16″ Shamanic Horse Drum “Vitality”

Description

This unique Shamanic Horse Drum was birthed in Ceremony on the Ash New Moon in Taurus on 27th April 2025.

Natural death Horse Hide is rarely available to me these days; so this is a very special and unique drum, one of a series all birthed from one hide.

Lovely honey coloured hide, with different tones, is laced on a beeswaxed 16″ Ash frame and a conker coloured leather bound ring.

Finished with a conker leather wrapped Bridget’s Cross handle inset with a gorgeous Autumn Jasper Cabochon as the Heart Stone.

This drum comes with a matching conker leather leather song caller, birthed together with the drum, this is stuffed with wool from our own ‘pet’ sheep and is bound onto a hand polished ash wood handle, gathered from hedge cuttings on Exmoor.

The drum also has a small matching crane bag (medicine pouch), and contains personally gathered natural sacred items representative of the four elements of earth, air, fire and water and also includes a hand picked crystal – as a gift for you, and your drum. As your connection to your drum evolves these unique pouches can be filled with personal items which can be changed in and out dependent on the work you are undertaking together with your drum.

This shamanic horse drum has a deep and lively tone to its song, and it would lend itself to all journey and healing work.

Listen to a recording of Vitality here – use headphones or speakers to hear the full range of tones.

The horse holds deep significance in Celtic mythology, symbolising various qualities and embodying a connection between humans and the spiritual realm. A symbol of power, grace, and freedom, the horse represents journeys, both physical and spiritual. Horses are seen as guides and companions in heroic quests and spiritual journeys. They serve as intermediaries between the mortal and divine realms, carrying individuals between worlds. In shamanic traditions, the horse holds powerful symbolism as a spiritual ally and guide, representing freedom, strength, and swift movement, enabling shamans to traverse between realms. The concept of the “wind-horse” symbolizes the energy and vitality that propels shamans on their visionary journeys. The shaman’s horse is a sacred conduit, aiding in spiritual transformation and facilitating connections with the spirit world and has many connections and spiritual meanings associated with travelling, messages and service to others. Through its symbolic presence, the horse in shamanic traditions embodies the ability to transcend boundaries, navigate the unseen realms, and access profound wisdom and healing. Horse drums generally have the deepest but sometimes a less resonant tone. In my personal experience Horse drums make wonderful journeying drums and have a wild and powerful energy in ceremony.

The Ash which forms the bones of this drum is a tree associated with healing, empowerment and enchantment. In Norse mythology, the Ash is the axis mundai or the World Tree, called Yggdrasil. This is the tree which connects the middle world of our waking reality to the upper and lower worlds. When we journey with a drum made with an Ash hoop, we carry all of these strengths and powers with us between the worlds.

Autumn Jasper is a grounding and nurturing crystal with warm, earthy tones reminiscent of autumnal landscapes. This stone is valued for its ability to bring stability, comfort, and a sense of wholeness, making it especially beneficial during times of stress or change. Autumn Jasper is also thought to inspire vitality and motivation, making it an excellent companion for those seeking renewed energy and a fresh perspective.

The New Moon, is a deeply mystical time of the month when the external world recedes, and our energy is drawn inward. This can be a powerful time for reflection, well as bringing in the energies of new beginnings, empowering our intentions for the coming month and beyond. Meditating and journeying within these energies and getting clear about your intentions will be particularly effective at this time as will launching new projects and focussing on what we wish to increase in our lives in the in the days following the New Moon.

The astrological sign of Taurus gives us courage and tenacity and supports our growth, we can navigate challenges with a strong will and sense of stability.

Ros Simons has been creating sacred shamanic drums for over 20 years, using personally refined techniques and practices that were handed down to her in the traditional way from teachers and mentors.

The drum-birthing process is carried out in ceremonial space, with prayers and thanks given to honour the spirit of the animal, the trees and the stones of the earth that gifted themselves to bring these sacred allies and medicine tools into being. The drum lacing is cut from the same hide as the drum head ~ weaving the spirit of the animal into the drum; the wood, the colours and any crystals incorporated into each drum are gathered through otherworld journeying and guidance from her drum guide, each drum is unique.

Your personal drum will become a guide, a healer, a teacher and a friend, that walks with you on your path, and takes you on a deep journey of other world and inner world exploration.

All of the Shamanic Drums birthed by Ros are guaranteed for two years provided you treat them with love and care and follow the included drum care instructions.

If this shamanic red deer drum has already found its keeper or you would like a Shamanic Drum similar to this, but unique and birthed especially for you, then you can order a bespoke drum to be made to your individual wishes and birthed with your own prayers and intentions. For more information please take a look at the Commissions Page.

All of the hides and frames for Ros Simons shamanic drums are sustainably and ethically sourced.

The horse hides come from natural death horses and are rarely available, occasionally much loved animals euthanised at the end of their lives are also passed on for this work. No animal was ever killed just to provide skin for a drum. Drum making can be seen as a reparation, a way of returning some beauty and honouring to an animal whose life has ended. In this way we return more to the ways of our ancestors, ensuring that all of the animal is used and nothing is wasted. The spirit of the animal lives on and is reborn into the drum.

The Wood for the frames is sourced from sustainably managed forests; and the wood for the song callers is personally gathered by Ros and seasoned every year.