Namaste, my friend.
Bob

Coming Soon!

Spiritual Superhero Week at TVD! Zounds!

2012-01-17T17:17:00.002-05:00

What would be like if the superheros of old were to become spiritual seekers? What if they developed an interest in shamanism? Or alternative spirituality in general?

Those are the questions I asked myself a few weeks ago which resulted in the "Spiritual Superhero Week" on my main blog at http://blog.naturalshamandrums.com/2012/01/16/20120116.aspx

I'm a fan of old comic books, always have been, so it was only natural to combine interests in having some fun while pretending that my little business, Thunder Valley Drums, had a big budget and had contracted some classic superheroes to present my products in an ad campaign, like this guy on the left.

What is that he's holding? Well, come on over to the Shaman Drums 2.0 Podcast site and see him fly into action! ZOUNDS!

2012-01-01T13:14:00.000-05:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2012 will be most interesting!

Many people, particularly those who can profit from selling the concept, think the world will end on 12.21.12. What do you say? Is it the end?

Well, here's my two-cents worth, "The End of the World" Shaman Drums 2.0 Podcast...

(Click to Listen)

Here's to 2013!

Aho & Namaste,

Bob

Holiday Greetings!

2011-12-23T14:51:00.000-05:00

From our circle to yours, from our hearts to yours... peace, love and healing.

We hope you have a wonderful Holiday Season and

may 2012 be the best year yet for all!

Aho & Namaste

Life in the Early Winter Kentucky Woods

2011-12-12T17:59:00.001-05:00

Come, walk with me on a journey of discovery in the early winter woods of Kentucky. I've posted a photo essay over at my main blog.

When you're out here, it's easy to forget problems, and even to overlook who you are! You can slide right into being a part of the grand scheme of life that otherwise goes on around you without your awareness. Our ancestors could not possibly have thought of themselves as separate from the magnificent surroundings in which they lived. They saw themselves as integral heartbeats of the same beautiful body of life--the Earth, the stars, the air, the waterfall and waterfowl alike...All That Is.

Better yet, instead of reading my post, just jump right into your own discovery and pay a visit to some woods nearby. Life happens! Friends await.

Aho & Namaste,
Bob

Thunder Valley Drums Blog

The Bear Drum, The People and the Party

2011-09-27T09:00:00.000-04:00

Well, I thought I'd seen it all. That is until last week when, quite spontaneously, there was a birthday party...for a drum!

It's been my long tradition to sing Happy Birthday to every new drum I make, but my lone voice seemed inadequate when I had completed the largest drum I have ever made. So I emailed some drum circle friends and invited them to join me. We had a birthday party for the new Bear Drum!

There were seven of us— all that will fit in the drum shop and still have room for the Bear!— and while one recorded some of the initiation ceremony and party, the rest joined in playing the drum.

What joy! And then even more joy...we had a yummy birthday cake!

Hope your speakers have a good bass response, 'cause the Bear has a BIG voice!

(More information about the Bear Drum can be found on the Thunder Valley Drums Website.)

Aho & Namaste,Bob

Dreaming A Drum Into Reality

2011-09-14T00:15:00.000-04:00

I invite you to enter into a long six-year dream state with me.

It was six years ago when I had just returned from a close friend's place with a hollowed-out piece of log that I knew would be called the Bear Drum. He had cut the cherry log for me then sawed out the center with his chain saw. Love at first sight.

It had been a massive tree, more than five feet around, and had lived a good life, it was easy to see, for it had grown straight and sturdy, indomitable for decades, a king of the forest. As with all kings, though, this one had passed.

But its kismet was not finished, for the friend had retrieved it and several other logs with the intention of milling them with his small sawmill out here in Kentucky. But before he rolled this one onto the carriage that would carry it to the blade, he crosscut a few pieces for me. And the tree would live again, this time in a different form.

I hefted this piece and noticed a section of its rugged bark had been sheared away when the tree was felled. And that's when I saw it. A bear paw carving. Except it wasn't there, really, just in my mind's eye, or what the Lakota may refer to as the "eye of the heart."

That's the moment I knew it would be the Bear Drum.

And shortly after that, Bear paid a visit. The spirit of Bear, or what some call a totem, came into my dreamtime.

Oh, I don't want to make this sound dramatic, or even all that mystical, but whatever the case, Bear began teaching me. Good thing, too, for I did not feel up to the job of making a drum from such a large piece of timber. But the teacher was gentle and patient, and for six years led me through the steps to transforming the timber into the drum you see pictured here. Most of the lessons came in dreamtime or during shamanic journeys, and would lead to drawings and contemplation of how to proceed. That's the thing about this, you can't make a mistake. Well, you can, but if you do, you no longer have a would-be drum, you have a big piece of firewood.

So I proceeded cautiously because I lacked confidence.

Despite this, it began to take shape because the teacher was persistent. That is, until the night when Bear urged an image into my sleeping mind. It was like a maiden's cupped hand holding stones and seeds. Then there were four of them, and they were in the drum's frame!

The emotions I felt were sublime, though, as if this odd vision were somehow connected to a deep gratitude of the Earth Mother.

But that's exactly how, over time, the vision turned to reality as I formed four small compartments into the inside of the thick frame, one in each of the four sacred directions. I have called them "Sacred Womb Lodges," for they serve as receptacles for seeds, small stones, flowers, herbs, grasses or other small items you may wish to offer in gratitude to Mother Earth, and to honor the potential for the birth of spiritual healing and service during drumming ceremonies.

These are inexorably linked with four large, raw emeralds mounted on lightning-struck medallions with copper and located on the outside of the Bear Drum.

And I bet you know what they represent. (psst! It's a heart thing.)

But if you're unsure, have a lie down and gently close your eyes. It will be in dreamtime that the understanding will come to you. And with it, the wise teacher for whom this drum is named.

Aho and Namaste, my friend.
— Bob
__________________________
To learn more about the Bear Drum, please visit the Thunder Valley Drums site.

"End of the World" Final Podcast?

2011-09-05T14:48:00.001-04:00

"The End of the World,"

Available Here

Just posted my latest— and perhaps LAST— podcast episode, "The End of the World"! If what modern day prophets say is true, then all I can say is, it's been nice to know you.

If, on the other hand, we are not at the End of Days, then perhaps we should look deeper for why it feels to many people as if it's the end of the world. We could begin by examining a brief history of eschatology, then follow it forward into corporate board rooms and halls of government, and on into the lives of preachers, politicians and other pontificators who profess and long for the end, since they consider themselves to be among the chosen and thus spared from the Tribulation.

If we look around, the crumbling of our cherished institutions and the breaking down of civility can certainly make it appear that their longings are about to be fulfilled. And they are willing to commit nation against nation to make it happen. Voltaire said, “Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities.”

But what if it's something else at work here?

What if the great Revelation is that humankind is beginning to see with the "eye of the heart"? That our vision is clearing and we are glimpsing the mess we've all made? So, it seems we must first accept responsibility for the way the world is now. If it is messed up, we made it that way.

And it also means we can change it.

For those who have broken through the barriers to consciousness created by generations of endless deceptions, the answer gives hope in these onerous times. They are free to know that what is happening on the external is a manifestation of the inner chaos within the human psyche and further, that as the utterly decrepit paradigms come crashing down, the way is made open for a New Earth, and a better way of life for all beings on the planet.

But that which is corrupted will not pass easily into the shadows from which it emerged. Chaos is upon us now. These are not signs from the heavens of a punishing Divinity, but signs of our own pathology coming to the surface to be healed, and for humanity to rise up from its chains of spiritual bondage and go free…perhaps for the first time in the history of the planet.

And that's what this episode of Shaman Drums 2.0 is all about! Let's dive into the rabbit hole and take the journey of a lifetime—before it's too late! LOL!
_________________________________
Hear or download the podcast via
1. My Blog, Shaman Drums 2.0
2. iTunes
And most other podcast providers.

And, please, drop me an email if you would like to discuss this or anything else. I'm always open to a good conversation!

Aho & Namaste,
Bob

Make A Shamanic Gourd Rattle

2011-06-15T00:27:00.000-04:00

It is the representation of a union between Earth and Sky, and the sacred heartbeat of service to All That Is. Yet, when you start with a project to make a shamanic gourd rattle, you can't help but think of the story of the Ugly Duckling. A moldy, dirt covered gourd does not exactly inspire poetry.

But just you WAIT!

Once you begin working with this humble little bottle gourd, you better prepare to fall in love! And in helping its transformation from duckling to swan, guess who else gets a shot at transformation? Hmm...

See what I mean over at my main blog.

Better fasten your seatbelt...around your heart!

Aho & Namaste,
Bob

On The Wings of Prayer for Mother Earth

2011-04-22T16:29:00.000-04:00

If you've ever come across a feather on your path, the Earth Mother was offering you a gift. A lasting gift.

In ancient societies from Europe to the Americas, and perhaps elsewhere, especially where shamanism was or is practiced, the feather has long been associated with heavenly heights and, as such, a means by which our prayers can lifted to God.

So, if you've lucky enough to be the recipient of a feather, and smart enough to recognize it as the gift it was intended to be, I provide a way to honor the feather in preparation for returning it to the air where it belongs.

Check out the step-by-step guide here on my main blog for "feather wrapping," a beautiful way to connect with All That Is.

It is a great way to spend an hour on Earth Day!

Aho & Namaste,
Bob

Listen to Mother...the Earth Mother!

2011-04-15T16:57:00.000-04:00

I'm sure you heard the same thing growing up. "Listen to your Mother!"

Well, you can also listen to your Mother's Mother now, too! I write an overview of the value of shamanic rattling and rattles over on my Shaman Drums 2.0 Blog. (The photo is a hint of a new rattle I've just made and offered for sale on my site at NaturalShamanDrums.com) But it ties in directly to a very cool site that features radio monitoring of Mother Earth's frequency, known to scientists as the "Schumann Resonance."

Both rattling and the Schumann have to do with a frequency commonly recognized as one where we are most creative and spiritual. So it should be no surprise that we can tune into it and hear Mother Earth's heartbeat.

Find out more at the blog.

Aho & Namaste,
Bob

The Shaman Shop Is Busy...YUM!

2011-04-07T02:10:00.000-04:00

I've been quite busy at the Thunder Valley Drums shop, and all I can say is, "YIPPEE!" I love being engaged in a spiritual practice that includes so many wonderful people and that also keeps me busy at the workbench. Last week, I sat at the bench and recorded a podcast, "Shaman Drums On Location!" It was such fun, as podcasts always are to me, and I even decided to share some drumming during the show, too, which is something else I love to do.

In fact, the shop is one of my favorite places on the planet, and little wonder. People congregate there to learn and share, to journey and spiritually heal each other, to connect with All That Is. To me, the place is also special because it's a creative space where I'm surrounded by leathers and wood and all my old familiar tools, some of which I've owned for decades.

I made two drums during the week, one of which is a first-ever for Thunder Valley Drums. It's the Hummingbird Drum, pictured here. (You can click the image to learn more about it.)

And then, mid-week, I made a new rattle that I guarantee is the only one of its kind in the world. I'll post it soon on the TVD Website.

There was also time to reflect on a fighter pilot who ordered a drum while he was being called to duty in the Mideast. I wrote about him in a blog piece entitled "Making Drums, Praying for Drummers," and about how important is his search for peace as a true warrior.

Best of all, I even had a few visitors! You're welcomed here, too, should you decide to stop by. But please call ahead, as I do not keep a regular schedule at the shop. Sometimes I'm also busy with people or classes there too. One thing I can guarantee, though, if you pay a visit--and that's a cup of blueberry tea! YUM!

Aho & Namaste,
Bob

Spirit Shield For Healer & Traveler Alike

2011-02-09T22:46:00.000-05:00

A Resonant, Multidimensional Shield For The Healer,
The Meditation Practitioner Or The Star Traveler

I am honored to present this beautiful and truly unique Spirit Shield! Indeed, Spirit was in charge of this project from the very beginning, and my job was to stay out of the way, except for my hands.

If you are familiar with the multiple properties associated with such things as quartz crystal, jasper, copper, emeralds, and lightning-struck wood, as well as with the totemic energies of Beaver, Rabbit and Deer, then you know the superior protection afforded by this Spirit Shield. But also, given the particular arrangement of these sacred items, you will also find it to be a powerful amplifier of orbital light capable of forming illumined multidimensional gateways.

You can see from the diagram next to the above photo that this generates a protective shield around you and the sacred environment where you set your intentions to be of service in the way of your choosing, whether it be through healing ceremony, meditation, or other ritual where you open to spiritual connection.
Protection is a concept not well understood, but quite vital to your well-being. (A wonderful reference book on this subject is Caitlin Matthews'Psychic Shield: A Personal Handbook of Psychic Protection.) On the Spirit Shield, two quartz crystal points focus and bend the great white penetrating light of lightning-struck wood in opposite directions and into a circle around your environment. The power is conducted and fanned out into a multidimensional orb shape by a large solid copper bead and heavy copper wire at the center of the wheel. In both Celtic and indigenous concepts, this is recognized as the "Sacred Center," that place where you and Spirit co-exist across all time and dimension. The energy is both protective and illuminating, providing for the proper alignment of body, mind and Spirit.

The vertical shaft is oh so sweet and beautiful, and represents your connection with All That Is, your ultimate source of balance and strength. It is only fitting that this shaft was made by a wild Appalachian beaver, a young female. Given that these animals live in water (a feminine property, as I've written elsewhere), but also on the land, the powerful representation is a joining of earth and sky, both solid and ethereal. (You can read the story of the so-called "beaver sticks" I am using on the Beaver Stick Wand page, here. Please scroll toward the bottom of that page.)

Jasper has long been recognized as a stone of protection for the journey. Turn the eight jasper with their copper spacers to address the eight sacred directions for maximum protection and alignment on the path afforded by the Stone People. Two emeralds will magnify the heart and healing energies you encounter and absorb.

Then, combine the capabilities of deer and rabbit, which is to say stealth, power, cunning, creativity, expression, gentleness, and even playfulness, and you have all the tools necessary for service and exploration.

Set your intention, protect and project your space, then launch safely onto your path. It is the shaman's way.

Learn More About The Spirit Shield Here.

Aho & Namaste,
Bob

A Shamanic Necklace & A Sacred Animal Wand

2011-02-01T23:36:00.001-05:00

Spirit has been leading the way toward a broader sharing of the things I use in my own practice, as well as inspiring the creation of new aids to incorporate into your practice, too. So here are two for today!

The Crystal Copper Lightning-Struck Necklace

This is a powerful ally to wear during ceremony, in meditation or even in your day-to-day life, too, because it is associated with focus, protection and spiritual healing energy. The bright white crystalline emanation of lightning-struck wood and a quartz crystal point are cohered by a thin copper foil conductor wrapped around the entire pendant. It is the right necklace for this time.

Learn More About It Here.

The Sacred Beaver Stick

Crystal Wand

The last being to hold this wand before me was a wild beaver.

And with a little help from her friends, the rabbit, deer, human and Mother Earth, this precious wand is the first in a very limited series of "beaver wands" I will offer.

You can read on the Thunder Valley Drums Website all about the beaver and how her quest to establish a new home resulted in a catfish occupying my driveway! The spiritual lesson I learned may sound familiar to you, too.

For sure, the beaver is a familiar totem animal for many people, particularly the dreamers and the doers, and this wand carries that same energy to help you during ceremony or meditation. There is a quartz crystal point on the tip, with many copper adornments. Incredibly, you can still see her teeth marks in the wood, left there many years ago when I first encountered her.

Learn more at the TVD Beaver Stick Crystal Wand page.

Indeed, it is a time when all healers and those interested in service to others are being called on to help the troubled world. And you can believe you aren't alone... we aren't alone. There are many helpers and guides eager to join with you and all of us in the name of goodness and service.

Aho & Namaste,
Bob

Shaman's Cleansing Ceremony (Water)

2011-01-24T01:27:00.000-05:00

New Podcast!

Can we teach our young men in particular, but young women too, the sacred ceremonies that will help defuse their more destructive tendencies, and instead initiate them into the beauty of connection with All That Is?

Learn an inspirational shamanic water ceremony to generate cleansing energy, sacred space and spiritual protection for yourself and the young people in your circle during today’s Shaman Drums 2.0 Podcast.

The same practice can also help to keep us grounded during the four-month “acceleration” of energy and time that many adepts agree is presently occurring.

Catch the Shaman Drums 2.0 Podcast now to immerse yourself in this wonderful ceremony.

Today’s Musicians

(Links Will Open In New Windows)

Bob Maus, “Borders,” PodSafeAudio.com

Eric Maskol, “The Year Before The War,” PodSafeAudio.com

Victor Stellar, “Abstraction II,” PodSafeAudio.com

Big City Indians, “Qujake WunKaiki Waki,”
BigCityIndians.com

Deva Premal, “Ide Were Were,”
DevaPemalMiten.com

Other Links:

James Kunstler,
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/47834.James_Howard_Kunstler/blog

Water symbols and interpretations,
http://www.whats-your-sign.com/

Oxyrhynchus Quotes,
http://www.archive.org/stream/newsayingsjesus00grengoog#page/n7/mode/2up

Main Site for Thunder Valley Drums,
http://www.naturalshamandrums.com

Shaman Inspired Lightning-Charged Spiral Wand

2011-01-20T12:34:00.000-05:00

New!

