Reiki Drumming: A Fusion of Sound and Spiritual Healing

Sarah Gregg is a seasoned energy healer and Reiki Master with over two decades of experience in holistic therapies. Her journey into energy work began with aromatherapy and massage, expanding into a rich blend of modalities including Reflexology, Indian Head Massage, and Sound Healing. A passionate advocate of holistic wellness, Sarah specializes in Reiki Drumming—a unique practice combining Reiki, sound healing, and shamanic techniques. Through her transformative sessions, she helps clients achieve physical healing, emotional balance, and spiritual growth. Based in Hertfordshire, Sarah offers a wide range of treatments, workshops, and retreats, fostering deep healing and connection to higher consciousness.

“I have an eclectic tool bag for my healing practice, but one of the most effective is Reiki Drumming, which incorporates Reiki, Sound Healing and Shamanic Practice.   Reiki Drumming comprises three core techniques:  Reiki Drum Healing, Reiki Drum Mental Emotional Balancing and the Reiki Drum Journey, all of which influence the physical, emotional, and spiritual.

Reiki Drumming is a powerful tool for physical healing.   Introducing Reiki and sound waves into a person’s energy body, in turn, affects the physical body, which responds to many different frequencies. Reiki clears and heals the energy pathways and balances the chakras, allowing the life force to flow correctly through the body.  Through forced resonance and entrainment, the vibration of both sound and Reiki will affect the physical body at a cellular level, bringing damaged cells back to wholeness so that healing can take place and pain relief and physical healing can occur quickly and easily.  Conditions such as arthritis, muscular tension, chronic fatigue and a host of other physical conditions respond well to the healing effects of Reiki Drumming.

Reiki Drumming is not just about physical healing but also about emotional release and balance. The vibrations of Reiki and the drum work together to clear stuck and repressed emotions from the emotional energy body.  Through Reiki Drum Mental Emotional balancing, it is possible to reprogramme the subconscious mind, leading to a more positive emotional experience and the release of old programmes.    By maintaining a positive emotional state, the client can also enjoy better physical health.

Reiki Drumming facilitates brainwave entrainment, and it is common for the recipient to enter the theta brainwave state with resultant altered states of consciousness.  Reports of Power Animal Guides, Spirit Guides, Ascended Masters, Deity and Angelic presence are frequent.  By aligning the energy bodies and introducing higher consciousness frequencies through Reiki, the individual may reach an understanding of Oneness, an underlying truth of all spiritual laws.    Reiki Drumming can facilitate many metaphysical processes, making the recipient understand that we are more than just the physical body here on Earth.”

Please present yourself to our audience

My name is Sarah Gregg and I live in Hertfordshire in the UK. I have been a practising natural therapy practitioner since 1999 and have run a busy clinic offering people a variety of holistic modalities including bodywork, energy medicine, shamanic practises and sound healing. I have had the opportunity to work with a wide range of conditions and a varied client base.

I have been teaching these modalities for over twenty years and in recent times I have opened a private school teaching energy medicine, shamanism and sound healing in Hertfordshire and share a wide range of healing courses to people from all over the UK.

As a sound healer specialising in drums, gongs, singing bowls and voice I also hold regular sound events both at my school and at many other venues. I have run retreats in a variety of beautiful high vibrational locations around the UK, providing people the opportunity to delve deeper into the work I offer over an extended residential stay. I teach students up to teacher level and have shared the teachings with many students who now have gone out into the world and are sharing the practises and healing techniques with others, so in the past twelve months I have spent more time writing online courses and offering learning opportunities through the online medium.

What is Reiki Drumming? How does your technique help people?

I view Reiki Drumming as a perfect marriage of sound and light, utilising the age-old power of the drumbeat with the beautiful high frequency energy of Reiki. As a therapy, Reiki Drumming combines the strengths of lots of different healing modalities; sound healing, Reiki energy, shamanic journeying techniques, meditations, chakra balancing, affirmation work and NLP. In terms of helping others, the technique supports people physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually and comprises three core healing methods, all different and used for separate aims. A buffalo drum is traditionally used because of its ease of use and harmonious tone. Treatment sessions typically last an hour. Students and clients alike who have tried shamanic drumming before experiencing a Reiki Drum session say the higher frequency energies of the Reiki Drumming make for a more gentle, ethereal experience, albeit no less powerful on a therapeutic and healing level.

Reiki Drum Healing involves the practitioner drumming over the client whilst focusing their intent to allow the drum’s sound waves to carry Reiki into the client’s energy field. The drumming is followed by normal hands-on Reiki. Clients find the beat of the drum helps them switch off easier and drift into a deep state of relaxation, with all the normal benefits of a traditional Reiki treatment albeit on a much deeper level. Clients report feeling as if the healing Reiki energy reaches deep inside their bodies.

Reiki Drum Mental Reprogramming is a way of treating negative habits or natural tendencies, to focus the mind on something important or for achieving a goal. Drumming facilitates the energetic shift necessary to positively affect the subconscious mind. The client focuses their mind on the issue in question and repeats a positive affirmation, whilst the practitioner drums gently over them. The drumming is again followed by Reiki for integration. The repetitive beat of the drum helps people focus on their particular issue, reaching deep into their subconscious mind and preventing their thoughts from straying, thus reinforcing the positive messages.

The Reiki Drum Journey helps to facilitate altered consciousness for the client to access information for change in any area of their life. It can be used for healing personal issues, career concerns, relationship problems, accessing the client’s inner wisdom and tuning into spiritual guidance. It can be exceptionally empowering and healing on all levels. Journeying can be particularly supportive when people are experiencing conditions originating from trauma.

How have your travels and your passion for yoga helped you in this journey and path?

Travel definitely broadens the mind and opens the traveller up to a wider variety of life experiences. My travels prior to establishing my business allowed me to experience a wide variety of cultures and societies which I believe facilitates a wider understanding of people in general. Having a broader view of the world enables one to step out of one’s own small life and understand we are all part of something so much greater.

