20″ Shamanic Horse Drum “Sacred Union”

Description

This unique Shamanic Horse Drum was birthed in Ceremony on the Summer solstice on the 21st June 2025.

Natural death Horse Hide is rarely available to me these days; even more occasionally I get a hide which has been processed with the hair still on, so this is a very special and unique drum. Its gorgeous!

Stunning white hair on horse hide with a couple of ‘beauty spots’,, is laced on a black stained and beeswaxed 20″ Ash frame and a black coloured leather bound ring.

Finished with a black leather wrapped Bridget’s Cross handle inset with a lovely piece of black and white striped Banded Jasper as the Heart Stone.

This drum comes with a matching black 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 holly wood handle, from our own home grown holly.

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 soft yet deep and resonant harmonic tone to its song, would make a lovely ceremonial drum, it would lend itself to all journey and healing work.

Listen to a recording of Sacred Union 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.

The Holly this tree moon brings us courage and the strength to really ‘be’ our own power, (not just stand in it) coming from a heart centred place. Holly is the evergreen twin of the Oak. It is said, that whilst the Oak governs the light half of the year, the Holly tree governs the dark, winter months. Holly is a tree of inner courage, and holds up a mirror, reflecting to us what we need to work on to grow and evolve in all areas of our lives and will also cast light on others whom might not have our best interests at heart.

Banded Jasper symbolises stability and grounding, making this an excellent stone for fostering emotional equilibrium and resilience. The crystal’s nurturing energy is thought to gently soothe turbulent feelings and encourage a sense of security, particularly during times of change or uncertainty. In addition to its emotional benefits, Banded Jasper is believed to support physical vitality and promote overall well-being by harmonising mind, body, and spirit.

Summer Solstice is the time of the longest day and the shortest night, and represents the transition from action to nourishment, this is exactly what the Sun gives us during the long nights of summer, both to our actual crops but also to the continual journey we travel from darkness to light. Summer reminds us that there is hope in the world, that the light within can spread to the far reaches of the globe and inspire others. We can nurture others, just as the Sun nurtures us. Through honouring this day of light, we energetically set in motion a period of awakening in our consciousness which lasts all summer until the Fall Equinox.

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.