The mystical energy of a quartz crystal point, copper rings and lightning-struck cherry wood in the new Spiral Wand awaits the spiritual seeker and healer alike. You?

Beautifully wrapped in sumptuous deer skin and suede lacing with an attached herbal pouch.

Learn more: Thunder Valley Drums.

Aho & Namaste,
Bob

A Powerful New Wand

2011-01-07T00:34:00.000-05:00

The Manwand Is Like Having
A Big Spiritual Warrior Brother To Help You

Let’s face it, sometimes the world has too much masculine energy, or at least finds it expressed in extreme and often disruptive or even destructive ways. But when we consider the state of the world right now, it could use some POSITIVE masculine power to help right our course. Like a Big Brother to intervene when the neighborhood bully gets on a tear.

Enter...the Manwand, a commanding ally to have around when some strong masculine energy is required in your spiritual healing work or when you feel your own power waning.

It contains a crystal, an emerald, solid copper beads, four types of leather lacing and a piece of petrified wood, all arranged for you to put an array of positive masculine energies to work for spiritual goodness and healing.

Find out more at the main Website.

Can Women Save The World?

2010-12-23T16:46:00.000-05:00

It’s the season of laughs and nostalgia, rockin’ round the tree, shopping and scurrying. And everyone thinks of peace sometime during the season.

But, by Sunday, all of it will be Christmas past, and we’ll return to, well, let’s face it, a troubled world.

Oh, I suppose every generation that’s ever existed has had certain perceptions of trouble in their time, but this is OUR time, and THE time to change things for the better. And I believe it’s time for women to take the lead for the world, a peaceful world.

Who am I to declare such? Well, I’m just another guy. But when I look around and see the world as it is, I know it can be better. Humans weren’t meant to fight constant wars and prey upon each other for financial gain or other advantage. Our species survived only because we cooperated with each other and the Great Unknown. We were dependent on one another, and we grew to recognize ourselves as a vital part of a larger, mysterious whole. We did not perceive ourselves as separate from, but rather unified with all of nature, from a blade of grass to the smallest pebble to the glittering stars. I know there was such a time, and when a star twinkled, it was us and All That Is doing the twinkling.

But we are losing (or have completely lost) that understanding as the world turns more and more toward financial worship and predatory abuse, the two main factors in dehumanizing us and propelling warfare.

Now, I’m not saying all of this is the result of our existing in a male-dominated world, or that the female principle is without guile. But so much of what I see does have that aggressive male energy attached to it, things like a society where the forceful takeover of resources is seen as good, where the once idealistic concept of “rugged individualism” is slowly being subsumed by the heartless, egotistical and cruel antics of men like Donald Trump or Goldman Sachs investment bankers, where corporate mandate homogenizes, bludgeons and drives us to excess and compulsive behavior with advertising, where shedding a soldier’s blood is good for business. To me, these evidence the male principle and its powerful energy out of balance.

I think it’s because we men have forgotten how to be true warriors.

The last thing a true warrior wants seems to be the first thing most men seek nowadays, confrontation and ruthless competition. I think it should be the other way around.

Consider the martial arts for a balanced perspective on warriorship.

One such practice, Akido, teaches that a warrior’s greatest triumph is the victory over oneself, and that self discipline and respect is, “the way of manifesting the energy of harmony.” How beautiful is that! Further, Akido depends solely on the concept of the sacred circle. All of its movements are in a circular motion, and designed to induce harmony by deflecting negativity with a minimum of damage. And finally, in order to achieve these disciplines, the Akido practitioner must align with the ki, or spirit of all things.

In essence then, Akido, as I understand it at least, is aimed at developing a spiritual discipline of manifesting harmony while being able to defend oneself against aggression, whether the opponent be the ego or a person or something else.

I realize that’s one tall order and extremely hard to fulfill. But it’s time to start.

I can write and teach and preach all day about this, and few men will listen. But they will pay attention to women.

So, humbly, I propose that women unite or reunite in the cause that may save our world, or at least help turn it around. This assumes, of course, that the women who take up this cause are balanced and harmonious themselves…of the female warrior type and its highest attributes.

I don’t propose that men should try to be like women…or visa versa, behaviors which seem to be gaining sway in our askew world and shown constantly in movies and other media. I simply propose that women begin talking to men in a way that encourages the males to seek harmony and balance in their lives. And if you have been doing this, then be more persistent. As in, everyday.

Should this occur on even a small scale, it may be enough to allow the existing female energy in our world to regain its rightful place in helping to restore balance.

If this doesn’t happen, I fear our world will see a disastrous ruination of our civilizations, and perhaps even the total destruction of life.

It is the season to think of peace, so perhaps it’s also the season to begin assuring it.

“Pray for Peace, People Everywhere”

Aho and Namaste,
Bob

Shaman Drums Newsletter Now Available

2010-12-13T12:50:00.000-05:00

The Thunder Valley Drums and Shaman Center

Holiday / Winter NEWSLETTER Is Now Available!

Find articles about "The Three Languages of Spirit," "Oh Deer! It's Christmas!," updates for classes and BIG plans for the future!

Six Christmas Gifts You'll Find Nowhere Else

2010-11-29T12:03:00.000-05:00

Hope you’re having a great Holiday Season!

The Thunder Valley Drums elves have been busy, so I’m sending along a few links to things they’ve been doing. These are spiritual items you won’t see everyday while you shop. In fact, I guarantee you will not see these items ANYWHERE else!

So, to celebrate, I’ve put the many millions of items, ah, thousands of items, well, all SIX items you will find
nowhere else for Christmas gifts right here.

All links will help whisk you off to visit the TVD Website http://www.NaturalShamanDrums.com, where you can learn more. And once you've made your selection, just call (270/766-1469) or email me to order something and I’ll send ‘em to you right away!

Hope to hear from you soon!

Hugs,
Bob

The First Ever Thunder Valley Drums

On-Line Catalog!

The Grandmother Earth Drum

Just Posted On The Website 11/26/10: More than two years in the making, this Appalachian Red Oak drum was lovingly recovered from a deep forest on a mountaintop where the Earth holds up the Sky in sacred union. It is a place where the red-tail hawk takes prayers to Great Spirit and returns with powerful medicine.

Mother Earth has given this gift for the benefit of the one who is ready to put self aside and to become the healer you were meant to be.

See a new video about the Grandmother, too.

Prayer Feathers Crystal Wand

I present the only Lightning-Struck Prayer Feathers "Stargate Coded" Crystal Wand I will ever make. I was honored with permission to do so and to offer it for sale in support of Thunder Valley Drums' mission.

It is a one-of-a-kind instrument meant for the healer who can harness the energy of a crystal charged in the Queen's Chamber of the Great Pyramid of Giza, a powerful wand made from lightning-struck cherry wood, feathers from a sacred pheasant, deer suede lacing and copper beads faceted like the rarest diamond. It is not for me to use, but for one special person who knows, understands and is ready to incorporate it in his or her ceremonies for planetary healing and to release the codes it contains.

Are you the one?

The Shaman Sun King Drum

The Shaman Sun King offers safety and protection through the strength of a thick hickory frame that withstood a direct lightning strike, yet survived. Knowing that is to know it is a strong partner to help power up your healing intentions with the vitality of light and the rhythm of healing. When it is time to help someone heal, rely on the best: your heart and a strong drum, the King of drums.

It is the shaman's way.

The Lightning Stick

The mystical power of lightning, as illuminator, destroyer and creator, is deeply significant in my practice of shamanism. That is obvious as one reads the information on the Website as it relates to lightning-struck drums.

But there are related tools I call into service as spiritual healing aids, and chief among them is what I call the “Lightning Stick.”

As with all such shamanic tools, it is intention which powers such an instrument, just as one finds with crystals and many other instruments used for spiritual goodness.

Learn more on the site by downloading a special free eBook about the Lightning Stick.

Lilac 'N Lace Rattle

*Extremely lightweight and small enough to carry in your purse/backpack or inside your drum.

*The first ever rattle you can “tune” by removing the suede leather stop in the top and adding/subtracting stones, dried corn, etc. Currently contains small sandstones, aggregates, emerald chips and nut hulls. (You can hear the rattle on the site.)
*Entire rattle and handle made from lilac wood with goat skin on ends.
*Includes a piece of Lightning-Struck wood with four emerald chips suspended by copper wire.
*Also includes two small bells for a beautiful sound effect while rattling. You can easily remove them if you prefer.
*No two alike, as these are made from real lilac limbs.

Lightning-Struck Necklace

All Natural
Velvety Soft Deer Lacing, 36-inches, Adjustable With Unique Bead Pass-Through
Two Specially Faceted Copper Beads Flank The Cherry Pendant To Conduct Spiritual Healing Energy
Cherry Pendant Made From A Real Lightning-Struck Cherry Tree (Pendant size varies. The one shown is approximately 1-inch high, 1/2-inch thick and 5/8-inch wide.)
Each Pendant Hand Rubbed With Beeswax and Oil Finish

Thanks so much for looking!
All the Best,
Bob
Ordering Information
Satisfaction Guaranteed!
Personalized Service Is The Shaman's Way

This may seem old fashioned or even radically new to you, but I consider each item on this Natural Shaman Drums site to be sacred and not a mere commodity. So I handle each order personally by phone or email. It is essential that you have just the right item you seek, and thus we should consult about each item. True, in this fast-paced world, you may rather click, order and split. But when it comes to obtaining something sacred, perhaps it is best to reflect, allow and manifest. Give it a try, and you may find that here, you are an honored friend and seeker, not a mere consumer. Unplug from the corporate culture and find the respect you deserve.
It is the shaman's way.

Please Call 270/766-1469
Or Email Me: livefree@naturalshamandrums.com

Grandmother Earth Drum.wmv

2010-11-28T15:25:00.000-05:00

The Heartbeat of Healing

The Grandmother Earth Drum is one of the first drums I ever made. I discovered her on the side of a West Virginia mountain, having been cut years before. After a long conversation, she agreed to return as a drum, so I started digging...

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own one of the most rare drums on earth, the Grandmother Earth Drum.

More than two years in the making, this Appalachian Red Oak drum was lovingly recovered from a deep forest on a mountain top where the Earth holds up the Sky in sacred union. It is a place where the red-tail hawk takes prayers to Great Spirit and returns with powerful medicine.

Mother Earth has given this gift for the benefit of the one who is ready to put self aside and to become the healer you were meant to be.

You can find out more at the main web site, NaturalShamanDrums.com

Shaman Sun King Drum Video

2010-11-22T22:46:00.000-05:00

From The New "TVD Drums In Ceremony" Series I Just Started

People have asked that I start showing the drums I make in action, so this is the first one. A very brief look at the Shaman Sun King Drum in ceremony. I used two beaters to illustrate how the sound can differ, too. Short 25-second video. More details about the Shaman Sun King Drum here:

Shaman Prayer Feathers Crystal Wand

2010-11-15T19:36:00.000-05:00

A Rare Opportunity:

Great Pyramid of Giza-Activated Crystal

On A Lightning-Struck Wand

I present the only Lightning-Struck Prayer Feathers "Stargate Coded" Crystal Wand I will ever make. I was honored with permission to do so and to offer it for sale in support of Thunder Valley Drums' mission. It is a one-of-a-kind instrument meant for the healer who can harness the energy of a crystal charged in the Queen's Chamber of the Great Pyramid of Giza, a powerful wand made from lightning-struck cherry wood, feathers from a sacred pheasant, deer suede lacing and copper beads faceted like the rarest diamond.

It is not for me to use, but for one special person who knows, understands and is ready to incorporate it in his or her ceremonies for planetary healing and to release the codes it contains.

Are you the one?

New Shaman Drums Video: A Mother Earth Story

2010-10-20T08:59:00.000-04:00

A short new video I made and would like to share with you. Peace and blessings.

Shaman And Self-Help Articles

2010-10-17T14:35:00.000-04:00

We're very active on our site, My Spirit Care, and here are some direct links to our recent articles...

http://myspiritcare.com/articles/scrubbed-your-aura-lately

http://myspiritcare.com/articles/meditation-guided-meditation-the-shamanic-journey-1

http://myspiritcare.com/articles/meditation-guided-meditation-the-shamanic-journey-1

Spiritual Rebels & The New American Politics

2010-10-03T12:31:00.002-04:00

I've finally decided to indulge my inner political wonk again. So here's the link to a new blog, Viva La Heart & Mind, with two new opinion pieces.

The first explores the corporate takeover of our government and the need for us to be spiritual rebels in order to resist it. The second links to a story about the reprehensible medical experiments the government perpetrated against people of our country and abroad decades ago. Does it continue today? And is there a chance it could be entwined with UFOs?

Return of the King

2010-09-21T15:39:00.001-04:00

Meeting destiny...

...has its rewards.

The Shaman Sun King Drum has returned to Thunder Valley Drums.

Read more, see it, hear it now... Shaman Sun King Drum.

Shaman Drums Spiritual Bodybuilding 1

2010-09-12T16:14:00.001-04:00

Shaman Drums 2.0 Podcast and Blog

Oomph!
Spiritual Bodybuilding Workout #1

Podcast Notes

Listen to the Podcast here!
You’ve dialed into the Shaman Drums Podcast, brought to you by Thunder Valley Drums, the world’s only source for Lightning Struck Drums and other sacred items made for your spiritual journey.

I’m so excited because I’m kicking off several new projects, beginning with this new series that I call Spiritual Bodybuilding Workouts. This and future installments will be offered from time to time and will be short and sweet suggestions of some yummy new spiritual aerobics that I hope you’ll find useful in building some new spiritual muscle.

It is a winding path that spiritual seekers follow, and sometimes, we can use some encouragement to take the next step. Really, this isn’t all that complicated. If you are ready to explore potential new ways to free yourself to the passion and enjoyment of life through a stronger connection with who you really are, then you're 90% there!

It's that other 10% needed to build and tone your spiritual muscle that requires some time, sustained curiosity, open-mindedness and commitment. But--you're worth it!

Okay, well, it's taken me 60 years to get these things. You're smarter, so you'll probably get it in 10 minutes.

Before I get started, though, I’d like to send you a big hug if you’ve been in touch in the past several weeks—you know who you are! And here are some others… Wolfsheart and Big City Indians in Austria, Liz along the shore of Lake Ontario, Lynne-Sue-Bill-Cole and Laree in Louisville, Rich, Stephanie, Michelle and Barack in the Nation’s Capitol, Rob and a host of others in Virginia, Christine in Oregon, Kaveh Kahn and Little Spring in Iran, and Yann, somewhere in Europe! And many more! Including you! Thanks to all—I love to correspond and network with such special people.

Now for the first workout—An easy one: Go Into Nature

While we tend to define ourselves in part by our modern lifestyles, the fact is that our true nature is nature. If you will unplug from the make-believe world once a day or at least once a week and quietly go into nature, you will discover an amazing thing-- life isn't about your ego. Nature is about being, and it will not acknowledge you when you are in it since you are a part of it. Do you acknowledge the presence of your little toe every time you take a step? It's just there as part of you, and you don't pay it much attention.

I’ll have more suggestions for spiritual workouts from time to time in the podcast, but we also keep a steady flow of energy advice going on the new blog, MySpiritCare.com . And, of course, right here on the blog where spirituality moves at the speed of love, The Shaman Drums 2.0 Podcast and Blog, found at blog.naturalshamandrums.com

Thanks to all the musicians and providers who made their wonderful compositions available today. I also want to send a big thanks to Wolfsheart and Big City Indians over in Austria. They’ve come out with a new album, The Call of the Canyons, featuring Wolfsheart’s beautiful flute, which provided the focus of today’s music.

See ya' next time on the Shaman Drums 2.0 Podcast!

Aho and Namaste

Links:
1. Link for the spiritual protection exercise you can use when doing any spiritual journey
2. Home of Thunder Valley Drums
3. My Spirit Care

Audio Clips
Audio clip at beginning
Audio clip in middle

Musicians
George Wood , "Looking Up," Podsafeaudio.com
George Wood , "Nicensleazy,"

Big City Indians , Title song from new album, "The Call of the Canyons"
Bob Maus , "Borders"

Shaman's Dream Comes True!

2010-08-27T01:01:00.000-04:00

It's time for the

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!

Thirty days in making it, a lifetime of dreaming it.

We Are Ecstatically Happy To Announce The Launch Of... At last, Spirit has brought together a life-long dream! A new Web site that offers live consultation on the subjects we know and love...

My Spirit Care!