Travelling also reiterated qualities like gratitude and compassion for me; Gratitude for my own existence and the gifts of my own life circumstances and compassion for others, understanding that we all do have such a variety of different life circumstances whilst on the earth plane.

Yoga is just one of many different healing modalities which have kept me balanced in this world where sometimes chaos can reign. Through yogic practices of asana, meditation, pranayama and cleansing practices, I have kept an equilibrium, flexibility and stillness despite whatever is going on around me. It has also supported and grown my sensitivity to energy. Yoga was the start of my spiritual journey but I now incorporate many other modalities such as shamanic practice, sound healing and of course Reiki to support me.

When people book sessions or enroll in your reiki classes, what are they looking for? Can you see a pattern, a certain age, gender, life experiences?

In terms of healing sessions, often people have tried many other modalities and Reiki can be one of their last ports of call. It often offers such solace and healing benefits, they wish they had sought out a practitioner before. Generally, however. people come for the relaxation and stress relief that they know Reiki will offer them. It is positive energy after all and they can drop any negativity they are holding during a session and leave feeling much improved.

In terms of Reiki classes, believe it or not many times people aren’t sure why they are there. There are many who are attracted to Reiki because they are already therapists and want to add something to their healing tool bag. Others are drawn because they are on a spiritual path and understand that Reiki will support them in this. But many have had a calling to attend a class at Level One and aren’t really sure why they are there, they just know they should be. Reiki starts them on a journey of healing the Self, a truly spiritual and enlightening journey and it’s a privilege to support people in their Reiki journey.

They go through many different positive changes on their path to self-individuation and self-actualization. In terms of patterns, no there is no pattern. People come at all ages for healing, from small babies to people at the end of their lives, male and female with a myriad of life experiences. Those who attend the training courses have often experienced a lot of personal growth and challenge in their lives.

These experiences shape them and allow them to empathize with those that will be drawn to them when they start to offer healing sessions themselves. Like attracts like vibration and they will attract people who are going through or have been through similar life experiences to themselves. Through their own personal journeys and experience they can then be a wonderful support when people are going through life challenges.

For someone that already is interested in Reiki, what do you believe is interesting to do as the first steps to dive in?

If a person is wanting to experience the healing effects of Reiki, then they should look for a qualified Reiki practitioner in their local area who can support them in their own healing.

If, however, someone is interested in embarking on the Reiki path for their own self-development, then they should look for an experienced and qualified Reiki teacher, preferably someone with a good reputation who supports them throughout their training. I feel everyone should be attuned to Reiki.

Its gift is self-healing and development and if people were attuned to at least the beginner’s level, Level One, then they will be able to utilize the beautiful high frequency healing energies for their own health and personal development, as well as learning basic meditation practices to keep them balanced in life.

The current events in the world are not helpful for our mental and physical health. Can you give some tips for our readers about something simple to do that will help to improve their day?

The world is going through momentous change isn’t it in these times. Chaos abounds and yes, I agree, mental and physical health suffers for many as a result of their external environments.

However, all we have is the current moment and nine times out of ten, that current moment is OK. As such, mindfulness and meditation are of the utmost importance in these times. “Being in the Now” allows each individual to maintain their balance in a calm and centred way, especially if they adopt a mindfulness or meditation practice. When the winds of change which are blowing through the world like a gale force at times knock on the door of any person, if they are centred and grounded in their practice, they may move with the winds, but gently come back to centre and not be blown off their feet.

Any other practices that support mental well being and balance, such as seeking out a therapist who offers Reiki or sound healing, massage or any other therapy that brings relaxation is also a good adjunct. Practices such as chi gung, yoga or tai chi – basically anything to move one’s Ki, so it doesn’t become stagnant and cause issues, and is free flowing will allow both flexibility in mind and body. Eating well, hydration, sleep, community relationships and also a sense of purpose are also simple things that will contribute to one’s wellbeing in times of change.

If you want to read more interviews at Mystic Mag, you can find them listed under Blog here.

I am looking forward with anticipation again to what 2019 will bring. I am continuing to run all levels of Reiki, Reiki Drumming, Gong Training, Sound Healing immersions and the Peruvian Shamanic Training, the Munay-Ki as well as several new offerings in the forms of non residential day and weekend retreats.    It’s going to be another busy year here at Reiki Drum & Sacred Sound Inspirations and I look forward to seeing many of you throughout the year.

I enjoy the eclectic mix of healing modalities incorporated into my work and view it very much as a healing shamanic path. When I come across something I feel is powerful and will help others, I try and include it in my work as do most of my peers and colleagues.   This may be energy healing, sacred ceremony, sound healing, plant spirit medicine, spiritual connection through meditation and a variety of other things. Shamans traditionally had an eclectic toolbag of healing offerings to assist their communities.   At this auspicious time of the Winter Solstice it led me to consider the concept of Santa being a Shaman which has been contemplated by many over the years.

Although some stories lead to St Nicholas being the more accepted link to Santa Claus, there is a school of thought that Santa originates from the Siberian Shaman.   Shamans from these northern areas were said to collect and distribute the hallucinatory dried Amanita muscaria (Fly Agaric) mushrooms at the time of the Winter Solstice as gifts to their community.  Fly agaric was held with much reverence as a sacred plant, used for spiritual purpose in ceremony.     These brightly coloured red and white mushrooms which grow beneath pines and other conifers in northern areas  were eaten by both humans and reindeers alike causing them to have profound hallucinatory experiences.  It may be that these hallucinatory effects created the illusion of reindeers flying which we associate with the Santa Claus story.    When the mushrooms were collected and laid out in the drying process they would be placed on the branches of the trees and would create a fine sight with their deep red and white colouring contrasting against the greens of the trees of the forest, a more natural version perhaps of a Christmas tree!  Once dried, the mushrooms would be collected by the shaman in his sack and distributed to the community.  They would continue the drying process which removed a large part of the toxins from this particular plant by hanging them in a sock near the fire (similar to hanging stockings for gifts from Santa in this day and age).

In these frozen climes the entry points to many homes would be blocked by snow around the time of the Solstice and home dwellers would need to access their residences through an opening in the roof, very similar to how Santa is thought to access properties by sliding down the chimney!   It was also common for indigenous people to place pine trees in the centre of their residences to symbolise the World Tree, the Axis Mundi, the bridge between heaven and earth.   During shamanic journeys they would travel thought the smoke hole in the centre of their residences  and use the same entry point on their return from their metaphysical travels.  They would bring guidance and spiritual gifts from the spirit world, and this can be very much likened to Santa bringing his gifts as he enters again through the chimney.

In our Reiki, shamanic and metaphysical viewpoints we appreciate that time is an illusion of the earth plane and that it is possible to transcend time and space by entering non-ordinary reality through meditation and journeying.  Santa too appears to have the gift of transcending time and certainly space as he travels to every home around the globe on Christmas Eve – no mean feat in the physical world, and really only attainable in non-ordinary reality!    So food for thought, especially to those of you who share your gifts of healing, wisdom and compassion with many in your role as healers, therapists and holistic practitioners, was Santa originally a Shaman?

It just remains for me to wish you all the most wonderful of Winter Solstice and Christmas periods,  rest up, have fun, share the love, reflect and prepare for the expansion that 2019 will no doubt bring.  Looking forward to seeing many of you in 2019.

With love and sonic blessings, Sarah x

Although I do not personally have Diabetes, our family have lived with Diabetes for over 26 years as my husband, Jon, was diagnosed as a Type I Insulin Dependent Diabetic in his mid-twenties.  He embarked on his own Reiki journey at the same time as myself in 2001 where synchronistically the wonderful teacher we found to guide us in this amazing journey was also a recently diagnosed Type I Diabetic. Jon uses Reiki in his life on a daily basis, often more so than myself, and has studied up to Master Level. He has never found Reiki to be anything but supportive in all that he does, and it has enhanced his life as it does with everyone who is attuned or receives Reiki.

In 2007 Jon and I travelled to Sedona, Arizona to study Reiki Drumming. We came back to the UK and under personal spiritual guidance I embarked on a mission to make Reiki Drumming widely accepted and practised throughout the UK.  Eleven years later this has happened through my own efforts and the efforts of many other dedicated Reiki Drum teachers and there are hundreds of Reiki Drum practitioners, some of whom are now third or fourth generation who are sharing this beautiful healing modality with many others. It is thanks to Jon receiving lots of different Reiki Drum treatments with positive effect that I was confident enough to put together the training and share it with other Reiki practitioners.

In 2017 I was surfing the net and became aware that Diabetes was listed as a contraindication for Reiki Drumming with a lady who had not trained with myself. She was a very experienced and reputable teacher and I asked where she had received this information. It apparently was passed to her from her teacher and I realised that like many other things, Diabetes had been added to a long list of contraindications for Reiki. Because I knew this not to be the case I wrote to everyone who had trained with me to explain my reasoning for Diabetes not to be listed under contraindications with either Reiki or Reiki Drumming. In fact the originator of Reiki Drumming in the States has listed no contraindications at all, but because I was introducing a new modality into the UK I spent some time liaising with an esteemed and highly experienced colleague who had spent the past few decades leading therapeutic drumming programmes with a wide variety of client groups. It was through his guidance that I came up with a list of Cautions, as opposed to contraindications and from a Sound Healing perspective rather than a Reiki one. I always advise students that each recipient of Reiki Drumming or Reiki should be assessed on an individual basis and in my time I have treated many of these people on the Cautions list because it was OK to do so.

Earlier this year I came across the same misconception about treating Diabetes with Reiki on a social media Reiki forum I am a member of. Some of the Reiki practitioners had been told by their teachers that in no circumstances should they treat someone who had been diagnosed with Diabetes.  Reasons given were that Reiki could result in their blood sugar levels dropping to dangerous levels so that they went hypoglycaemic. A lowering of blood sugars can certainly result after a Reiki treatment as well as if a diabetic had taken too much insulin or not eaten enough long acting carbohydrate to balance his sugar levels and could happen whilst asleep, sunbathing, socialising with friends, sitting in meditation, doing yoga, at the gym, watching television, driving a car or any other daily activity. Most diabetics are sensitive to what is taking place with their blood sugar levels and all should test their levels pre-treatment and post treatment to ensure they are within safe parameters, but most would do that anyway with many of the things they actively took part in.

I do need to underline here that this article is not to advise people that Reiki is a cure for Diabetes, in no way would I state such a thing. But it is to reiterate that anyone with Diabetes is not contraindicated from receiving Reiki which can in effect help their general health and wellbeing in so many ways as it does any other person. Having seen that Diabetes was flagged up as a contraindication and really disliking the thought that thousands of people may not seek out a Reiki practitioner because of this information freely available on the internet, or be turned away because they are diabetic and not benefit from the myriad of positive benefits of receiving Reiki treatments or being attuned to Reiki, I felt I should like to write this article to put the record straight.

All Reiki practitioners are required by law if dealing with the public to be First Aid trained and as such should have a basic awareness about Diabetes and the symptoms of hypo/hyperglycaemia. If they are aware their client is a diabetic, then it’s wise to have some sort of fast acting sugar (Dextrose/Lucozade/Honey) and slow acting carbohydrate (biscuit) to give them should they go into a hypoglycaemic state, but as I have said it is something most diabetics would be aware of and make provisions themselves for especially as they were having a Reiki treatment.  When newly diagnosed, some diabetics take a little while to get their blood sugars under control.  There are others who never manage to maintain stable blood sugar levels, and there are some who do not follow the health regime necessary for a diabetic and do things which are not recommended for their health and wellbeing.  In these instances, then of course caution should be exercised and individuals treated on an individual basis. I personally ask not only my clients but all Level One Reiki students to fill out a medical form informing me of anything I need to be aware of such as Diabetes, Epilepsy etc.