You’ll see so many things we’ve longed to do for years, like providing our services to a nationwise audience of spiritual seekers like you. My Spirit Care focuses on three primary areas:

Meditation/Guided Meditation
Clairvoyant Services
Shamanic/Spiritual Mentoring/Coaching

We are making these very affordable services available through a nationwide toll-free number...

My Spirit Care Hotline: 1/888-494-0493
(Please see site for details)

     Overall, the site is totally dedicated to the subject of spirituality in general and to our combined 50 years of experience in many specific spiritual areas. You'll find articles, videos, books, reviews and a whole lot more, including some special products having to do with spiritual subjects seekers care about.

     Given that My Spirit Care is new, we have plenty in store to add to the site over time, and are reaching out across the Web to link with other like-minded people who seek ways of being of service and in helping to contribute to a better world. You’ll see more and more of them popping up on the site and with links to their venues, too. Contact us to jump on board with your links and input.

     In addition to our paid services, we're continuing to construct new free content every day. Our goal is to add at least one new article or at least one new post every day through September in order to provide you with top quality information. And we're committed to frequent and rapid posting for as long as we can after that, too. All Free to you, of course!

     So, please pay us a visit while we continue to construct the site. And feel free to drop us a line with your comments, or comment right on the site. Our Email is...

BD@MySpirtCare.com

Many, many thanks to all who have supported this effort and dream for so many years! Big hugs to all!!!

On The Way!

2010-08-17T12:12:00.000-04:00

Spirit is providing the inspiration for an exciting new way for me to be of service to you. That's why I haven't blogged here for over a week. But hang on! I'll be announcing it soon.

It's all about a way to share shamanism and a whole lot more! The graphic at left provides a hint.

Now, if only I could persuade Spirit to do the CSS computer language work necessary to accomplish the task!! lol!

Hope you're having a beautiful day.

Namaste,
Bob

Guest Commentary #2: A Quest Coincidence From England

2010-08-04T17:40:00.000-04:00

Thanks once again to Bel, from England, for emailing an image of a magazine cover she received today and found to be quite relevant and coincidental to a spiritual quest she's on right now...

Hi Bob, Another 'coincidence' arrived in the post this morning - Bel x

Bob's Photo Featured In A Post Last Week...

Shaman Drums Podcast Guest Commentary From England: On Hogue, War, Aristocracy and Dinosaurs

2010-08-01T23:35:00.000-04:00

It's always a pleasure to hear from you! And today, I pass along an Email commentary about the latest podcast, sent by Bel, a friend and healer from England. It's offered with her permission. Thanks, Bel!

Hey Bob, it's a long one....make sure you got lots of blueberry tea at the ready lol.

I really enjoyed listening to your interview with John Hogue (love your sunflower and the bee by the way). Before I get to the actual interview I wanted to talk about some of the comments you made. You mentioned at the beginning about the homeless guy in the woods and it made me think. There’s absolutely nowhere now in our world that we can just live without giving money to someone else is there? Unless you happen to live in a far flung land in a tribe!

I used to be a fan of Little House on the Prairie many years ago and there’s no way anyone could just up sticks and live off the land these days is there? Although we have no-where else to go (just yet anyway) to just live our lives on this planet and not live to work to make some fat cat even richer. This beautiful earth seems it’s all accounted for by the rich and titled aristocracy. I am quite an anarchist but not to the extent I was in my youth – I’d call myself a ‘gentle’ anarchist these days but it makes me so very angry.

Another thing you talked about was that some official was suggesting cuts to Social Security to fund the Afghan war. That in itself is appalling, especially where pacifists are concerned, but that sort of thing is happening the world over. On the news a few days ago there was a story of an ex-Afghan soldier who lost one of his legs and the Social Security decided that he was no longer entitled to disability due to the fact that he could walk 'quite well' on his (so called) prosthesis. This guy was 23 years old – God forbid they would have to pay him for the rest of his life for fighting for his country!!!! This soldier was ‘walking’ around with a ’prosthesis’ that was bright pink with little more than a stick on the end. As well as that he feared losing his other leg due to severe problems with it and possible gangrene setting in. I'm so glad he decided to fight this and not just accept it - we all need to know the depths these civil servants (that’s a joke for a start) will go to stop people receiving what they are more than entitled to. In my view this very brave ex-soldier should have life made easier for him, not more difficult and all power to him in his fight.

I was very interested in the main topic of conversation, which were the ailments of healers because as you know I’ve been going through this myself. I’m fully aware that these illnesses could be put down to middle age but as you say many are younger. It did sound like John was attempting to place everyone in a box, i.e., middle-aged healers. I have a friend who is only 23 who is also suffering from tragedies and calamities in her life that have been going on for two years now. It did sound like John was putting everyone into a box and there are patterns to it. I went in search of what could be wrong and they all seem to be signs of ‘ascension’. Here are a couple of interesting sites for lists of symptoms – many of which I’ve had myself.

This one www.emergingearthangels.com/index.html suggests we are all emerging earth angels and that all this pain and anguish is due to our spiritual evolutionary process.
This one www.eaglespiritministry.com teaching/texts/ascension.htm took up where the last one left off but also gave brief explanations for each symptom.
The final one www.ascendpress.org/articles/earth-mother/LGsympt.html goes back to the year 2000 and is allegedly a channelling from Mother Earth (Herself).

I have found that the best way to release this huge surge of anxiety invoking energy is by grounding grounding and grounding again. This sometimes unbearable feeling of energy, mainly in the solar plexus region can be dissipated not only through the usual rooting into the earth kinda way but I’ve also found that by putting both hands and feet upon the ground and just feeling and knowing that the energy is being absorbed by Mother Earth. Also I would say not to feel any fear if at all possible…..there is no reason to feel afraid and just know that soon you’ll feel better than you’ve ever felt before. I’ve also found that holding Bloodstones and Rose Quartz helps as does the burning of Nag Champa.

I did not agree with John when he talked about not being able to avoid political solutions and although I do understand where he’s coming from with the view of there being ‘nothing wrong with profits for greening the world’ it depends on what he means by profits...more feeding of the fat cats or globalised healing of the worlds economic system because as it stands – it ain’t working. I agree with him that a balance needs to be restored and I think we are very gently and surely coming to this way of thinking and working through the collective unconscious without even realising it. To believe that Mother Earth is balancing the world, as John says through eradication of ‘parasitic’ animal and plant life seems a bit too extremist to me... I cannot and will not believe that Mother Earth is a fascist!

I was interested to hear about the unprecedented rapidity of the climate changes which shows that John takes into account global warming and ice ages that have happened throughout history and it’s this speed that seems to be affecting people. Everything seems to be extreme from the rapid growth of trees to the odd behaviour of animals. My dog has taken to looking with ears up into places that range from my bookcase to behind the door. Also, now this is a crazy one (or so I’ve been brainwashed to believe) my crystals have started growing!!!!! I have a tektite meteorite, which I hadn’t took out for a few weeks and I said to my husband, John, “look at this, does this seem any different to you?” He said that it seemed heavier and it looked bigger than he last remembered it, which is what I thought too. However, I have no ‘scientific’ proof for this, nor do I want any really. I know that crystals are alive so why shouldn’t they grow in a loving environment….I’ll tell the world though if my drum starts to grow lol!

I have a small rose quartz, which has ‘healed’ itself of inner cracks and blemishes and it too seems a lot heavier and paler in colour. I do believe that people need to get their act together and open their eyes to what is really happening – to find that the truth is within . To listen with a discerning ear to the media and to read between the lines and not be spoon fed in their beliefs – to actually think for themselves. I think this is particularly true in this Big Brother world we’ve all become used to – it’s time to stop and smell the flowers I think – as well as be a spiritual warrior. This conditioning by society that John talks about is so very very true – it is time now to stop salivating to the sound of the bell. You asked ‘where is the love?” I think the love is right here but there are too many people who cannot or will not feel it because of their conditioning and also because of the clouds of intellectualisation instead of listening to their hearts, with technology instead of insight. The conditioned mind also believes that people are crazy if they believe in what cannot be seen with the physical eyes – this is what the science gods would have us believe when it comes to spirituality. Thankfully those who chose to ignore this to discover electricity, radio, ultrasound, electro-magnetic energy etc. gave the scientists of today a foundation on which to build the realisation that there is a strong basis of fact in what ancient religions taught about other realms and of our innate ‘natural’ inner power. I think what John said about living in the shadow of your own ego couldn’t have said it better.

I agree with your Diana that there is always some sort of political agenda going on behind the so called help that governments proclaim to give…that it is in order to gain total control. Don’t get me started on extra-terrestrials ha ha ha. We are not allowed to just ‘live’ in our world any more are we? The global warming debate brought to mind my own personal gripe….that of water shortage. I thought to myself well water goes up…..then it comes right on back down…no shortage (in Western areas anyway). If our water companies put their hands in the pockets of their profits and their heads from out of their backsides and make more reservoirs and replace the antiquated pipe system here in the UK we won’t be having hosepipe bans in the middle of a 2 week downpour. This is exactly what happened here about 2 weeks ago….many areas of Liverpool were flooded. There was a ‘puddle’ outside our back gate that stretched almost the length of the street which was around 4 inches deep. We are told there is a water shortage…..I’d say that is complete and utter BS !!! That said I too look forward so much to December 21st 2012 – Yule for whatever happens – it hopefully will be a new beginning for us all.

Well as I mentioned we all had a lovely weekend. Our daughter took us all to Blackpool Zoo which is not far from Runcorn and it was fantastic. The animals were gorgeous but I felt very sorry for one particular elephant…it looked so terribly sad. I put my hands out so see if it would accept Reiki energy and she came walking over to me. I continued but it was time to leave, as we were the last ones in the whole of the zoo. On the way out there was a ‘dinosaur’ park near the entrance, which we just had to have a look at. My daughter Ruth, my son Jon and me were just like small children, running around and having a whale of a time. I had my photo taken with a family of grizzlies too.

The next day when we turned on the TV the first thing we heard was that a nurse had been killed in a carpark in Blackpool around 8.30pm, which was the time, we left. The next day on TV it was Blackpool football club, Blackpool renovation, Blackpool this and that so I don’t know what that is all about. Then an antiques show was on and a man, dressed as a clown was trying to auction a toy elephant which happened to have the name of my totem bear written on its leg then straight after that another man had a bear statue that he wanted to sell. My totem was once living on the earthly plane as a very well looked after circus animal. Everything for the next few days was either symbolic or meaningful in some way. A magpie left me a feather in the garden – I’d asked for one and then my husband brought me home a beautiful swan’s feather that the owner had lost while preening in front of him… very strange.

Well that’s enough out of me for now don’tcha think? I’ll leave you with many many blessings and Namaste.

Bel x

Everyday Life

2010-07-26T12:16:00.001-04:00

A Beeline To Perfection

It was a lucky shot when I had wanted to capture a picture of one of the maturing sunflowers in our garden. I didn't even see the bee approaching the flower, and instead was happy to have a closeup of one already on it. When I downloaded the picture, I thought of how we all seek perfection on a wandering path here and there in our lives...and that some creatures know better than we how to do so. Make a beeline to it!

Necklace Sale Time At Thunder Valley Drums!

2010-07-15T16:47:00.000-04:00

MID-JULY SALE!

30% OFF All "Naturally You" Necklaces

These necklaces are quite special when worn in ceremony, and are great friends to wear throughout your day as they help you to connect with Spirit. Just like the drums I make, each one is totally unique, impossible to duplicate because it comes from a unique tree.

Features:

* All Natural
* I Personally Hand Fashion Each One
* An Emerald Chip (Representing Healing Energy) And A Copper Conductor
Are Included On Lightning-Struck pieces
* Each Piece Hand Rubbed With Beeswax and Natural Oil Finish
* Many Unisex Designs
* Very Economical, Prices Start At Just $4.90 On Sale

Please click image, LEFT, for necklaces I make from natural Lilac, or RIGHT for Lightning-Struck Cherry. (Links will take you to my Website.) Sale applies to necklaces only. Sale ends July 31, so hurry and buy yours today!

Thunder Valley Drums

Live Free

www.naturalshamandrums.com

Shaman Drums Interview With John Hogue Now Ready!

2010-07-12T10:26:00.000-04:00

Shaman Drums and John Hogue Podcast

Hear John Hogue Like You’ve Never Heard Him Before!

What is the key to dealing with these challenging and chaotic times? Hear the beautiful answer from the heart of one of the world’s best philosophers, John Hogue. While many interviews focus on John’s skills for predictions and his expertise on Nostradamus, you’ll discover another side of John in this show.

Listen while he explains the significance of the subtle changes nature is now showing humankind, the nuance of profit from activist politicians who are “going green,” the peaceful beauty and powerful love that awaits the “sleepwalker who awakens.”

This is a rare and wonderful interview with the incomparable “rogue scholar” of our time.

BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN HOGUE
(All links open in new window)
John Hogue has traveled three times around the world studying meditation disciplines, reporting on new religious movements, cults, and compiling a reference of the world’s prophecies concerning the future of humankind entering a new millennium. Considered a world authority on Nostradamus and other prophetic traditions, Hogue is critically acclaimed for his ability to cut through the social, religious, and nationalistic projections of prophets and their interpreters to find threads of insight they all share.

He has received wide international recognition appearing on over 100 television and 700 radio shows on three continents. His North American Television appearances include Ancient Prophecies Part I-IV (NBC and The Learning Channel), The View (ABC), Unsolved Mysteries (CBS), Prophecies of the Millennium (FOX), A&E’s Biography: Nostradamus (A&E), Sightings (Fox/SciFi Channel), Ancient Mysteries with Leonard Nimoy (A&E), Nostradamus: A Skeptical Inquiry (Discovery Channel), The Other Nostradamus (History Channel) and the Today Show (NBC). His international appearances include CNN International and BBC WORLD Radio.
He has appeared as a guest on History Channel’s recent documentaries: The Next Nostradamus and Nostradamus: 2012. He appears as a special guest on History Channel’s new hit series The Nostradamus Effect and Discovery Channel’s Nostradamus Decoded.

He is an author of 16 books-and-counting, with over 1,300,000 in print in 19 languages. They include: The Millennium Book of Prophecy, Nostradamus: A Life and Myth, Nostradamus: The Complete Prophecies, Messiahs: The Visions and Prophecies for the Second Coming and The Last Pope.

You can sign up for his newsletter here: http://hogueprophecy.com/emailsignup.htm

Also, check out his newest book: Predictions for 2010
http://www.hogueprophecy.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=51

His other books include:
NOSTADAMUS and the ANTICHRIST, Code Named MABUS
http://www.hogueprophecy.com/nostradamus/mabus.htm

For further information visit his web site: http://www.hogueprophecy.com

MUSIC FOR TODAY’S SHOW:
Music by artist/selection (All links open in a new window)
1. Khumbula, “Khetha,” http://music.podshow.com "Some of the music provided tonight from the PodShow Podsafe Music Network. Check it out at 'http://music.podshow.com '"
2. Jason Shaw, “Rock P&B Spanish Summer, http://www.audionautix.com/
3. Anahata, “amysteryday,” http://www.Anahanta.com
4. Anahata, “shiningstar,” http://www.Anahanta.com
5. Guardian Mind Mix, “Wooden Moon,” http://music.podshow.com
6. Anahata, “My Angels Tremolo,” http://www.Anahanta.com
7. Emissary, “2012,” http://www.podsafemusic.com
8. Bob Maus, “Borders,” http://www.podsafemusic.com

Until next time, Aho and Namaste, my friend.

http://www.cafepress.com/ThunderValleyDrumsFunShop

2010-07-08T11:26:00.003-04:00

Check Out My New Logo Shop!

I recently created a shop over at CafePress and wanted to share it with you.

Thunder Valley Drums Fun Shop

http://www.cafepress.com/ThunderValleyDrumsFunShop

Featuring the logo shown here:

Shaman Drums Interviews John Hogue

2010-06-29T01:05:00.000-04:00

Ask John Hogue A Question

He’s the preeminent Nostradamus scholar seen and heard everywhere on television and talk shows, and he’s an accomplished astrologer and metaphysical raconteur. But John Hogue is also perhaps one of the best world affairs analysts in America. And now you can ask him a question, or just send along a thought to share with him!

I'll be recording an interview with John this Wednesday (6/30) for my next podcast, so send along your question/comment before then and I’ll be sure to ask it during the interview.
I’ll send out a notice when the podcast is ready for you.

Aho and Namaste,
Bob

Please send questions/comments to: livefree@sacredshamandrums.com

BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN HOGUE

John Hogue, defines himself as a "Rogue" Scholar. He has traveled three times around the world studying meditation disciplines, reporting on new religious movements, cults, and compiling a reference of the world's prophecies concerning the future of humankind entering a new millennium. Considered a world authority on Nostradamus and other prophetic traditions, Hogue is critically acclaimed for his ability to cut through the social, religious, and nationalistic projections of prophets and their interpreters to find threads of insight they all share.

He has received wide international recognition appearing on over 100 television and 700 radio shows on three continents. His North American Television appearances include Ancient Prophecies Part I-IV (NBC and The Learning Channel), The View (ABC), Unsolved Mysteries (CBS), Prophecies of the Millennium (FOX), A&E's Biography: Nostradamus (A&E), Sightings (Fox/SciFi Channel), Ancient Mysteries with Leonard Nimoy (A&E), Nostradamus: A Skeptical Inquiry (Discovery Channel), The Other Nostradamus (History Channel) and the Today Show (NBC). His international appearances include CNN International and BBC WORLD Radio.

He has appeared as a guest on History Channel’s recent documentaries: The Next Nostradamus and Nostradamus: 2012. He appears as a special guest on History Channel’s new hit series The Nostradamus Effect and Discovery Channel’s Nostradamus Decoded.

He is an author of 16 books-and-counting, with over 1,300,000 in print in 19 languages. They include: The Millennium Book of Prophecy, Nostradamus: A Life and Myth, Nostradamus: The Complete Prophecies, Messiahs: The Visions and Prophecies for the Second Coming and The Last Pope.

Check out his newest book:

Predictions for 2010

http://www.hogueprophecy.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=51

His other books include:

NOSTADAMUS and the ANTICHRIST, Code Named MABUS

http://www.hogueprophecy.com/nostradamus/mabus.htm

For further information visit his web site: http://www.hogueprophecy.com

Shaman Drums Meets Astrology: Jessica Murray Returns!

2010-06-11T01:36:00.000-04:00

Shaman Drums Meets Astrology: Jessica Murray Returns!

Shaman Drums Meets America's Astrologer
Show Notes for A Wonderful Podcast
With Jessica Murray

Hold on to your transits, the wonderful author and astrologer Jessica Murray returns for a thoughtful and provocative interview that takes an immediate look at where America is now and, depending on YOUR choice, where it could be headed. And no matter what, Jessica—along with many other prominent metaphysical advisers—says all indicators point to a long hot summer for potentially explosive planetary change.

You may recall that Jessica was on the podcast back in July and August of '08, when we talked about her book, Soul Sick Nation: An Astrologer’s View of America, and a wide range of topics. She is so knowledgeable, and her grasp of metaphysical principles is, simply, superb. It’s a great pleasure to have her return to the program.

Jessica, by the way, is a frequent contributor to The Mountain Astrologer Magazine (links will open in new window) , and writes monthly columns for DayKeeper Journal and on her site, MotherSky.com . She is also available for consultations. And she is launching a wonderful lecture series on the milestone transits of the very important 2012 period we’re in, starting with the June 26th eclipse. You can find the first in her new series now, on her website.

Kudos to these musicians for making their beautiful compositions available for the show (in order of appearance and link info):
1.   Bob Maus, “Borders,” (first and last songs), PodSafeAudio.com
2.   Little Red King, “Rain In The Desert,” PodSafeAudio.com
3.   Father Rock “Alone At Night,” PodSafeAudio.com
4.   Some of the music provided for the show came from the Music Alley . Check it out at 'music.podshow.com.' Here are some of the musicians who contributed to the podcast:
    a.   Alexye Nov, “Appeal to Heavens,” Music Alley
    b.   Adam Zampino, “At The Sea,” Music Alley
    c.   Guardian Mind Mix, “England Days of Old,” Music Alley

See you next time on the Shaman Drums 2.0 Podcast, where you can find Spirituality at the Speed of Love!

Aho and Namaste, my friend,
Bob

New Shamanic Drum Awaits You

2010-06-03T14:25:00.001-04:00

New Shamanic Drum World Premier, June 3, 2010

The newest shamanic drum, "The Traveler," awaits you
on the Thunder Valley Drums website. You can hear it, too!

Years in the making, The Traveler brings the story of exploration and discovery in a sturdy lightning-struck hickory frame, but it also tells of trials and endurance. It is a very special partner for the healer who knows the beauty and hardship of initiation.

This beautifully crafted drum contains four special inlaid shamanic symbols made from lightning-struck cherry wood, including The Bear, The Sun Star, Coyote, and Wings.

See and hear The Traveler now. Click on the image...

Ask America's Astrologer A Question

2010-05-29T14:47:00.002-04:00

You've seen her on the Conscious Media Network, and perhaps you have read her book, Soul Sick Nation: An Astrologer's View of America. (Link will take you to her Website.) And I know you've heard her interviews with me in earlier podcasts.

Well, now it's your turn. I'll be interviewing America's Astrologer, Jessica Murray, on June 4, and you can ask her a question--or questions. Just send them to me via my email, and I'll try to ask them during the interview (depending on time limits). Then, listen to the 'cast on June 8 and hear her answers.

I hope this time to explore with her not only recent events and an update on America's current astrological aspects, but also to perhaps delve into the spiritual prospects of humankind's immediate future. We will also discuss some cross-links with shamanism and how the shamanic journey can also reveal future trends.

You'll find this upcoming podcast here (and on iTunes, listed as Shaman Drums 2.0 Podcast). Her deep insights are quite refreshing and reassuring amid what appear to be such troubling times in today's world. So take heart and be in the now with this great teacher and seeker.

About Jessica
Jessica Murray is a frequent contributor to The Mountain Astrologer Magazine , and writes monthly columns for DayKeeper Journal and MotherSky.com. She also does consultations (click her name, above, for her site and details on setting up an appointment), in person or by phone. Her lecture series on the milestone transits of the epochal 2012 period, starting with the June 26th eclipse, will be available on her website the first week of June.

New Shaman Training Class Starts June 12

2010-05-26T22:34:00.001-04:00

A new Shaman Training Class has formed and will start June 12. If you would like to join this class, please contact me by May 31. More details and contact info HERE .

I hope to hear from you!

BP Disaster Priority To Get Some Gulf Oil For Its Refineries?

2010-05-22T11:46:00.003-04:00

(Updated and expanded 12:12 pm)

While one account attributed to Associated Press estimates the British Petroleum oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico to be 130 million barrels so far, the company’s response has been abhorrently slow and its public statements evasive, if not misleading. But one thing is known: despite all of its announced efforts to plug the leak, the only successful thing the company has done so far is to insert a pipe into the leak in order to pump up to 5,000 barrels of oil a day for its refineries.

Depending on the quality of the oil, those 5,000 barrels a day could translate into $350,000 a day for the company at best market prices ($70/barrel). At that pace, BP could rake in over $10-million a month, thus making a nice profit from perhaps the largest disaster in history.

The irony is beyond description, and can only be categorized under the “Goldman Sachs” effect.

(Here’s another link to estimated spill data.)

UFOs: A Reporter’s Notebook

2010-05-04T17:11:00.003-04:00

New Podcast! May 4, 2010

Hear It Now (click)

UFO Stories From Real People

Today...The Flatwoods Monster!

Yes, indeed, we’re going to talk about UFOs today! Grassroots UFOs. Going to ignore what the media and TV say, even what the former president (Clinton) says, and we’re going right to the source, in America anyway, and that’s the American people. Those who have encountered the phenomenon first hand. I’ll be doing a couple of shows about this, as I open my UFO case files and share exclusive interviews and excerpts, some of which have never been heard or aired before.

While we examine some of the latest news, including the U. S. Navy’s newest X-37B “space plane,” pictured at left (and I don't have to point out its similarities with the general shape of the so-called "Monster" in the above photo), President Obama’s re-missioning of NASA and how that benefits billionaire industrialists, and physicist Stephen Hawking’s statement regarding the existence of space aliens, the main focus today is on one of the most enigmatic and famous UFO cases you probably never heard of.

When it happened...

Harry S. Truman was in the White House. Ike Eisenhower was running for the presidency.
Gasoline was 20 Cents per gallon.
The first Kentucky Fried Chicken sore opened here in Kentucky.
Two out of every three American families had a telephone
One in three homes had a television.
A popular movie was “Red Planet Mars.”
The summer Olympics were wrapped up in July, the same month when, according to press reports, a swarm of UFOs broke restricted air space over the White House and the US Capitol in Washington DC on several occasions.
And that got the attention of a US Air Force operation that had been put in place earlier in the year. It was called, Project Blue Book.
Months later, though, Blue Book personnel would be called to investigate a very bizarre case in West Virginia.

So, in this podcast you can hear 18 excerpted minutes of an exclusive interview I conducted with the only adult witness to the wild “Flatwoods Green Monster” case of 1952 in West Virginia.

Hang on, it's a great story! Right here on the little podcast with the big questions! And where spirituality moves at the speed of love.

With thanks to these musicians and their hosts, in order of appearance:

1. mjc, “The Sphinx,” http://www.podsafeaudio.com/

2. Bob Maus, “Borders,” http://www.podsafeaudio.com/

3. Jason Shaw, “The Great Unknown,” http://audionautix.com/

4. Kevin Christensen, “Sunset On The Noran,” http://music.podshow.com

5. Guardian Mind Mix, “Stealth,” http://music.podshow.com

6. Briareus, “Mythos,” http://music.podshow.com

7. Oleg Galkin, “The Message,” www.podsafeaudio.com/

Graphics and Other Links:

Please Note:

Excerpts from the Interview with Kathleen May Horner are © Copyright, 2010, Thunder Valley Drums, All Rights Reserved
Listing a link does not mean I necessarily endorse or reject what may appear on the Page linked to.

Main Graphic (above) by Bob, with insets from:

http://www.flatwoodsmonster.us/flatwood-monster-images.htm

Misc. Date Info:

http://www.thepeoplehistory.com/february.html

Other Flatwoods Links:

http://www.subversiveelement.com/Flatwoods.html

http://www.ufoevidence.org/cases/case535.htm

http://www.flatwoodsmonster.com/

http://www.cryptomundo.com/cryptozoo-news/fw-code/

http://www.ufoevidence.org/cases/case535.htm

Some illustrations used in this series are from “Out of This World” and “Thrilling” Comic Books, circa 1940s, in the public domain

Clinton clip about Roswell recorded from:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3F3CXspsuo

Newscaster excerpt about Great Lakes sightings:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ed_d9we588I

Where I first learned of the X-37B

(Plus the photo, credited to Boeing, the second link to X-37B facts, and third link about laser weapons):

http://news.cnet.com/8301-13639_3-20003260-42.html

http://www.af.mil/information/factsheets/factsheet.asp?fsID=16639

Airborne Laser prototype

Corrections:

The correct name of the Air Force undersecretary for space programs is Gary Payton, not Patton as stated in the podcast. His referenced statement and related info can be found here:

http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123201234

Stephen Hawking quote:

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/science/space/article7107207.ece

The Irony of How To Take On The Too-Big-To-Fail Financial Empires

2010-04-21T15:26:00.001-04:00

Item #1:

From My

Email Inbox

April 20, 2010

"B,

"The debate on Wall Street reform is just days away in the Senate, and right-wing outlets and bank allies are starting to escalate their attacks. The days ahead are critical if we're going to fight back and win.

"GOP leaders in the Senate bragged last week that they can do exactly what the big banks have asked them to do: prevent the bill from even coming to a vote. The truth is, unless we move fast, this strategy could actually work -- and the strongest consumer protections ever proposed could be put on the backburner.

"The House has already passed legislation. We still have enough time to beat the big banks' insider arm-twisting and win enough support to pass a bill through the Senate. But only if we're willing to kick our grassroots efforts into high gear, right now.
Can you donate $25 or more to help us host more events, talk to more voters, and expand our rapid response efforts to get Wall Street reform to a vote?"
Thanks,
Mitch
Mitch Stewart
Director
Organizing for America
Paid for by Organizing for America, a project of the Democratic National Committee -- 430 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, D.C. 20003. This communication is not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee.

Item #2:

CNN Story Excerpts

April 20, 2010

"Washington (CNN) -- For Goldman Sachs, a large financial investment in President Obama does not appear to be paying off.

"The company has defended itself from civil fraud charges filed by the Securities and Exchange Commission and, along with the rest of the financial services sector, fended off an aggressive Democratic-led campaign to impose new rules on banks.

"According to Federal Election Commission figures compiled by the Center for Responsive Politics, Goldman Sachs' political action committee and individual contributors who listed the company as their employer donated $994,795 during 2007 and 2008 to Obama's presidential campaign, the second-highest contribution from a company PAC and company employees.

"Only the PAC and employees of the University of California, which donated more than $1.5 million, topped Goldman Sachs.

...

"Since the 2008 election, FEC reports indicate that Goldman Sachs has contributed generously to Senate Banking Committee and House Financial Services Committee members. The two panels are responsible for oversight of the industry."

Conclusion:

My $25 donation appears contra-indicated for bringing the financial sector under control, given that the Goldman Sachs donations seem to be doing the job just fine.

Meditation for a Spiritual Journey Home

2010-03-25T13:20:00.000-04:00

Meditation Now Available

Bring Peace Back Into Your Life

This beautiful 45-minute guided meditation will reduce stress and provide you with the ultimate relaxation exercise while you journey to a mythical beginning with all those you love.

Presented by Bob, from Thunder Valley Drums and The Shaman Center for Healing Arts and Human Potential. Accompanied by the soothing and blissful music of Anahata (Anahanta.com, or meditation.fm).

This NEW meditation is the second in a planned six-part series dedicated to the spiritual seeker, and follows the popular initial offering, "Spiritual Protection Meditation With Bob," introduced several months ago.

There are also many free downloads via the above Thunder Valley Drums link, plus a very popular podcast, "Shaman Drums 2.0 Podcast and Blog," where spirituality moves at the speed of love!

Namaste.

Recording Length: 51-minutes
Meditation Length: 45-minutes

Price: $4 for immediate download
This button will take you directly to the PayPal Checkout, and you don't need a PayPal account to use it.

Or, if you would like to purchase both meditations, add this one to the cart then add the other in order to group them into one purchase.

Add the "Spiritual Protection Meditation with Bob"

Combining an elegantly simple cleansing ceremony with a meditation for spiritual protection, this recording by Bob prepares the seeker for safe journey work. The core exercise contained in the meditation can also be implemented in a few seconds to bolster your sagging mood and to dramatically increase your self confidence. Music by Anahata.

Recording Length: 23-minutes
Meditation Length: 17-minutes
Price: $3 for immediate download

You may also purchase these recordings direct from the PayLoadz Store.

These are rather large files, offering you a lot for your purchase, and will require a bit of time to download. They are well worth the wait.

Work and Love, Spirit and Healing: New Podcast!

2010-03-19T15:03:00.000-04:00

God In A Pill?

Oh, if only there were a pill we could take to get spiritual! But, wait a minute—is there one? Find out in today's new podcast.

Well, for most people who are unsettled about their spiritual connection and who feel there must be more, the path to enlightenment is not always easy. And it's not to be found in a single weekend workshop or in a pill. Gotta’ do the work, and then, the scary part—gotta’ go quiet, turn off all the distractions and go inside! OMG!

Aw, don’t worry. Here are some ways to go about the process of pushing back from the spiritual smorgasbord, which never seems to satisfy, and for getting some focus for getting in touch with the one you think you are…and the other one you are. What a magnificent couple!

I then provide an in-depth example of walking on the path with a look at the science and spirit of shamanic drumming—with some big surprises!

And with Deva Premal and Miten at the end, it’s a love fest.

Their publisher granted me the use of the beautiful song at the end, entitled “Gate, Gate.” It is from one of their early albums, “Love Is Space,” and is based on the Heart Sutra of Buddha, they say. To find out more and to buy the music of Deva Premal and Mitten, visit their website, www.DevaPremalMiten.com

There’s so much more I’d like to share with you, so I’ll see you next time on the Shaman Drums 2.0 podcast. Drop a line when you can, I love to hear from you.

And please don’t forget to subscribe at www.blog.naturalshamandrums.com/

The Shaman Drums 2.0 Podcast and blog...
Spirituality at the speed of love!

Aho and Namaste, my friend.

Interesting Links Providing Info For Today's Show:

Schumann Resonances: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schumann_resonances
Brain frequency in the "Healing State": http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0FDL/is_3_10/ai_n18616484/
Brain "Lightning": http://www.merkle.com/brainLimits.html
Drumming & Your Health: http://www.naturalshamandrums.com/Drumming___Your_Health.html
Free Drumming Download: https://www.naturalshamandrums.com/Free_Downloads__Etc.html
Where the Brain Connects with the Divine: http://discovermagazine.com/2010/jan-feb/099

Musicians In Order of Appearance:

Some of the music was provided tonight from the PodShow Podsafe Music Network. Check it out at music.podshow.com
Aaron Derington, “Dead Frog Theme,” www.PodSafeAudio.com
Bob Maus, “Borders,” www.PodSafeAudio.com
Kevin MacLeod, “Folk Round.” “Avant Jazz,” and “Feelin’ Good.” www.incompetech.com
George Wood, “Traffic Jammer,” www.PodSafeAudio.com
Joseph Firecrow, “Morning Star Rise,” music.podshow.com
Guardian Mind Mix, “World In Rewind,” music.podshow.com
Celtic Fusion, “Pipe Dreams,” www.PodSafeAudio.com
Father Rock, “Leaving Bagdad,” www.PodSafeAudio.com
Deva Premal & Miten, “Gate, Gate,” www.DevaPremalMiten.com

Comic Book Free Download or Read It Now PART TWO

2010-03-13T15:10:00.001-05:00

CLICK HERE! (Click will open new window)

Part Two and the conclusion of this episode of...