I have the pleasure of attaching several testimonials from both Type I and Type 2 insulin dependent diabetics to share with you all of whom are active Reiki practitioners and receive Reiki on a regular basis. My gratitude to these dear souls for giving their permission to publish their stories in connection with their journey, Diabetes and Reiki. The first three testimonials are from Type I diabetics, the last two from Type 2. Please read through their testimonials. Should you be in a position where you are unsure whether to treat a diabetic when they have approached you for treatment, it is always wise to consult with their general practitioner. But in the main, if you are a Reiki teacher or Reiki practitioner please don’t exclude this client group from the benefits of Reiki or Reiki Drumming.

Testimonial from David David M Godfrey, MA.Ed, BA, DMS, FICHT, FIFL, MBS, C.Biol, PGCE, Reiki Master/Teacher

“Since 1992 I have had the pleasure of facilitating both the Theoretical and Practical aspects of a range of Complementary Therapies, including the required Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology. In 1998 I qualified as a Reiki Master Teacher which I added to my repertoire.

In 2000 I was diagnosed as an Insulin Dependent Diabetic (Type 1) requiring SEVEN injections each day. In 2011 I was placed on an Insulin Pump, which I still use today.

Question ‘Why am I telling you this?’ The reason is that on several Reiki Forum sites there appears to be a great debate going on about Type 1 Diabetes being contraindicated to both Reiki treatments and Reiki Attunements. As a practising Reiki Master Teacher, giving and receiving treatments and passing attunements, I would like to know WHY Type 1 Diabetes should be contraindicated?!

It is true that there are two categories of contraindications to Complementary Therapies. The first being Total Contraindications including contagious and infectious disease; but thanks to the ‘Reiki Box/Surrogate Methods’ we do not need to be in the presence of the recipient, so this is irrelevant. The second category under which Diabetes appears, requires adaptation to the treatment and relates to:

1. The presence of Neuropathy in the client,
2. The possibility of Bruising,
3. Slow Wound ‘Healing’
4. Reduction of the Blood Glucose levels during treatment causing hypoglycaemia

In the first two instances as Reiki is:

1. A non-invasive therapy, unlike Acupuncture, therefore eradicating injury due to neuropathy or bruising and
2. Requires no application of pressure unlike Shiatsu, adaptation is not required so the contraindication is irrelevant.

In the third instant, Reiki assists the body in what it is required to do, and the Practitioner is NOT a ‘Healer’ but a facilitator; the recipient takes from the treatment what it is they require, the contra-indication is again irrelevant.

Regarding point number four, There is a CAUTION though that needs to be recognised and that is that a Reiki Treatment/Attunement can lower a diabetics blood glucose levels so therefore as the Practitioner we need to ask the recipient to take a blood glucose reading before and after the Treatment/Attunement. It is the recipient’s choice whether to do so or not, so to be on the safe side the Practitioner may wish to have on hand some high glucose item such as: dextrose tablets, carbonated soft drink, honey, agave or chocolate bar just in case!

A further potential contraindication may arise when people question how Reiki may affect an Insulin Pump. The truth is this is the client’s responsibility, BUT all Insulin Pumps can be placed in suspended mode during a treatment/attunement and everyone may react differently, in the same way when and how clients inject their insulin!

From being a Facilitator, Receiver and Practitioner for over 18 years, I know from experience that Reiki, Crystal Reiki and Reiki Drum all have a very positive effect on Type 1 Diabetes, by making it a contraindication, you deprive those who are Insulin Dependent Diabetics from the benefits that Reiki brings.”

Testimonial from Jon Gregg – Reiki Master Practitioner

“I have been a Type I insulin dependent diabetic for 26 years and Reiki attuned to Master level since the year 2001. As someone with diabetes I know how important it is to monitor my blood sugar levels on a regular basis and I lead a healthy, active life, work, exercise, travel and basically live! If I am going to do anything which could affect my blood sugar levels I monitor first and take any appropriate action such as having quick and slow acting sugar/carbohydrate foods with me should the activity make me go hypoglycaemic and spare insulin should for some reason (less common) I go hyperglycaemic. The responsibility is with myself to do that, not others and I would do prior to and after a Reiki treatment or any other complementary therapy of which I am a regular recipient. I travelled to the States with Sarah in 2007 and trained in Reiki Drumming there and when we returned to the UK received lots of Reiki Drum sessions over a short period of time, all of which were hugely beneficial.  Before and after that time I have also received Usui, Karuna and latterly Angelic Reiki treatments with no adverse effects whatsoever. In terms of comparing receiving Reiki to any other activity, as far as I’m concerned, besides it being a wonderful healing experience every time which I benefit from hugely, it is no different to anything else I do in life in connection to being a Diabetic Type I.”

Testimonial from Lynn Daniel – Reiki II Practitioner

“I’ve been Type 1 for 45 years and l get frustrated with people saying you can’t do or receive something because of it.  Diabetes control is about good self-management and learning how to live with your condition is key for everyone. I would check my blood glucose before treatment and after treatment as l know relaxation could potentially make my blood glucose go up or down as it can with acupuncture, massage, hypnotherapy and other therapies which l receive on a regular basis and use to help me live a healthy life. I use Reiki most evenings on myself to help me sleep well and feel good so why would l not use something that works? As a practitioner you can choose who you see as a client and it is fine if you are low in confidence and would prefer not to have someone with Type 1 as a client but it is misinformation that people with Type 1 can’t receive treatment and actually goes against the Disability Discrimination Act. It is up to the individual with Type 1 to make a judgement call on managing their condition and l would recommend checking with their client beforehand how they manage their condition and if they have unexpected hypos and if they could check their blood glucose before and after to see if there is an impact … this is just good practice. As a practitioner whatever treatment l deliver l always check my blood glucose before and after l see a client which is good self-management. I have worked for the last 42 years in many different work environments and know they can affect your control and it’s learning how to manage that.”