The Adventures of Malinda Maeko: Spiritual Seeker

Page is graphics heavy, so please allow a few extra seconds to load--it's worth it!

You're The One! Redux Podcast

2010-03-09T09:13:00.001-05:00

This is a TVD Flashback!

Back from misty time, way back, way way back--well a couple of years-- here's a re-do of a very popular 'cast, "Who Are You?" And here's the answer: "You're The One!" With special music by Anahata (http://anahanta.com/).

Get ready to give yourself a hug!

All from the Shaman Drums 2.0 Podcast and Blog, where spirituality comes at the speed of love!

Aho and Namaste, my friend.

(Photo by Bob)

Comic Book Free Download or Read It Now!

2010-03-01T17:06:00.000-05:00

I love comics! And recently I've thoroughly enjoyed spending a few evenings with a new software program, Comic Life, that has allowed me to fulfill a childhood dream of actually making a full color comic book! Like one of my teachers, Bill Baldwin said, it's never too late to have a happy childhood!

I used several characters from old comics and the public domain to compose a new series: "The Adventures of Malinda Maeko: Spiritual Seeker." Here's Part One (link will open in a new window on the Website) of a two part series. You can also download it as a pdf file here (also will open a new window) on the Website, free of course.

I'll post Part Two next week.

Hope you enjoy!

Everyday Life

2010-02-17T22:04:00.000-05:00

It's no wonder I love her. Just look at her purse on the kitchen cabinet.

Did I Find Your Drum?

2010-02-14T16:42:00.000-05:00

Did I find your drum? The one with the lightning signature on it? I hope so, as it's the last of its kind and a direct relative of The Ancestor Drum in the previous post. Take a look here to see if this is the one.

New "Ancestor Drum" Completed--Here's Its Story

2010-02-05T23:28:00.000-05:00

     How can I possibly tell the story of such a sacred drum? Where to start?

     In my backyard, I guess.

     The beautiful Silver Maple tree and several of its kin were planted in the 1930s around a bucolic pond that fronted a quiet road north of town, the same road I would travel on my way to a nearby fishing lake when I was a teenager in the 1960s. It followed one of the main hunting paths used by the Eastern Native American tribes for centuries.

     I eventually purchased the property where the Silver Maple grew, and lived beside it in a cabin for nearly three decades.

     The Silver is of a variety that will grow many trunks, apparently, as this one had three main trunks, all climbing from a huge base that must have been 10 to12-feet in circumference, though I never measured it. All I did was love it.

     I climbed it when in my 20s, mowed around it, planted flowers next to it, raked its leaves every Fall, slept and dreamed beneath its cool shadows on hot summer days, and picked up its branches, lots of branches, broken by ice storms every winter. And I clearly remember the sickening day when lightning struck it.

     A tremendous flash of light, the riveting shock of static electrifying the air, then the deafening crash and thud of thunder. Even before the sound peeled and echoed away into the mountains, the big Silver was already on a hopeless path to death.

     The lightning strike had hit the largest of the tree’s three main trunks, then ripped a deep, rugged zig-zag gash down its entire 70-80 foot length and into the roots, where it then exploded, creating a hole the size of a bucket in the root ball and in the soil around it.

     It took my tree friend four years to die.

     In the next few years, lightning would kill three more trees around the cabin, each at or very near a cardinal point on the compass. The Silver, the first to be struck, was in the North, a place often equated by ancient Celts as the place of battle, whether it be in a war with other clans or with one’s own fate and destiny. Indeed, for me, it was a time when I warred with ego while in search of meaning and connection during an ineffective struggle to understand the Christian God I had been taught.

     Next, in order, came a tall pine on the south side, splintered one night during a ferocious storm. Then it was a cherry tree in the west, followed by an oak in the east-southeast, across the road from my property.

     I got the message. By the time the last tree was struck, I was emerging from an intense study of shamanism with a new-found love and appreciation for All That Is and, combined with a life-long interest in the study of comparative religion, a clearer vision of a path I felt compelled to follow. The way of the wheel, it’s been called. And it’s also been referred to as the way of the ancestors.

     Now, I don’t write this to recount my life, for it is just another among billions. But I write this to put in context a very special drum and how it came to be.

     In the autumn of that fourth year, I called Eddie, the best tree trimmer in West Virginia, and a friend for 40 years. He brought down the ruined Silver Maple within an hour, skillfully slicing chunks of the body to land strategically in the yard, away from the cabin, electric lines, lawn furniture and an old wooden bridge next to the tree that crossed a shallow channel to a small island in the pond.

     His helpers removed several truckloads of limbs as Eddie prepared to then reduce the logs to smaller pieces which they could lift onto their trucks. And it was then that Spirit nudged me. I asked Eddie to cut one length of a log into equal sized cross-cut pieces, each about five inches wide. It was a good sized log, about four feet in circumference at the larger end, and tapering off to about 40-inches or so on the other.

     I made my own drum from one of the pieces, and then made several others. They are all with owners who hold to the beauty of the shaman’s path. So this, the Ancestor Drum, is now the last one. It has been with me many years, and at times I have placed a top on it and played it, or others played it during ceremonies. I had once decorated it with rabbit fur and Ogham Sticks in the Celtic tradition, then changed it again to a more indigenous tribal appearance. Somehow, though, it was never settled with my attempts to decorate it. I suppose that’s because it awaits someone else to do so. And that's why I did not affix the three ornaments to it, though I include round leather lacing with each piece so you can do so. (More details: HERE)

     It was a very difficult drum to make because of all the damage done by the lightning strike. Though the bolt had entered into the tree above the point where this drum was located, the energy had all but obliterated the heartwood, from the center outward, nearly out to the bark (see image, above left). Lightning always follows water in a tree, so it was obvious that this part of the tree was nearly saturated. At any rate, I had to place braces within the frame for added support, and also had to add some wood filler (made from wood products and a natural adhesive).

     Recently I gave it a complete makeover, with a brand new permanent goatskin top, rawhide ties, and some additional reinforcing within the frame’s structure itself. It is more handsome now than ever before. And it is now ready for someone to own.

     During the four years the big Silver lived after the lightning strike, I took to spending time with it, just to give it support and, at times, to seek support from it. During this period, I was intensely studying the shaman/Celtic way and had learned about “tree talking” from a shaman teacher. And for some reason, in nearly every instance in which I sat with the tree, I found myself sinking back in time, sometimes back to my grandparents, only one of whom I ever knew, but often further back into the mists of the past when one enters into the chambers of ancestral energy, where your eyes do little good, but your sixth sense serves to alert you to their presence. The Old Ones. The Ancestors.

    And so, as a tree, it held a connection to the ancient time. And now, as a drum, it holds more secrets of the Great Wheel, where life and death intermingle in the Alpha and Omega of Creation. Where healing can arise from something thought lost, like a tree hit by lightning which is then reborn as a drum to sound the thunder and give the light of spiritual healing and connection, sometimes including connection with the past.

    In the Old Testament, God created All That Is with his voice, and from his first words came both sound and light. One could imagine it was like thunder and lightning.

     Some Native American Apache tribes hold to a creation story of a “Bearded One Living Above” who awoke from a slumber to create the world, which included a number of gods, including Lightning-Maker and Lightning-Rumbler.

     These beautiful stories hold truth beyond our knowing, but within our reach. All we need do is seek the wisdom of The Ancestors.

Parsing UFOs and Religion

2010-01-25T18:03:00.002-05:00

Click here http://blog.naturalshamandrums.com/to hear it!

New Podcast!

Show Notes:

Well, one of the things I most enjoy about podcasting or blogging or writing in general is that it challenges me to put into words what previously may have been a feeling or belief that had not been previously formalized this way before. It’s one thing to believe or hold something dear, but it’s quite another to see it before you, standing naked and shivering before your eyes, warts and all! I guess I’ve been writing about religion and UFOs for a long time in one way or another, but trying to tackle them in a single podcast is a whole new proposition. So please know, there’s much more to what I think about the subjects than you will hear in this episode. (And there is a lot about them in previous podcast episodes.)

And—this is really important to me—I do not wish to step on anyone’s toes vis a vis what you may think about these subject. I’m not sure it is possible to write about something like this without shaking somebody’s tree, and for sure, I’m going against the advice my grandfather once gave me to never talk about politics or religion (he never mentioned UFOs) because it is bound to make someone mad. So I apologize now if this makes you mad.

Maybe it will help avert some anger if you know that, probably just like you, I find religion to be amorphous and hard to pin down. And that I do not as yet have a definitive idea of what it is. I know that it has a good side, and that it has sacred texts that contain much wisdom. I have read a lot of those texts and find them to speak to the better part of me. But then again, I also acknowledge that no religion is perfect, and thus no religion has a corner on the spirit market. So, in that vein, I think we are all looking and wondering, prodding and plodding, questioning and guessing about this subject of religion, and the object of its existence, God, or spirit or whatever you want to call it. In short, I don’t believe anyone really knows the true nature of God, but when we can distance ourselves from needing to believe one thing or another God, including whether or not we even believe in God’s existence, we are then free to consider the subject with our minds and our hearts, to let ourselves open to experience what I call the Dance with the Divine.

*****
I noticed something in post production that I'd like to make clear: I mentioned a link to Rael.org in the podcast. Please do not think I did this to either endorse or to condemn that group. I merely mentioned it off hand. Also, I lost the links to the sound effects people who provided the horse and moving horses sound files. I'll try to track 'em down by the next podcast and acknowledge them. At least I can supply the general URL to the wonderful Freesound Project, from where they came: http://www.freesound.org/forum/login.php?redirect=privmsg.php&folder=inbox&sid=5dcc7e3db42d1a2acddcb2e5694553ad

*****

I want to extend my deep gratitude to the musicians and others listed here. (All links open a new window.)

Musicians, in order of their appearance:

(The first six can be found at www.PodSafeAudio.com)

Aaron Derington, “Gambit”
Bob Maus, “Borders”
Oleg Galkin, “Last Dance”
George Wood, “High Five”
Eric Moskal, “The Year Before The War”
Father Rock, “Break Out and Scatter”
Anahata, “Healing Touch,” can be found at www.Meditation.fm
Dimtry Lifshitz, “Victory,” can be found at www.facebook.com/dlifshitz

New Podcast Coming This Week-- On Religion, UFOs, Philosophy--Yipes!

2010-01-18T15:56:00.000-05:00

Wow, what a time! I can't believe I promised to do a podcast that examines religion! Yipes! The more I think about it, the more convinced I am to skip the whole idea. There is simply so much to it--we've been doing religion since we started as a species, so that's a lot of ground to cover in 30 minutes! And then there are the tie-ins with UFOs, philosophy, politics...oh man!

How'd I get myself into this?

Maybe it would be best if I'd simply turn on the TV and get some good ol' corporate mind control. Tune in to what really matters. You know, like what's going on with overpaid, hyper-egoic corporate Hollywood comedians vying for prominence on late night TV... and to check up to see whether Tiger Woods is following Rev. Brit Hume's advice to go Christian...

Why U. S. Gov't. UFO Disclosure Will Never Happen… And Why Not To Trust It If It Does

2010-01-13T01:43:00.001-05:00

"To me, there is only one way to test the credibility of any U.S. government official who calls for and announces disclosure, and that is if he or she also calls for our best scientists and metaphysicians to begin examining what is really going on, while also announcing the prosecution of those who have used the phenomenon as a cover or as other means for illegal, unconstitutional or immoral activities"

Excerpts From The 12/20 Podcast With The Same Title

Though I’ve covered the UFO thing in previous casts, I bring it up again because it’s cropping up in the news right now and causing a bit of a stir on the Web-- that is if you follow such things. Back when I was a practicing journalist, I was involved in one assignment to do just that: investigate the subject of UFOs. So I’ll take off my shamanic hat for a moment and grab the old Underwood typewriter to file this updated report.

Right now, the net is all abuzz about so-called “disclosure,” so here’s my headline…

Why UFO Disclosure Will Never Happen…And Why Not To Trust It If It Does

We’ll start with Disclosure.

This year, a number of high profile proponents, ranging from a former astronaut with credibility to those on the UFO talk-circuit without much credibility, have called for and even speculated about the imminent announcement from the U.S. government, perhaps even from President Obama, that will disclose all of its supposed secrets about what it knows about UFOs.

Oh, it certainly is titillating to think the government will reveal amazing and startling facts about official contact with extraterrestrials and all of that, but the fact is, the government has already made a tacit disclosure at least. And it will probably go no further.

Back in the 1960s, the Air Force said a small percentage of the UFO sightings it investigated could not be explained. That was known as the Project Blue Book, and it certainly provided proof that the government knew something was going on.

Moreover, on countless occasions, the government has obliquely acknowledged some sort of phenomenon by saying that whatever it is, it has so far posed no threat to the nation’s security. I got my own confirmation of that right from a top lawyer in the US Senate. His boss, US Senator Robert Byrd of West Virginia was then chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and also had tremendous influence in helping to fund the US Army’s program in remote viewing.

So, disclosure has already happened! And, I believe, any further disclosure would ultimately reveal less about extraterrestrial activities than about terrestrial secrets and shenanigans.

We discovered that at the Human Potential Foundation during the time that its main benefactor, Mr. Laurance Rockefeller, had started his approach to the Clinton White House with a call for disclosure. It became more and more apparent that the government, should it disclose all it knows about UFOs, would lay the groundwork for the potential identification of many within the government who are thought to have used the phenomenon as a cover for nefarious purposes.

And if that should happen, it would also reveal government secrets that probably are best kept secret. Not about aliens or off planet exotic technology, but about the nation’s infrastructure and personnel who legitimately gather information to help protect the nation’s security.

This is a sticky subject, for sure, and touches on the whole area of how much spying the government does, and whether it is maintained within constitutional constraints. And it has to do with how the government may use the cover of UFOs as a way to continue its own research into the development of exotic technology and weapons.

So, despite what is now overwhelming evidence from millions of eyewitnesses, including military personnel, professional pilots, theologians, and average citizens in nearly every country in the world who have actually encountered the phenomenon in one way or another, me included, the governments of many of these countries have used UFOs as a cover for various activities having nothing to do with the subject.

The governments are happy to perpetrate and perpetuate the UFO myth as a way to test exotic aircraft and other technology currently in development while knowing that average people who happen to see them will report them as being UFOs, and that the general population will then dismiss the whole thing as coming from kooks and weirdos. Thus, continued testing may advance unimpeded and undetected.

And UFOs also have propaganda value. A country could gain a psychological advantage over rivals if it leaks out that it is in possession of powerful new technology that any other country should be wary of, with the potential result that it may have preemptive strength and force projection.

Now, beyond acknowledging the existence of some sort of phenomenon by telling us that the phenomenon has not posed a threat to the national security, what else could the government say? Outright disclosure, should it involve the dual acknowledgment of the ET hypothesis and a superior technology that could seriously challenge or even overwhelm the country’s defense systems, could lead to societal chaos and the breakdown of its institutions. According to a Brookings Institution Report from way back in the 1960s, disclosure could reveal that our science is next to worthless, so the first institutions to implode would be the scientific ones. And let’s face it, to many people, science is today’s religion.

As a sidebar, it is interesting that many people thought disclosure would destroy religions first, but it’s apparent now that at least one religion has made a preemptive public relations strike against that thought by announcing that it is open to the possibility of the existence of off-planet intelligent life. That is courtesy of the Vatican. Its announcement was recently repeated over and over on the "Coast to Coast" radio show and other places as if it was first time fresh news, but the fact is that the Vatican made similar announcements back in the 1990s and in 2001. It recently sponsored a conference on astrobiology, and once again hinted at the possibility of alien life, which is news to the "Coast to Coast" show.

It is apparent from history that successful religions are those able to change and morph over time in order to survive, even if it requires changing its most cherished doctrines and dogma. Huh, so much for it being the unalterable word of God. There is none better at this than the Vatican.

Fact is, most of Earth’s largest religions originated around a central concept of sky gods to begin with, so one would expect them to be able to eventually acknowledge that fact!

Here’s the final reason, related to the previous points, as to why I don’t think disclosure will ever happen:

In studies undertaken at Rockefeller’s now defunct Human Potential Foundation, publically available research indicated or alleged that U.S. government research into mind control and associated weapons development, the so-called “crown jewels” of off-books black projects, as well as possible duplicitous involvement in any number of untoward activities stemming from that research by some upper level officials in both the government and private sectors, was also cleverly incorporated into the UFO arena for the convenience of obfuscation and camouflage.

I have no direct knowledge of who or what programs may be involved, other than what is publically available, but there is no doubt that if this is correct, whoever they are, if there is a “they,” don’t want to get caught.