Testimonial from Catherine Stredwick – UKRF Reiki Master Practitioner & Teacher

“I was diagnosed as a type 2 diabetic in 2007 which was initially diet controlled and eventually progressed to medication in 2016. During that time and after I have regularly received Reiki and as a Reiki practitioner have regularly given it with no detrimental affects to my sugar levels. In fact I feel Reiki helped me to alleviate the stress in my life and as all diabetics know stress can cause sugar levels to rise or spike.”

Testimonial from Mandy Hobbs – Reiki Master Practitioner

“I am a Reiki Master but I am also a Type 2 Diabetic. As you probably know, with Diabetes comes a multitude of other symptoms; high blood pressure, high cholesterol to name a few.

I have been using Reiki to help control these systems for over 2 years. In those 2 years my blood pressure has dropped (without modern allopathic medicine). Also my blood sugar levels have evened out. I’m sure this is down to using Reiki as I don’t use any other treatment. It definitely can’t do any harm.”

“To acknowledge our ancestors means we are aware that we did not make ourselves, that the line stretches all the way back, perhaps to God; or to Gods. We remember them because it is an easy thing to forget: that we are not the first to suffer, rebel, fight, love and die. The grace with which we embrace life, in spite of the pain, the sorrow, is always a measure of what has gone before. ” Alice Walker

Every year we hold some form of event to honour those who have gone before us. In recent years we have run our sound healing residential The Ancestral Resonance Process, but this year we are marking the occasion with an evening of sacred sound.

This is always a moving and heart opening event, remembering our departed loved ones through the medium of sound and celebrating the Celtic New Year. An evening of chanting, mantra, toning, drumming, drum journeying, and gong bath.

5:00 pm – Chants and Mantra – We open the event with sacred chants and mantra to honour this auspicious time.

6:00 pm – Toning – Through chakra toning we not only align, heal and balance ourselves, we reach altered and transcendental states of being, preparing us to receive messages from beyond.

7:00 pm – Reiki Drum Journey – Through the power of the drumbeat and Reiki energy we can transcend the veils which have thinned at this time of year.

8:00 pm – Gong Bath – Through the resonance of the Gongs, Himalayan and Crystal Bowls and many other instruments, we enter into a sonic space of relaxation where there is no separation between peoples or worlds, a place of unity, a place of connection, a place of bliss.

9:00 pm – Refreshments – We finish the evening with a chance to enjoy a cup of tea with like-minded, share our experiences from the evening and ground ourselves after the evening’s events.

Doors open at 4:45 pm, Event ends at 10:00 pm. You are invited to bring a photo or other memento for our Ancestors Altar. If you have frame drums and rattles please bring with you. You will also need a yoga mat, blanket and cushion for comfort when sitting or lying down. Tickets must be purchased in advance and are £30 per person.

Email: info@reikidrum.co.uk to register your interest.

There are various ways of working with sounds and the chakras, but this article is going to discuss the use of using vowel sounds which are considered sacred by many cultures and traditions throughout the world. Sound healers recognise that the voice is probably our greatest musical instrument, and indeed a very powerful one, allowing for a deep resonance on a cellular level, and is an instrument which can be used by anyone, any time, and in any place. In toning the sacred vowels, we are not chanting or singing words to a specific rhythm, we are creating sound by breathing in and then creating an extended vowel sound for as long as we are able, allowing the vibration to have an effect on both our physical body and also our subtle energy bodies.

Chakras are spirals of concentrated life force located in the subtle energy body starting from the base of spine and perineum and extending to the top of the head. In Sanskrit, the word chakra means “wheel” through which universal energy flows in and out of a person. These energy centres carry with them profound emotional and psychological associations, and on a spiritual level, each chakra is the site of a specific consciousness with its own specific set of values.  They represent a ladder of personal, psychological and spiritual growth. There are seven major chakras and many secondary and tertiary ones. If a chakra becomes blocked, congested or partially closed, this will have a profound impact on not only the physical body, but also the entire subtle energy body. Initially this will manifest perhaps as mental or emotional disturbance, but if prolonged, physical disease will occur. By using the vowel sounds for toning the chakras with intention, the flow of energy within the chakra is balanced and restored and our energy system resonates at a much healthier vibration. Just a few minutes of chakra toning can make a huge difference, and it is interesting to compare how one feels before and after a 20 minute chakra toning practise, to see how profoundly it impacts us on a psychological and physical level.

It’s always good to get together in community to tone, as the more people toning, the more incredible the energy we generate through the power of sound. When you have several people toning at one time, the room can sound like it holds some heavenly angelic choir, and the effects on the individuals within the group are amplified.  However, it is just as effective to tone on one’s own, and can add a very valuable tool to one’s own personal practise.

When toning sit comfortably with your  spine as straight as possible so that the energy may flow as free as possible. Toning on its own is powerful in its own right, but for those who practise Reiki, you can enhance the toning session by placing your hands on each chakra as you make the relevant vowel sound, channelling Reiki as you tone with the intention that Reiki and the vocal sounds you are making clear and balance that energy centre. It can be good to focus on the element or colour associated with the chakra as you tone. As an example, when making the vowel sound for the root chakra, you could focus on the element of earth, intending that the root chakra is cleared and aligned and you are grounded and secure in your place on the Earth. Alternatively as you tone, visualise the colour red, the colour associated with the root chakra, and feel vibration of this colour fill your energy field with vitality. For those of you who practise Yantra meditation, a visualisation and concentration technique which incorporates the use of symbols within the chakras, then you can tone and focus on the relevant symbol, in the case of the root chakra, a yellow square. It is also possible to incorporate movement as you tone, making specific movements which are symbolic of the chakra you are working on – walking around as you tone the vowel sound for the root chakra or circling the hips for the sacral chakra. For those of you who work shamanically with Power Animals, as you tone each chakra ask an animal to present itself to you for each different chakra and see what unfolds.