So, even partial disclosure, i.e. official direct recognition of the phenomenon, is unlikely, as it would invite scrutiny of many associated areas that could reveal “a truth too terrible to bear.” Only when the last of the perpetrators have died will disclosure be possible, and that is assuming that no such activity is going on now, an unlikely prospect.

Thus, the UFO phenomenon and the “big lie” exist as parts of a whole, never to be separated, and always in stasis. To reveal one invites the revelation of the other.

Please note: This is not intended as a blanket condemnation of all people in the American or any other government. Only a very small cabal is involved in these activities, and I believe the good people in our government, the true Americans, will eventually root out these “perps.” Then, perhaps, can true disclosure occur, but only if it will include the revelation of all of these Dark Side components.

Okay, so What If Disclosure Occurs?

No matter what form it takes, whether referring to old UFO encounters like Roswell, or something newer, one must maintain the highest skepticism, should a disclosure announcement be made. The phenomenon has simply been used too often to camouflage other things not involving UFOs.

And, assuming that at least five decades of U.S. government and quasi-government mind control research has produced certain methods/technologies/approaches to influence populations, one should be highly skeptical of any official acknowledgment of disclosure, especially if it is accompanied by an active demonstration of alien sentient or technological presence on the planet.

Manipulative technology certainly exists on planet Earth which could convince the eye that ET is flying the skies. Holographic special effects have existed for decades and is commonplace. Like, can you say “Avatar?” What a movie, eh?

And it sure seems the so-called Roswell “crash” had far more to do with the Cold War than with ET.

So, unless or until ET visits your neighborhood and sips tea with you, you do not have to believe what CNN or the “cabal” within the U.S. government or any other government wants you to believe. And who knows, it could be that non-governmental groups are attempting to stage an event in order to influence governments. It’s all pretty murky.

And if you have already encountered this phenomenon, then you already know that it is vastly more complicated than what an official announcement will likely acknowledge, even if such an announcement may bring vindication to some of what you’ve already known. Simply assume that disclosure is occurring for more reasons than altruism, and is serving more purposes than we can know.

To me, there is only one way to test the credibility of any U.S. government official who calls for and announces disclosure, and that is if he or she also calls for our best scientists and metaphysicians to begin examining what is really going on, while also announcing the prosecution of those who have used the phenomenon as a cover or as other means for illegal, unconstitutional or immoral activities.

And when do you think THAT would ever happen?

A New Birth and News Updates

2010-01-06T18:04:00.001-05:00

There's Been A New Birth At TVD!

It's the beautiful little Elfin Drum, and you can see, hear and read about the newborn here. (Will open in new window).

When I first posted this entry, I forgot to add this part: Every time I finish a drum, I wish it "Happy Birthday" and sing to it. No, so far as I know, this is not an old shamanic drum-making tradition, but rather a fond memory from childhood days of the old "Frosty the Snowman" animated cartoon where Frosty says "Happy Birthday" every time he is reincarnated!

New Podcast In The Works!

Thank you for your email comments regarding the last episode, where I put on my old reporter's hat to talk about UFO Disclosure. Now it's on to taking a more specific look at various belief systems and how they interface with religion. Like, mass media and politics, for example. I am intrigued by the audacity of people like newscaster (in reality, "opinion-caster") Brit Hume, who is supposedly Fox News Corporation's senior political analyst. He recently advised Tiger Woods to forgo his alleged Buddhist beliefs and find true redemption in the Christian faith. There's also another form of political advocacy of religion, as expressed quite directly by another Fox News ("We Propagandize, You Follow") commentator and former presidential candidate Mike Huckabee. It's his idea to replace the U.S. Constitution with the Bible and to switch from a democracy to a theocracy. Then we have former President George W. Bush, a born-again who hinted that he was God's chosen one to lead the U.S., which he then used as justification for the invasion of Iraq. And somewhere amidst all this is Jesus and other spiritual teachers who must find all of this a genuine hoot!

I should have a new episode ready next week.

iTunes Link

Here's the link to the new Shaman Drums 2.0 podcast on iTunes.
(http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=348401683)

Excited!

I am excited to be working on a drum that is the last of its kind. It is called The Ancestor Drum, and as soon as you see and read about it, you'll know why. For one thing, it is among the first drums I ever made, and is from the same tree my own drum came from. I believe I made seven drums from a Silver Maple tree, and that was it. So I am completely renovating and updating it with methods I've learned and developed over the years to improve its stability, sound and appearance. I hope to have it available by early February.

That Silver Maple took a direct hit from a massive lightning bolt that then traveled through the ground along a buried electric line and entered my home, causing widespread damage to electrical equipment of all kinds--phone, stereo, television, refrigerator. Interestingly, that was the day I knew I was to make Lightning-Struck drums! A flash of inspiration you could say.

CU in the next podcast!

Aho and Namaste,
Bob

To You and Yours!

2009-12-23T22:52:00.001-05:00

When Metaphysics Makes Bad News

2009-11-10T18:15:00.000-05:00

From the Thunder Valley Drums/Shaman Center Combined Fall/Winter Newsletter:

Shocking headlines sweep us nearly every day now, from disastrous and often conflicting reports of the faltering/prospering economy to the grievous news of mounting casualties in two far-away wars, to incalculable crimes of violence and other random acts that assault our sense of self, country or world. But seldom do we see such news items about the metaphysical community, unless of course, it's bad news.

Even with the dreadful Fort Hood shootings of last week dominating every media outlet, another news story continued to receive attention, an Oct. 8 sweat lodge ceremony in Sedona, Arizona that claimed three lives and resulted in the hospitalization of up to 20 people.

Self-help author and speaker James Arthur Ray, dubbed a “New Age Guru” in some media, headed up a five-day “Spiritual Warrior” program, of which the sweat lodge was a part. According to Oct. 29 articles in both CNN and People, 60 participants paid $9,695 each to attend the program, which Ray has sponsored for several years.

The resulting tragedy has resulted in a local law enforcement homicide investigation, according to the articles, and Ray has announced the suspension of any more workshops or speaking engagement for the remainder of the year while he seeks to “bring closure” to the incident. He has hired private investigators to examine the tragedy as well, the articles report.

While it will be some time until we know what occurred in the large plastic-wrapped sweat lodge enclosure that day, I want to take time to reflect on the event.

Followers, Or Seekers

First off, various news accounts have portrayed participants at Ray’s event as “followers.” While undoubtedly some in attendance enjoyed Ray’s style and probably would describe themselves as his followers, I suspect most people who attended would not describe themselves that way. Rather, they would probably say they had sensed there was more to life than what can normally be found in day-to-day activities, our so-called “consensus reality,” and that they were interested in trying something new to explore for meaning. Most, no doubt, researched far and wide before giving Ray’s program a try. In that regard, they were, simply, “seekers,” people who are seeking new knowledge and/or experiences that may broaden their philosophical or spiritual outlook.

It was noted in early CNN coverage that several people in attendance that day were there on the advice of colleagues who had attended previous Ray-sponsored events and had found them inspirational in that they had returned to their lives with new vigor for work and for exploration of life’s meaning after attending his event.

To label attendees as “followers” tends to give the impression that all who attend belong to a specific group, like a religion, and in this case, a “New Age” group, which lends a rather pejorative slant to the term.

I am not attempting to either defend Ray or judge him, for I do not know him, and thought I had never heard of him until the tragedy. I was surprised to learn, however, that he was one of the featured personalities in the film, “The Secret,” which I had watched shortly after it came out. Guess I had forgotten. At any rate, I do not have an opinion about him and will reserve any future opinion until the facts are revealed about what happened in the tragedy.

However, I do have some additional thoughts about the use of ceremony in helping people explore consciousness and spirituality, and how the Sedona event may have impacted such.

The “Sweat” Means More Than It Used To

In a thoughtful article on Religion Dispatches author Johnny P. Flynn, an Assistant Professor of Religious Studies at Indiana University (Purdue University Indianapolis), and Director of American Indian Programs and an enrolled member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation in Oklahoma, says the Sedona tragedy is yet another example of confused identification of a once prominent Native American practice that has morphed into many other practices that people use to explore a greater reality.

Flynn reports that he has participated in and offered Native American sweats for over four decades. When he began following the Sedona story, he found that many Native Americans were upset and angry for the usurpation of their tradition by whites and other ethnics. In reality, he says, the sweat has grown beyond the Native American tradition since the 1970s, ironically because Native Americans introduced the practice to a broad range of multi-ethnic supporters during a number of protest events associated with the rise of the American Indian Movement, and actually, that much of the original sweat has been incorporated into a rather Christian context, among others, since that time. In essence, then, he identifies many sweat traditions, some quite new, others very old.

It is a fact that people have used hot enclosed places to sweat their way to peace and opening awareness for centuries. “Sweat bathing--be it in the form of the Finnish sauna, the Russian bania, the Turkish hamman, or an American Indian sweatlodge-- is as common to the world as the baking of bread and the squeezing of the grape,” writes Mikkel Aaland, on his Website. He is the author of a book about the subject, Sweat, a project involving his direct experience with such sweat venues for several years around the world. He also presents a common sense list of precautions to take when preparing for a sweat.

To Sweat…Or Not

Because of the Sedona tragedy, I’m sure many people are put off with the idea of attending a sweat, and may actually now be concerned about pursuing any means of spiritual exploration beyond what a mainstream religious group may offer. I’ve read, for example, many blogs where writers admonish people not to stray beyond their Christian roots, else they may be led to bad results like that in Sedona. It’s a shame, really. But there are also many blog writers, including Christians, who support the idea of sweats and other means of expanding their awareness.

This brings up another point, and that is a probably widely held belief that practices such as sweat lodges are religious in nature. Wow! What a sticky subject. Like, is there a difference between a “spiritual” and a “religious” practice? So, please, allow me to stray, if even tangentially, from the subject for a moment.

I, for one, believe there is a huge difference, as a religious practice is one that follows and is directly related to a prescribed dogma, whereas a spiritual practice is not necessarily related to dogma. As I have written on my Website and on my blog, the late, well known British shamanic practitioner, Kenneth Meadows, said that shamanism is not a religion because it honors nature, but does not worship it. That makes it more of a spiritual practice.

There are many, many contemporary Christians who practice shamanism, without inner conflict. Ancient Celtic peoples, the original tree huggers and nature lovers, embraced the introduction of Christianity without a problem, as they saw the two traditions as complimentary. Of course, most Celtic practices were frowned upon and eventually persecuted by the Church, but the people saw little to separate the two ways. While persecuting certain practitioners, the Church also cleverly incorporated a huge corpus of Celtic beliefs into its indigenous practices and, in fact, also bestowed sainthood on a number of Celtic gods and goddesses in order to make the religion more palatable.

And here’s a real kicker: Jesus, according to an increasing number of Biblical scholars, was a shaman! You can check out two books to begin with: Rabbi Jesus: An Intimate Biography by Bruce Chilton, and, The Life of a Galilean Shaman: Jesus of Nazareth in Anthropological-Historical Perspective, by Pieter F. Craffert. Given these perspectives, it is easy to see why Christianity became so popular with indigenous people, from Europe to the Americas and even beyond, as these populations were already prominently involved in shamanic cultures.

So, all in all, I see the Sedona incident as a terrible, but isolated tragedy, not as a condemnation of a practice aimed to help us explore beyond what we normally perceive as our limits in what is really a limitless universe.

Notes:

I do not incorporate sweats into my shaman training classes or in my own shamanic practice, as I prefer other means. This certainly does not mean that I find anything whatsoever wrong with sweats. It’s just that I use different approaches to the same end.
A few additional articles on the subject can be found at the Shaman Portal.

Jewelry Time

2009-11-03T23:45:00.001-05:00

I make jewelry on average about once each year, with customers and friends asking to have it available in time for the Holiday Season. So the 2009 collection of necklaces, made from lightning-struck cherry wood and lilac wood, my two favorite to work with (as you probably know from my Website), and two of the most sacred, to me at least. For a new free eBooklet of why I do what I do with lightning-damaged wood and other stressed natural materials, visit the Downloads Center and look for “The Tree, The Shrub And Something Called The Ain Soph Aur.”

The one above is a simple lilac pendant with woven black leather cord held by a copper crimper and two antique copper beads. A 36" calf leather tie-back thong threaded through copper rings completes the presentation. The disk pendant is a maximum of 3/4″ round and 1/4″ thick (cost $9).

Here are few more pieces.

This pendant on the right is a beautiful lilac disk studded with turquoise beads and draped by handmade Peruvian ceramic beads. The lacing is yummy smooth butterscotch and white suede lacing held by a twisted copper eyelet in a 36" tie-back. The Pendant is 2″ round and at least 1/4″ thick. ($26)

Nature does the creating of these wonderful pieces, whether when lightning takes down a cherry tree, or by the passage of time when the lilac needs pruned, especially after the insect clan bores its way through the soft lilac branches. I merely cut out and clean damaged areas of each piece, rub and rub and rub it with beeswax and oil, then decorate it. And while it’s all great fun to make these, I do so with the awareness that these honored gifts of the Earth Mother are quite special when worn in ceremony, and are great friends to wear throughout your day as they help you to connect with Spirit.

Each piece is hand rubbed with a combination of all natural beeswax and linseed oil, and the leather and hemp are treated with appropriate oils to help protect them and to prolong their usefulness. This piece (left) is lightning-struck cherry wrapped in copper wire and studded with an emerald chip. A continuous (brick color) leather thong weaves wooden beads from the bottom through the top and also forms the 30" tie-back. The pendant is 3/4″ wide, 1″ high and up to 1/2″ thick. ($17)

While the necklaces serve various functions during shamanic spiritual ceremonies, you may find them attractive to wear with some of your styles and moods. Each piece is a one-of-a-kind, impossible to duplicate, so when it's sold, it's gone, no duplicate available.

There are about three dozen necklaces in this year's offering, many in unisex styles.

Hope to see you on the Website!

New Cabinet Position?

2009-10-27T13:01:00.001-04:00

There’s always money for war and for bank and Wall Street bailouts. There are always cabinet officials for money (usually staffed by people from banks and Wall Street) and war (usually staffed by people whose livelihoods have always relied on their knowledge of how best to develop weapons and to outfit armies), and yet, we have no one at the top levels of our government whose expertise is compassion. I think we need a Secretary of Compassion.

We could use one right now in the health care debate, and in the wars we fight.

The Compassion Secretary can point out the obvious—that the country can always find trillions of dollars to conduct war and to assure the welfare of the rich, and yet cannot afford the far lesser amounts needed to assure that every citizen can get attention if he or she gets sick— and then seek to reverse it.

We don’t seem concerned at the cost of killing a soldier in a pointless war, but we get up in arms and rail at the prospect of spending a few dollars to save the life of a poor person?

While I certainly don’t wish to support the big pharmaceutical or insurance companies or the bloated, profit-driven health care industry (industries which all deserve far more oversight than now available), I do support health care for all. It is the compassionate thing to do, even if it enriches the pharma-insurance-corporate-provider cartel. When someone is sick, they deserve care and attention.

And there are certainly other health care options provided by a plethora of Complimentary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) practitioners that are not nearly as costly and that do not feed the cartel.

And once we get the American health care system in a position to help each and every citizen, the Secretary can then begin to counteract the default tendency of American diplomacy to project American war power by instead arranging for the projection of American Compassion to the world. A bottle of Cipro or a corps of CAM teachers is cheaper than a bullet or a fighter jet, and has the potential to save a life instead of taking one. We can make more friends by healing them than by killing them.

New Digs!

2009-09-23T13:58:00.002-04:00

What a journey. With a lot of help from friends and family, the giant corporate assets of Thunder Valley Drums have been relocated!

What a caravan-- an old Dodge van, a Subaru Baja and an ancient Chevy pickup, we made our way across the vast reaches of Elizabethtown, KY through dark of night and rain of day, with thirst and hunger we traversed, blistering sun and barking dogs we plied the treacherous path. When at last, as if suddenly transported on angel's wings, we arrived at the gleaming destination, we knew the travails had been worthwhile. For, in a twinkling, we were in!

TVD has a new home!

Two blocks from our old location.

Stay tuned for the next exciting chapter...

A Thought on Tolerance by Ted Kennedy

2009-08-27T12:13:00.006-04:00

Thanks to the Daily Grail:

Quote of the Day:

"I hope for an America where neither "fundamentalist" nor "humanist" will be a dirty word, but a fair description of the different ways in which people of good will look at life and into their own souls."

Edward Kennedy; speech on "Truth and Tolerance in America" (Oct. 3, 1983).

On The Move

2009-08-25T11:29:00.021-04:00

Thunder Valley Drums Is Moving...and Growing!

Well, the Thunder Valley Drums shop will soon be on the move. The building where the shop’s located has been sold, and I’ve been looking for another location. I’ll let you know the new address as soon as I know it! Meantime, there may be some slight delays in preparing and shipping orders, but only slight. It’s not like trying to relocate General Motors or something. The move should only take a few days.