The simplicity of this practice is one of its advantages. As you sit with your spine straight, relax your body, letting go of any tension, take a few deep breaths, then on the next out breath allow the vowel to be toned for as long as you are able without straining. Take another breath and repeat. Toning should be done gently and there is no need to worry about what pitch or note you are making, just see what comes, allowing your voice to dictate the sound. Often when an energy centre needs a little more work than others, the sounds seem quite discordant to start with until the energy becomes clearer. There is no wrong or right as is more often the case  when we do work of this nature. You do not have to be musical or have an excellent singing voice to do this practise or really benefit from its effects. When toning on your own explore the depth of the sound, start gently but raise the volume if it feels appropriate, without straining. However, when toning in a group, it’s always best to allow your voice to merge with those of the others toning with you. If your voice stands outs above everyone else in terms of volume, then the harmony and oneness of the group experience is affected.

You can choose to work through each energy centre in sequence starting from the root and finishing at the crown or vice versa, or you may spend your toning practise working intuitively with your own energy field, making the vowel sounds which are most important for you at the time. As you tone  become aware of the effects of the sound on your physical body, your emotions, and your thinking. Listen to the sounds you are making and be aware of the vibrations in different areas of your body. As the toning progresses, focus  how  the energy is changing in that area. I have found that 20 minutes is a good time period for a daily personal practise, but you can do less or more. When toning the chakras in sequence, it is good to have a small silence at the end of each chakra vowel toning segment to really appreciate the work you have done. Tone for about 2-3 minutes per centre. If you are working intuitively then just go with the flow of what feels right. You may wish to start slowly and build up the time you spend toning. In larger toning groups I have been part of, I have taken part in toning periods of up to twelve hours, so don’t worry too much  about  overdoing it! At the end of your toning period give yourself a little time to ground yourself.

Many different traditions work with vowel toning in this way, and some of them differ in the vowel sounds they attribute to each chakra. In the following table I have listed the vowel sounds and correspondences I personally use but should you wish to try other vowel sounds and correspondences according to other traditions, then please do.

There are numerous benefits to vowel toning. As a meditation, this type of practise helps to relieve tension and stress from both the physical and energy body. It is not uncommon for people to have deep transcendental inner experiences, visions, and altered states of consciousness. Repressed emotions often come to the surface to be made conscious and let go of, resulting in a more peaceful, blissful state  of being. Toning can both relax and energise due to its balancing nature on the mind and body  and the increase in universal life force energy. It develops focus and  concentration  and a greater awareness of one’s own current state of health energetically. On a physical level toning in this way allows for greater breath control and improved breathing with resultant greater oxygenation of the body and brain. It is said to have a neurochemical effect on the body, releasing endorphins, our feel good chemicals, hence contributing to our feeling of well being, boosting our immune system, and lowering blood pressure. It rejuvenates at a cellular level, improves circulation, and can alleviate pain. As mentioned earlier, when toning together in a group, there comes about a real sense of “oneness”, love and connection.

I have been fortunate to have been taught by some of the world’s foremost toning masters and my gratitude goes to Jim Albani, Jonathan Goldman, Jill Purce and Chris James all of who have shared their knowledge and practical experience.

Through my own personal practise, I have been inspired to host a very special event, “A Celebration of Voice – A Sacred Toning Immersion” – an entire day of chakra toning to commemorate the Autumnal Equinox on Saturday 26^th September 2015. This will be a phenomenal experience. I myself have partaken in events similar to this before and they take the participants to a place that can’t be experienced in any other way. It is also very difficult to put into words the space one reaches during the toning, but I can assure you it is like nothing else you will have experienced before and is truly transformational, moving, celestial and beautiful.

Participants may arrive from 09:00 hours to settle in and we shall start the day at 09:30 am with a short introductory workshop into chakra vowel toning  for those who may not have done this before or need a reminder. We will then all take part in a special opening ceremony where several of the participants will be invited in advance to play a special part in starting the event. The day will be orchestrated in such a way, that there will be a large proportion of people toning constantly once we start the toning  ceremony in the morning until we finish in the evening – a total of nine hours  consecutive toning. There  will be allocated  breaks for everyone during the day on an hourly basis when you can personally have a break from  the toning should you wish, but the group toning taking place in the main ceremonial area will be constant.

This is an alcohol and drug free event. Participants will be asked to bring a vegetarian dish to share and we will finish the event with what will be an Equinox feast at around 19:30 when  the  toning  finishes, ending  the  day at  around 21:00 hours. Participants will be encouraged not to eat during the toning event unless they specifically want to or have specific medical requirements which demand that they do (and provisions in terms of a dining area and break out room will be made for those  who fall into these categories if they need to bring their own lunch/snacks). The fasting experience adds to the potency of the experience, so it is recommended if participants think they should need it to have breakfast before the day starts, as they will not be eating again until we finish in the evening. All participants will also be asked not to talk during the toning event in the main ceremonial area or the break  out areas as it is a special sacred and meditative  event and speaking will interrupt the “going inward” which all will experience. Our celebration feast at the end of the day is an opportunity to share the day’s experiences with friends as well as ground from the high, expansive state that people  will  be in. It is recommended that participants bring bottled water with them to drink during the day.

This event is going to be a highly memorable  experience for anybody who would like to attend. Participants won’t be expected to tone for the entire day of nine hours as  participants will be allocated into groups, but there will be a large proportion of attendees toning at any one time so that at no time will the toning be stopped or interrupted.

To cover hall  hire and other expenses, the cost of the event is £40 for the entire day. Booking in advance is essential. Participants may arrive from 09:00 hours and we shall finish at 21:00 hours – a total of 12 hours. Booking Form

Optimally, in terms of sounding and energy, the more people at this event the better, so please share this information with anyone who you feel would benefit from experiencing this very special opportunity to expand their consciousness  as One.  A Celebration of Voice Sacred Toning Immersion for the Autumn Equinox Flyer & Information In terms of a vibrationary experience, the positive effect of a large number of us toning for this long period will have an effect on not only ourselves and the hall we are working in, but much further afield. In terms of experiences in 2015,  this is going to be one of the best days of the year!

©  Sarah Gregg 2015

I hope you have found the last few blog posts of interest about some of the offerings we provide. It is something I have been meaning to do for a while because it’s difficult to convey the qualities and benefit of a workshop without going into a little deeper explanation. This week’s post is about a residential healing course I hold around the time of the Celtic New Year on an annual basis and the contents and syllabus have led to me creating a method of ancestral healing combined with sound and energy healing techniques which has been uniquely formulated and which I have called The Ancestral Resonance Process.

The creation of this process resulted from a series of journeys and guidance I personally received over a twelve month period a few years ago. I journey on a regular basis for personal guidance and self-healing and during one of my journeys for something quite unrelated I found myself face to face with two relatives who had passed several decades ago, but with whom I had strong and loving relationships, my Grandmother and Great Aunt on my mother’s side, both who had interests in natural and spiritual healing methods like myself. They were very happy to see me and even more excited about introducing me to someone who had apparently been related to my maternal Grandfather.  Through dialogue with this person I discovered that due to her own life circumstances during the 1850s she had suffered soul loss and as a consequence had passed certain traits and emotional responses down my maternal family line.  Some of those emotional responses were affecting me negatively at the time and it was a revelation to discover where they had originated from. I was able to offer the lady healing in the journey state and conduct a soul retrieval for her and as a consequence, this too has had a long lasting positive impact on my own emotional responses to certain triggers.

Over the next twelve months I was faced with many instances when my own responses felt like they were ones I had inherited, and during many meditations, healing practices and journeys I met a wide range of ancestors, all who were both happy and grateful for the work I was undertaking which benefitted not only them and myself, but my entire family line. It was really fascinating to work with fears I had had all of my life and find out why they were such a big deal for me. I could see clearly why my parents had had certain emotional responses and thought processes, how they had been passed on to myself despite all of my intentions, and where they had originated from. It was a surprise, but incredibly enlightening to see how different scenarios and life circumstances also were repeated through the bloodlines. So a lot of healing took place for myself during those twelve months and at the end of the time I had put together a series of practices to heal ancestral wounds, but also to recognise, work with and embody the positive qualities that are passed down the family line.

Ancestral veneration is practised by most cultures throughout the world. It is widely understood that by working with our own ancestral lineages we can heal many inherited attitudes, karmic tendencies, ancestral wounds and repeated family patterns, each of us being a product of our ancestors. Research carried out by respected scientists and family psychologists have demonstrated that all of these inherited tendencies are transferred through space and time.  Because I work with sound as a healing modality and find it so effective as a transformational tool, I have created this workshop to combine modern healing methods with ancient sound healing techniques to effect a healing through the energetics which connect us with our ancestral lines, healing our ancestors and our ancestral wounds and in doing so, having a positive impact on our own healing and that of our families. Through our own intention, these deep healing practices, initiations, ritual, ceremony, dance and sound, will effect long lasting shifts for our own healing journeys.

The Ancestral Resonance Process methodically and distinctly heals not only the original ancestral wound, but its influence on us at this current time. As we effect a healing on our ancestors, we have an effect not only on ourselves but other members of our family. During the workshop we work in partnership not only with our own ancestors but also with the Angelic and Elemental realms and Ascended Masters to effect a deep and long lasting healing, and we start the workshop with a beautiful initiation which allows us to channel powerful healing energies to assist us in the process. The workshop allows you to gain further insight into your own characteristics and how they have been shaped by your family influences. One of the highlights of the workshop is an all-night vigil where each participant is encouraged to prepare some form of offering to their own ancestral line ranging from five minutes to an hour in length in the form of poetry, readings, stories, recitals, drumming, sound baths or similar. This sacred act allows us to express our gratitude and reverence to our own ancestors as a community and the group energy lends itself to a powerful and moving experience.

Throughout the workshop we work with sound in many different ways; toning, chanting, singing, shruti, crystal bowls, Tibetan bowls, gongs, sound baths, drumming, mantra and other instruments. This powerful and deeply healing workshop is currently being run as a residential retreat at the time of the Celtic New Year when the veil between the worlds is thin and the work and communication we do with our ancestors is enhanced energetically. I have chosen to return yet again to a beautiful retreat centre on the Suffolk Coast which I have used for the past few years because of its peace and tranquillity, its high vibrational energy and the way it holds the space so participants can go deep into the work. As part of our workshop we do a magical coastal walk along this part of the Suffolk Coast, where we have the opportunity to do some earth chanting, sacred ceremony, visiting of ancient sites and enjoying the beautiful coast and countryside.

Have you ever considered some of the things which happen in your life may be due to energetics inherited from your ancestors? Do you feel you are repeating things within your own life which you know happened in the lives of your parents or other members of your family? Are you finding yourself stuck in certain repetitive behaviour patterns that despite working with many other forms of healing practises, you are not making headway with?  If the answer to any of these questions is yes, then consider joining us for what is not only a powerful and moving weekend, but also a beautiful and healing experience for those who attend. The centre is small and places are restricted to twelve and places are now starting to fill for this year’s retreat which is taking place Friday October 30^th to November 2^nd, so please register your interest early should you wish to attend.  On registration you will be given some preparatory work to do in advance of the weekend in connection with your Ancestral lineage. Synchronistically during the course of the time leading up to the retreat, as part of your soul growth you will start to become aware of the things you will need to concentrate on during the weekend that are ancestrally related. Again, because our lives are multi-layered, it’s not uncommon for people to repeat the retreat with new things to consider every time they attend.