This time I’m hoping the shop will be in a little nicer facility (for example, in a place with running water and a potty!) in order to allow for a more comfortable setting when people attend classes or come in seeking shamanic help.

It's always a challenge to find a place for a spiritual shop/practice. So many people feel that shamanic practices should be offered free and how dare someone charge for such a service. In reality, though, there are expenses to pay, like rent, utilities and such, and no grocery store or gas station I know of is willing to exchange food or gasoline for shamanic services. I do provide help free of charge when a person cannot pay. But most who seek my services realize that I, too, need to make a living, so they are more than eager to pay what they wish. Thus far, this arrangement has worked splendidly.

In other BIG NEWS, I've also added a NEW STORE to the Website! It features all natural foods and products and is affiliated through Amazon. I'm constantly searching for just the right items to add to the store, and I'm finding it to be a big job because I take a lot of time to research the product and its manufacturer. Naturally, I'm trying to avoid the big corporations and big pharma, preferring to link up with smaller firms who maintain exacting standards and who are certified to be organic, green and non-gm (genetically modified). So far I've found some great essential oils, foods, snacks, and teas to feature. There's much more to come, so please do stop by for a visit. I'd love to hear your suggestions for improvement, too.

Last month was the busiest I've ever experienced, and now, things have slowed down. I think Spirit has allowed some breathing room to accommodate the move and prepare for the Fall class season. I hope to greatly expand available classes in the new digs.

While thinking of that, I should mention that several people in Louisville and nearby environs are working on organizing their schedules for both a drum-making class and a shaman training class, so if you are interested in one or both of these, please email me ( livefree@sacredshamandrums.com )and I’ll include you in the discussions.

A Stargate Memory

2009-08-23T18:18:00.005-04:00

I cut a Christmas tree up here with my Dad nearly five decades ago. I drove fence posts into the rocky ground with young muscle while standing on a pickup's tailgate. I watched a million meteorites and counted a billion stars and soared with a lone Hawk. There's a secret place nearby in the woods that, back then, I wouldn't have called a stargate. All I knew was that when you stepped into its rectangular foundation still embedded in the stubborn dirt, you were transported, that's all.

I can close my eyes and I'm back there...stepping in, traveling with the ancestors through the in-between.

Sacred space.

Blog Blog

2009-08-16T23:14:00.005-04:00

I'm going to mirror the Blog on WordPress for a time as an experiment. As if doing one isn't confusing enough! See ya' over there, too!

Had Enough Fundamentalism Yet?

2009-08-12T21:25:00.008-04:00

Had enough of religious fundamentalism yet?

Now comes a newspaper editor's report that former President George W. Bush started the Iraq war in the belief that it was central to the Biblical prophecy of Gog and Magog. According to James Haught, editor of the Charleston Gazette, the largest paper in West Virginia, and apparently the only U.S. paper to report this incident, Bush called then-French President Jacques Chirac to ask "for French troops to join American soldiers in attacking Iraq as a mission from God."

Read the incredible story here.

So, instead of Gog and Magog, we had Holy Jihad vs. Holy Roller, diametrically opposed, yet fundamentally identical in a closely held belief of special dispensation from God.

More than 4,000 American soldiers and an estimated one million Iraqi citizens have perished as a result.

Meditation / Ceremony Jewelry You Can Make

2009-08-07T17:45:00.007-04:00

Here's the Latest From my Website:

"It is not an age of simplicity. Yet, and paradoxically, that is precisely the goal of being in balance. Keeping things simple.

The same can be said of the practice of meditation and its more active corollary, ceremony. One aims to reduce the complex to nothingness in meditation, and to reduce focus to a singular, selfless goal in ceremony. These are soul level activities, a place where symbol often does the communicating that the mind is incapable of.

I have found it helpful in my own meditation and ceremony practices to use simple visual symbolic reminders of these goals. I make and wear a quite simple necklace and/or bracelet. I incorporate the most humble items into making them, for the aim is simplicity. I’ve shared these from time to time with friends, most of whom tell me they find peace and clarity when they wear them.

However, as with everything else on this Website, these are items you can make by yourself, and do not need to purchase from me. Many of those same friends have taken to making necklaces and bracelets and to then sharing them with their own friends. It’s a fun, even wonderful thing to do, as way to share friendship and connectedness."

In fact, the very act of making such jewelry is meditative and, ultimately, of service to help and healing. You can get some ideas on how to make a meditation/ceremony necklace and bracelet on the site.

Namaste

Evidence of an Awakening?

2009-08-01T16:22:00.008-04:00

I have never had a busier time in my little business than the past six weeks. I haven't even had time to blog!

And it's been wonderful!

But mystifying.

Oh, don't get me wrong, this is the smallest of small businesses, and as with most spiritually oriented endeavors, mine included, one is fortunate to pay most of the bills most the time. (If you want profit in spirituality, you have to align with the mainstream religions, where big money is the real supreme deity. For instance, where I live, the religionists are all in a breathless race to see which denomination can build the most expensive building. So far, one group of Baptists has it hands down, going north of $20 million for one edifice in town, so I hear. At that rate, it will soon be impossible for the average person to even afford to get to heaven!) But this recent rush of orders—coming from as far away as England and from many points in the U.S. — is surely making me wonder if the awakening I keep hearing about may actually be occurring. Are more and more people tuning out of that mainstream patter, switching off the oppressive electronic net they surround themselves with and turning on their spiritual radar to peer past the superficial reality screen in search of a greater reality?

It appears this is so.

I always enjoy conversing and emailing with customers, and to a person, they all acknowledge that they are up to here with the way things are in the world. Every one of them wants to do something about it, they tell me, and they say they have to begin with themselves. That's their number one reason for beginning to meditate, or to connect with Spirit in a genuine way, and to express their hearts in joyful union with all of life. Many tell me some of their friends think they're "weird" or something, but they press ahead in search for more than what television or glitz or the unending scramble for material things or corporate controlled reality can offer.

I am greatly heartened by this, because people I have communicated with from all walks of life and from several different cultures are actually being the change that the world needs. And if I can see this in my little business out in the boondocks of Kentucky, it must surely be much more widespread everywhere else.

So if you watch corporate-controlled news tonight, or get caught up in the mush that is television “entertainment,” or engage in any of the other million distractions the world has to offer, and yet you feel unfulfilled, or even afraid or uncertain, know that there are alternatives, and that they are not necessarily to be found “out there.” My customers are telling me that the path is straight and narrow, right to the heart. They are tending their spirits.

Way cool.

A Beautiful Group of Whisperers

2009-07-12T14:27:00.013-04:00

What a great time to be alive! It is so thrilling to be able meet people around the world at the click of a mouse and to then get to know them through an updated version of the old "pen pal" routine.

My latest foray began when a wonderful woman in New York, Marjorie, contacted me about purchasing some Lightning Sticks. We became instant friends when we realized our backgrounds were similar and that we are totally devoted to being of service to all of life. She is a healer, teacher and metaphysician with many, many years of experience and service. Little wonder that she is also teamed with a group of other energy healers in a very active practice there called the Skull Whisperers, which features many of their energy healing practices using various crystal skulls. They have a huge following.

She posted a link to my Thunder Valley Drums site with a wonderful endorsement of the Lightning Sticks and a sacred drum she now owns, which I much appreciate. Marjorie's group shares what they know (there's lots of info on their site) with loving energy and openness. Check it out, and I'm sure you'll want them as pen pals, too!

John Keel, Goodbye

2009-07-07T01:20:00.007-04:00

You may have heard about the passing of John Keel, the great cryptozoological / paranormal writer, who died July 3. He was 79. What a guy, and what a story was his life, running around the planet in search of answers to things Fortean ( http://www.forteans.com/ ). There are many good tributes to him on various sites, and I've posted links to two, below. The photo of Keel, above left, at a much younger age, is from the Cryptomundo site, listed below.

I was a fan long before becoming friends with John, primarily because of his wonderful book, The Mothman Prophecies, the truly weird story of repeated sightings of a giant, red-eyed man/bird that terrorized people in and around Point Pleasant, West Virginia in the 1960s. The book is a classic, right-on journalistic take on the paranormal that encompasses UFOs, non-human intelligence, mind control, ghosts, shadowy government operatives (ala"men in black") and a host of other "ultraterrestrials." It's one of the greatest reads you'll find in the subject area. He was a marvelous writer!

The book moved Keel to the forefront of the debate about the nature of non-human intelligence, with Keel coining that ultraterrestrial term, which he equated with invisible controllers who constantly interfere with human beings. He definitely wrestled with the phenomenon, and told me many stories of his encounters with the Dark Side during his journeys abroad and while tracking the Mothman story in West Virginia's hills and valleys. His insights stand even stronger today than when he originated them over a period of more than six decades in books, articles and monographs, and yes, that were even reflected somewhat in the crummy 2002 movie based on the Mothman book.

I first met John when we were both speakers at a Fortean convention near Washington, DC, and we became fast friends. He loved to swap stories about West Virginia weirdness, as I lived in the state at the time, and we were both journalists. He was always eager to hear of more recent bizarre events I had written about in two books about UFOs. I told him my first book, West Virginia UFOs: Close Encounters in the Mountain State was my tribute to him. Its first chapter was modeled after his first chapter in Mothman Prophecies.

His heart was as a big as his sense of adventure. One time, while we were signing books at the Mothman Festival in Point Pleasant, WV, I was placed ahead of John in a cramped space reserved for writers. Obviously, festival organizers wanted to place their star author at the end of the line. Indeed, a very long line of people spilled out of the space and into the street while they queued for autographs. Not surprisingly, most people hustled right past me in order to get to John. During a break, he insisted that I swap places with him, and then, as people flooded to him for an autographed book, he took the time to introduce each one to me as his friend and to suggest they should also buy my book. I sold several dozen copies as a result of his generous endorsement. It was easy to see that Keel had hawked books out of the trunk of his car at some point in his career, too.

John was a permanent fixture at Fortean events, and often described himself as a Fortean, and his contributions helped lift UFOlogy, parapsychology, cryptozoology and a host of other paranormal studies to legitimacy-- not an easy task, and by no means were his standards always later upheld by other so-called researchers or authors.

Keel was always peering into the Abyss and wondering what was starring back. Always a trailblazer, he's off on a new adventure now, and it wouldn't surprise me in the least to hear that he's writing another book, this one to inexplicably and suddenly appear in the sky one day.

Here's to you , my friend Keel!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Keel

http://www.cryptomundo.com/cryptozoo-news/keel-obit/

Free EBook Available Now

2009-07-02T16:24:00.004-04:00

At long last I finally compiled what I believe to be the first-ever user's manual for Lightning Sticks.

Paradox In Your Hands: The Lightning Stick is a free EBook and can be downloaded here: http://www.sacredshamandrums.com/?page_id=358

Happy healing!

Iran Suppression Update

2009-06-18T16:46:00.004-04:00

The current revolt in Iran is gaining momentum, and I worry about the safety of the few people I know there. Here is the latest email from one on-line friend, an Iranian citizen who hints at the suppression currently taking place:

"THANX DEAR BOB,I USE THE LITTLE TIME I ACCESS INTERNET TO TELL THAT YOUR CARE & CONCERN ARE GREATLY APPRECIATED!I KINDLY ASK YOU, FROM MY ALL PEOPLE, TO JOIN PETITIONS RELATED TO VOICING THE SOUND OF MY PEOPLE TO WORLD! HOPE THE SUN WILL SHINE ON MY LAND AGAIN!"

May the sun shine on Iran. That light, as a former supreme court justice once said, is the best disinfectant.

Pray for peace.

Podcast 16: Spirit Guide Surprise!

2009-06-13T16:58:00.007-04:00

Note: The “20-Minute Spiritual Protection Meditation with Bob” mentioned on this podcast is available for $3, instant download, here...

June 13, 2009

Today’s show is about consciousness of different sorts. And before it’s over, we will have touched the mysterious life force carried in what is called the “ethers.” We’ll also have a glimpse of the spiritual energies that may reside right in front of our eyes. Why, we’re even going to go digging in a 150-year-old garden and then jump foursquare into the middle of an 1800-year-old city dump! So, let’s don’t waste any time! Strap yourself in to the Rabbit Hole Express and hang on—it’s time to go!

Of Ice And UFOs

2009-06-06T15:53:00.014-04:00

(Reprinted from the Thunder Valley Drums / Shaman Center Combined Newsletter, Spring / Summer 2009. Copyright, 2009, TVD http://www.sacredshamandrums.com/?page_id=358)

The BIG ice storm came and went here in Kentucky and many surrounding states months ago, but in a way, it’s still leaving. A truckload of branches at a time. I pass them every day here.

But the storm still lingers in other ways, too, somehow.

There was something unnatural about it, something that seemed, well, darkly metaphysical. Like a wandering fear in search of a host. No doubt, it could not have come at a worse time to batter our psyches. We were already gripped by nightly news reports of an approaching economic depression, perhaps the worst in our country’s history, and we worried about our jobs, security, health care, and the mounting pressures that threatened the very fabric of our American way of life.

Then, the ice, too, began adding its own crushing weight, first quietly, hiding its work in a thick fog that dampened the impact of its tiny pellets spitting against the roof with a sound like distant locusts, pinging mutedly on a car or silently collecting in great masses on electric lines and tree limbs, now sagging, increasing itself during the long night in a deep, quickening hush.

And when the crashing started, it was as if the Second Seal had been broken, the trumpet of Armageddon heralding the cracking limbs and splintering trees splaying their dead weight on the roof, the gutter, against the windows, crushing cars, snapping electric lines as if they were made of straw. Quickly enough would come the first grim reports of those who had died in their homes, frozen or asphyxiated by fumes from hastily installed generators or poorly vented stoves.

Rarely does one see neighbors turned into refugees, but we joined their ranks that first night in search of warmth and safety from the storm. But none could be found, and we returned to our home and the unsure flames of the burners on our own gas stove, dangerous suspects now glowing in the darkness, warming our skin, yet seducing us with the languid vapors of unnatural sleep. Strange, how quiet it can be when there is no electricity in your home. As quiet as the grave.

Indeed, it was a storm to remember. And to mourn.

Something Behind This?

Money crises, earthquakes, horrible weather, nuke threats, Swine Flu, war—an endless list. I am quite tempted to agree with many people who believe this scenario has been and is being controlled by an elite cabal of some sort, like the feared Illuminati, or the Club of Rome, or perhaps the Committee of 300. There are many other candidates, as one can see from perusing the conspiracy theorists on talk shows, the Web and elsewhere.

While working in the early 1990s for the Human Potential Foundation (HPF), another journalist and I tracked such groups through whatever information we could glean from the public discourse. There were lots of books, thousands of “white papers” and so forth, and a very active underground press. Surprisingly, a majority of the information overlapped several areas that would probably surprise you, particularly including UFOs. And that’s precisely why we tracked these disparate subjects—UFOs kept coming up as a sort of common thread tying them together, and we wanted all the UFO information we could find as part of the Foundation’s mandate.

I had never dreamed, though, that investigating the UFO phenomenon would take me to the dark underbelly of so many things.

At one point, there came a convergence of materials in the underground press that led me to believe something big, a catastrophic event, was brewing. I wasn’t sure what, or exactly when, but it was so compelling that I summarized my findings and shared them with a colleague. Not more than a few weeks passed when the Oklahoma City Federal Building was bombed. Such a horrendous tragedy on its face. And for me, it was even more chilling and terribly frustrating. If only I had known how close I was to uncovering it, I could have shared the information with federal authorities and perhaps even helped to avert it. I must admit, though, that if I were to have reported everything I suspected as being a harbinger of bad news at that time, I may well have kept the whole federal government busy trying to run down my hunches.

It was a scary time in many regards.

On the spiritual side, I was learning about demons and exorcism. On the UFO side, I was just then investigating abductions and mutilations. Also, a vast sea of information was coming out about mind control and the resulting heinous and perverted acts perpetrated against innocent people by humans and non-humans alike, many of whom were reported (though sometimes not by the most credible sources) to work with or within the U.S. government, and who had ties to any number of dark, elite organizations.

At the same time, I was certainly aware of the rumors and whispers going around about the man who mostly funded the non-profit group I worked for. The Human Potential Foundation was propped up by Laurance S. Rockefeller. A Rockefeller! The family had been alleged to be a part of dozens of elitist organizations bent on controlling the world. (It's easy to find a mountain of conspiracy theories about this on the Web.)

Too, there were rumors galore about the U.S. government (along with other suspected groups) being involved in any number of unseemly activities that were covered up by foisting focus or blame onto aliens and UFOs in a game of shadows and deflections.

So, if I wasn’t paranoid, I had every reason to be. But the bottom line was that all of it was somehow connected to UFOs, and once I was into it, there was no way out except through it. No shortcuts. I’ll write a book about it someday…maybe.

Prior to that period, everything about my life had been conventional. Professionally I had been a businessman, then a newspaper reporter/publisher and finally a public relations practitioner, none of which had prepared me for the often downright frightening days I experienced with the HPF.

Please don’t take this to mean that my job with the Foundation was not incredibly fulfilling, because most days were filled with exploration and personal growth. I was being paid to grow my spiritual understanding! Let’s just say that 99 percent of the time, it was a dream job, because I also got to see the upside of the UFO phenomenon, broadly defined, that includes breathtaking possibilities—if as yet unachieved—of a profound mutual awakening between human and non-human. But that one percent was a doozie—and a very demanding teacher.

So when that unusual ice storm—a freaky act of nature—came during a time of announced financial collapse—a scary and uncontrollable circumstance thrust upon our collective existence—many people had a natural response of pulling within and hunkering down, just as I often did back in those days with the HPF. Back then, I had interviewed dozens of people over time who saw UFOs just prior to storms, battles in wars, and other troubling events.

Lawyer and author William Bramley (1) wrote convincingly of a race of extraterrestrials known as the Annunaki (2) that continues to cause havoc for humankind by starting wars, catastrophic weather events, financial upheavals, plagues and so forth. Various other authors, including those who wrote parts of the Christian Bible, the Koran and other holy and esoteric texts ascribe such powers to nonhumans, as well. Researcher/author John Lash (http://www.metahistory.org/) believes the ancient Nag Hammadi texts, not to be confused with the so-called “Dead Sea Scrolls” discovered during the same period, provides proof of the devious nature of extraterrestrial “gods” known as Archons. All of these writers are quite convincing. And it didn’t escape my attention when UFOs were spotted near then-President Bush’s ranch and in the Middle East at crucial times during the on-going Iraq war.

It is certainly worth contemplating the existence of such beings when we look around the world today. As an old journalist, I just can’t buy an explanation that storms, earthquakes, war, financial chaos, widespread societal and institutional breakdown and the thousand other miserable things going on just now are the result of some great coincidence. Sure, some are natural events, but their simultaneous timing is quite suspect in my mind.

And in such times it is only natural that we recoil and pull ourselves into a safe zone of work, family and of trying to live normal lives. But I also believe that, no matter the cause, we need to pay closer attention to what’s going on, and to develop better and more effective coping skills. Going inside of ourselves and recognizing our own divinity is a great start. Eckhart Tolle’s A New Earth is a step toward that. But there also has to be more to developing an antidote to the chaos. No doubt, Love is the ultimate light that sends darkness into retreat, whether that takes the form of malevolent ETs or even the so-called “shadow” that is a part of each one of us. Combining the two, our divinity and our love, is very powerful, indeed, and is, perhaps, all that’s needed. It is the bedrock foundation upon which all things are overcome.

But there is another essential component of spiritual power that is often overlooked in our pursuit of spiritual awakening. And that is the genuine need for community, for as striving individuals come together to magnify their Light and Love, the highest energies of the Universe gather also. Therein lies the greatest force for good, the Force that is needed right now on this planet as never before. Brother/Sisterhood. Community. Combined love that creates a vortex of spiritual power that stands against all darkness. Human and nonhuman. This is the means by which humanity can overcome and a New Day of enlightenment will be born.

There are agencies and intelligences and forces that understand this, and they create conditions that alienate people in countless ways. As written with wisdom in ages gone before, “We battle…against powers, principalities, thrones, and dominions…”

From my extensive research, I have come to realize that this is a truth that we are not to fear or to fear looking into, but rather to know about and to examine. These diverse external material and spiritual powers strive to isolate individuals by indoctrinating us to look exclusively outside of ourselves for answers and for truth, thus bypassing our own self-empowerment. Then they initiate circumstances to occupy people with demands and concerns that also serve to separate them emotionally, from their own inner feelings and intuition—as well as to maintain a treadmill existence where survival is of the utmost concern. When these deeds are successful, people are left with little or no resources or strength for contributing personal love and energy toward a higher collective cause.

It takes great effort to reach out and to keep relationships alive and healthy in these challenging times. It takes heroic effort to engage in a personal, daily spiritual practice. It takes determined effort to continue to learn in a time when we are saturated with obfuscation, endless distractions and misinformation. However, we should remember that we chose to be born in this time. We chose to be the ones to make a difference. So we need to come together in ways that will prevent the difficulties from derailing our Soul contracts to serve, to love, to connect, to share, to empower ourselves and one another. Surely our combined efforts may create luminous columns of Light and Love to bring in the angelic, and to thus transform darkness into Light. This is what I believe will finally set humanity free from untold suffering created by forces that oppose the birth of the divine human.

This is the day to start.

This is the moment we have been waiting for.

Footnotes:
1. Bramley, Gods of Eden, which you can read here:
http://www.bibliotecapleyades.net/vida_alien/godseden/godseden.htm#English_Version_
2. Annunaki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Annunaki

Back to the Whirlwind! --New Podcast! --Missed Ya'!

2009-05-29T22:07:00.011-04:00

Note: Buy and instantly download the “Spiritual Protection Exercise with Bob and Anahata,” mentioned in the following podcast. Cost: $3 (Mp3 file) This link will take you to a secure shopping cart with PayPal.

It is so-o-o good to be back in the blog saddle! I believe time is speeding up, as there can be no other explanation for why I haven't scribed in the blog. At any rate, time is now, and only now come to think of it, so it's good to see you again-- I missed ya'!

Here's the scoop on the new podcast just posted.

Show Notes For May 29 Podcast

John Hogue Encore!

He’s ba-a-a-a-ck!

Author John Hogue’s new book is so important that it requires a totally new genre to describe it– ScryFi. Listen as John explains this exciting new category of fiction, and how it ties in with his on-going prophecies. We also discuss his track record so far in his list of prophecies for the year, along with politics, the potential for war and peace, and even some indicators for good news that he sees on the horizon!

I thank John for his second appearance in as many months. Here’s his link: HogueProphecy.com

I also want to thank these wonderful musicians in their order of appearance. I started the show with Kostantina and the song “Internal Flights.” Next came Bob Maus with our theme, “Borders.” We then heard The Donman Band and their song, “Sue Me,” followed by Adam Axton with “Stranger in Paradise.” (All of these can be found at http://www.podsafeaudio.com/)

Next up was Robert Willey with “A Game of Statues,” and Collie Brice with “Prakasha.” Then we had Briareus with “Mythos,” followed by Al Philip & The Woo Team and their song, “Moon Over Mohabi,” and then our friend Guardian Mind Mix with “X-Files Techno.” (All at http://music.podshow.com/)

Then came Flopsy with the song, “Extremophiles,” and Geoffrey Welchman with “Figuring Out The Six.” (http://www.podsafeaudio.com/) And right at the end of the show, I gave a big Shaman Drums welcome to the South African group, Khumbula (http://music.podshow.com/ )

And finally, The Rumi poem I read at the beginning of the show was translated by Nader Khalili in his 1994 book, Rumi, Fountain of Fire.

I certainly appreciate all of these talented people!

Alrighty! Hope you enjoyed today’s conversation. I can hardly wait to be with you again in the Shaman Drums Podcast! Thanks for buying drums and other sacred items from me! You can find drums, lightning sticks, rattles, Mp3 files, goodness sakes— Check out the whole enchilada at SacredShamanDrums.com

Until next time, I wish you Aho and Namaste, my friend.

New Podcast!

2009-04-22T14:37:00.008-04:00

Today, we welcome back Nostradamus scholar and writer John Hogue. He’s written a new book, Predictions for 2009, and it’s a good one. In today’s interview, John focuses on spiritual warriorship from his truly unique perspective, so you get to see a side of him that few people do. It’s some great insight into the personal side of one of America’s prophets. And you’ll even get to hear him sing during the podcast! http://hogueprophecy.com/

And of course, I want to thank the great musicians who contributed their work here, too, and they include: Bob Maus, “Borders,” Aaron Derington, ”Press YES to Start Demo,” Father Rock, “Back to Back,” Jeff Bosset, “To Walk With You,” and finally, Mark Siet, "72 Names of God,” all of which may be found at http://podsafeaudio.com/

I also featured a musician with his own music page, Kevin MacLeod, whose song, "Feelin Good” made me feel good. You can find his music at http://incompetech.com/

Many of the musicians offer their songs for use and license their musicunder Creative Commons "Attribution 3.0" You may find that at http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Okay, that’s it for now. I’ll see ya’ next time with another very, very special guest we haven’t had before. And we’re going to come at the subject of spiritual warriorship from a perspective that’s out of this world! And yes, back to UFOs we go. That’s all the hint I’ll give. See you soon!

Aho and Namaste, my friend.

The Anomaly Files: #2

2009-03-11T23:21:00.003-04:00

Several years ago, after a most enchanting meditation/journey in an apartment where I used to live, I opened my eyes to see this--a table tilted at a severe angle, with items on its top still in place. What a surprise!

Immediately, like perhaps you are assessing at this moment, I thought the surface must have been sticky from a spill or something, perhaps wax from the candle, and had thus prevented the items from sliding off. But when I looked, I could see no such evidence. Hurriedly, I snapped a few photos of it with the only camera I had, an old, cheap 24-shot single use Kodak I’d purchased a few years before. There were only two shots left on the roll, and I wasn’t sure they would even turn out, given the film’s age and the absence of a flash on the camera. Too, the room was always dark because of shade trees outside.

Not surprisingly then, the prints turned out quite dark when I had them processed. So after scanning them into my computer, I had to drastically enhance their brightness in Photoshop to properly see the images. As a result, this digital image makes the table top appear to be splotched or rough, even though it wasn’t. (The brightening effect also caused the wall directly above the table to have a wavy appearance, as you can see.)

No one was present during this time, and for sure, even in a meditative state, I had not somehow stood up, walked across the room and tilted the table in order to stage this event or for any other purpose. Actually, my meditation and simultaneous journey involved a sublime connection with Spirit, and the last thing I would have wanted to do was to break that connection and to then tilt a table to set up a hoax. On the other hand, I rather doubt that Spirit would want to tip a table either!

After snapping the two photos, I cautiously approached the table and gingerly touched its tilted edge-- all the stuff slid off.

So, there it is, another Anomaly File that remains…(The previous Anomaly File: http://shamanwhirlwind.blogspot.com/2008/11/anomaly-file-1.html )

Economic Apocalypse And Other Edifices

2009-03-09T11:11:00.009-04:00

It was only a short decade ago that the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Financial Services Modernization Act, otherwise known as the “Help Rich People Get Richer Act,” detonated a thermonuclear expansion of unregulated investment opportunities for banking, insurance and securities companies used to making obscene profits. It was a deregulation love child conceived by duopolistic Republican/Democrat parents in the passionate embrace of a two-party-one-philosophy orgy of corporate DNA swap. Alan Greenspan, Fed Chairman at the time, benignly blessed the incest-fest by saying that free market forces would patrol and correct the precocious infant, should it get unruly.

Naturally, being an economist, he was wrong.

And post disaster he admitted it, conveniently after retiring, in front of Congress by indicating the financial meltdown that had obliterated millions of people’s retirement and investment accounts had left him in “shocked disbelief” at what had been the “intellectual edifice” of deregulation.

I bet his Fed pension escaped the shock, though. http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/24/business/economy/24panel.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin

I remember when Greenspan was considered by some to be the country's premier economist. As in, “nobody can understand a damn thing he’s saying,” a sure sign of an economic genius. And while he continued to formulate his intellectual bell curves and pie charts, the country’s economy followed the typical pattern of any free enterprise system suddenly loosed from oversight—it became an unrestrained greed juggernaut, no longer subjected to the laws of man, but in every way subjected to the laws of physics. And everyone, excluding Greenspan apparently, knew that the giant force of greed would attract the equal and opposite force of an economic apocalypse. Sure enough, the financial tsunami thundered across America in 2008, and not surprisingly, the government responded with spectacular ineptitude. Congress, Bush, Paulson—long known as a collective body without intellectual edifice—gave bankers a no-strings-attached combination to the public vault and, like the good, public-minded people bankers are known to be, they gleefully took the money then slammed shut any public access to credit.

Now, the Obama bankers want to repeat and magnify the gesture, this time calling for more accountability for the next multi-billion-trillion-gazillion dollar flood of taxpayer dough they will, with stern faces, offer their jet setting, country clubbing, bonus bearing buddies. To my intellectual edifice, that’s like expecting yet another auto bailout to result in your not getting screwed the next time you trade cars. Also reminds me of the Native American story of the boy who gets conned by a charming, smooth talking snake to carry it to the top of the mountain. When they reach the summit, the snake bites the boy. When the astonished youngster asks why, the reply is straight forward, "Because I'm a snake and that's what we do."

All of this, of course, points to a need to reevaluate the entire intellectual edifice of not only our government, but of our entire society. And the place to start is not with the next crooked banker you’re likely see on the evening news, but with that person you see in the mirror every morning. Isn’t it about time to stop letting these politicians and corporate bandits raid your treasury and stop them before their ubiquitous penchant for greed completely and irreversibly shatters this once great country?

There is no Web site I can recommend, no organization I may suggest you visit in search for answers. The answers are inside of you, and that’s as far as you need to look. I believe in you, know of your common sense, trust that you know the pulse of what works for you and what threatens your world. Personal power is personal responsibility. Be bold. Write letters, emails, blog, vote, speak out, go to your city or town council meetings. Dare to stare power in the eye with the sunshine at your back. It is axiomatic that when we give them more power, we lose ours. Turn that around. Your scrutiny and assertiveness will penetrate their thin veneer, for as you gain more personal power within, their edifice shatters. It’s not too late.

Shaman Whirlwind

How To Make A Shaman's Medicine Necklace

Spiritual Superhero Week at TVD! Zounds!

Holiday Greetings!

Life in the Early Winter Kentucky Woods

The Bear Drum, The People and the Party

Dreaming A Drum Into Reality

"End of the World" Final Podcast?

Make A Shamanic Gourd Rattle

On The Wings of Prayer for Mother Earth

Listen to Mother...the Earth Mother!

The Shaman Shop Is Busy...YUM!

Spirit Shield For Healer & Traveler Alike

A Shamanic Necklace & A Sacred Animal Wand

Shaman's Cleansing Ceremony (Water)

Shaman Inspired Lightning-Charged Spiral Wand

A Powerful New Wand

Can Women Save The World?

Shaman Drums Newsletter Now Available

Six Christmas Gifts You'll Find Nowhere Else

Grandmother Earth Drum.wmv

Shaman Sun King Drum Video

Shaman Prayer Feathers Crystal Wand

New Shaman Drums Video: A Mother Earth Story

Shaman And Self-Help Articles

Spiritual Rebels & The New American Politics

Return of the King

Shaman Drums Spiritual Bodybuilding 1

Shaman's Dream Comes True!

On The Way!

Guest Commentary #2: A Quest Coincidence From England

Shaman Drums Podcast Guest Commentary From England: On Hogue, War, Aristocracy and Dinosaurs

Everyday Life

Necklace Sale Time At Thunder Valley Drums!

Shaman Drums Interview With John Hogue Now Ready!

Shaman Drums and John Hogue Podcast

http://www.cafepress.com/ThunderValleyDrumsFunShop

Thunder Valley Drums Fun Shop

Shaman Drums Interviews John Hogue

His other books include:

NOSTADAMUS and the ANTICHRIST, Code Named MABUS

Shaman Drums Meets Astrology: Jessica Murray Returns!

Shaman Drums Meets Astrology: Jessica Murray Returns!

New Shamanic Drum Awaits You

Ask America's Astrologer A Question

New Shaman Training Class Starts June 12

BP Disaster Priority To Get Some Gulf Oil For Its Refineries?

UFOs: A Reporter’s Notebook

The Irony of How To Take On The Too-Big-To-Fail Financial Empires

Meditation for a Spiritual Journey Home

Work and Love, Spirit and Healing: New Podcast!

The Shaman Drums 2.0 Podcast and blog... Spirituality at the speed of love!

Comic Book Free Download or Read It Now PART TWO

You're The One! Redux Podcast

Comic Book Free Download or Read It Now!

Everyday Life

Did I Find Your Drum?

New "Ancestor Drum" Completed--Here's Its Story

Parsing UFOs and Religion

Click here http://blog.naturalshamandrums.com/to hear it!

New Podcast!

Musicians, in order of their appearance:

Other Links and Notes:

New Podcast Coming This Week-- On Religion, UFOs, Philosophy--Yipes!

Why U. S. Gov't. UFO Disclosure Will Never Happen… And Why Not To Trust It If It Does

Excerpts From The 12/20 Podcast With The Same Title

A New Birth and News Updates

There's Been A New Birth At TVD!

iTunes Link

Excited!

To You and Yours!

When Metaphysics Makes Bad News

Jewelry Time

New Cabinet Position?

New Digs!

A Thought on Tolerance by Ted Kennedy

On The Move

A Stargate Memory

Blog Blog

Had Enough Fundamentalism Yet?

The Shaman Drums 2.0 Podcast and blog...
Spirituality at the speed of love!