Here are some of the quotes from previous Ancestral Resonance Process residentials:

“My what an amazing retreat! Many thanks for all your loving hard work. I enjoyed Trish’s meals – tasty and filling. Arrived home feeling lighter in self and in spirit, having shed a lot of ancestral baggage, much more to process and integrate I am sure – It truly was a unique experience for me.”

“Thank you for a wonderful time in Dunwich. I feel lighter since I have come home. I have learned a lot about myself and my ancestors”.

“Thank you for such a wonderful weekend filled with so much light, love and sound. I woke this morning with a sense of accomplishment and calm and I am very grateful to you for providing the opportunity for so much deep healing. It is a lovely venue and I enjoyed everything offered. Please pass on my thanks to Trish for her truly delicious meals. It was a very special and memorable few days.”

“Many thanks again for all your hard work in organising the retreat – I found it very rewarding, and a lovely group of people. There is a magical atmosphere to the Phoenix Centre, especially in the big hall.”

“Personally I gained so much from the weekend in all directions. I feel things are changing for the better, so that is encouraging. I leave with a sense of calm and trust that all will be well as I have so many gifts from my ancestors to help me along the way and a stronger connection than I had before”.

Further information can be found in the retreats section of the Reiki Drum website.

© Sarah Gregg 2015

Forthcoming Highlighted Events

• 5 February – Monthly Reiki Share (no booking required) Sawbridgeworth Memorial Hall 7-10 pm £5
• 7 & 8 February  – Reiki Two (Okuden) – Sawbridgeworth
• 21 & 22 February – Holy Fire Karuna Reiki  I & II Practitioner – Sawbridgeworth
• 5 March –  Monthly Reiki Share (no booking required) Sawbridgeworth Memorial Hall 7-10 pm £5
• 7 & 8 March – Reiki Drum Practitioner Training – Sawbridgeworth
• 13-15 March – Holy Fire Karuna Reiki Master Teacher Training – Sawbridgeworth
• 22nd March – Annual Spring Equinox Reiki Drum Share, Sheering, Essex 10:00-16:30 pm £20
• 2 April – Monthly Reiki Share (no booking required) Sawbridgeworth Memorial Hall 7-10 pm £5
• 11 & 12 April  – Reiki One (Shoden) – Sawbridgeworth
• 18 & 19 April -Sacred Sound & Light Immersion Training – Sawbridgeworth
• 7th June – Usui Reiki Kotodama Workshop – Sawbridgeworth
• 13th-17th July – Annual Reiki Retreat, Glastonbury, Somerset
• 30th October-2nd November – The Ancestral Resonance Process, Dunwich, Suffolk

So when I discovered during my Reiki training that the traditional system of Reiki incorporated sacred chants as part of its healing methods, I was overjoyed! I was introduced to the Usui Reiki Kotodama meaning “words carrying spirit” by one of my teachers during a Reiju empowerment in a Master Teacher class. I had received Reiju before in a group situation, but found that the whole experience was so much deeper and again, quite profound as she toned the Kotodama into my energy field.

It is more usual for the Kotodama to be taught in traditional Eastern/Japanese Reiki teachings and not so much in the classes which originate from a Western lineage, although some teaching Masters have incorporated them into their classes. As with many things “Reiki” there are many different stories of why and how the Kotodama came to be introduced into the system, but most Reiki scholars agree they were introduced by Mikao Usui as a way of working with and differentiating the different vibrations of the energies used in the system of Reiki.

Originally a Shinto discipline, the term Kotodama refers both to the spiritual power of a word and also to the fact that spiritual power can be manifested by intonation of certain words. The Japanese people believe that positive and beautiful sounding words can create a positive effect on something, whereas negative sounding words would have a negative effect. The late Masuro Emotodemonstrated this effectively in his research with water and ice crystals. In his work he subjected different samples of water from a single  source to a variety of different vibrations in terms of words and music. Freezing the water, he then photographed the ice crystals which resulted. His findings showed that the water exposed to lighter, purer vibrations created more beautiful ice crystals than those subjected to heavier, denser vibrations.

When attuned to the traditional Reiki symbols or energies, all Reiki students are taught the unique mantras or names of the associated energies they have been attuned to and how to pronounce them. These mantra are known as Jumon which means “magical spell or mystical incantation” and each of the four traditional Usui Reiki Shirushi (symbols) have their own unique Jumon or mantra which differ to the Reiki Kotodama. All of the Reiki symbols have had different characteristics assigned to them over time, but the most important aspect pertaining to each one is their own particular vibration. Using the Kotodama, the practitioner works with the vibration of the energy in a slightly different way.

The Usui Reiki Kotodama practise use both vowel sounds and primary consonant sounds and can be used in a variety of ways. I have chanted, toned and sung the Kotodama, as well as working with them silently. Following the ethos of Reiki as a system of self-healing primarily, I personally like to work with the Kododama for my own spiritual well-being, incorporating them as part of my own personal practise by working with them for around 20 minutes. I have also used them whilst giving Reiki treatments, distant healing, Reiki drumming and creating sacred space.

When I started teaching Reiki Drumming and Karuna Reiki, and began to meet more and more people from other lineages, I realised that the Kotodama were barely touched upon during the Usui Reiki training and certainly not afforded a large portion of time. I was guided to develop a day’s workshop which allowed students of Reiki to come together to work with these sacred chants in a group situation. Working with the Kotodama for personal spiritual use is amazing, but working in a group energy makes for a very deep and powerful experience.  During the day we work practically and experientially with the Kotodama for deep and insightful personal healing. We work with the sacred chants in a variety of ways and I have incorporated other healing Buddhist chants which are introduced throughout the day and which can be used for one’s own healing or for the healing of others. Working in the group in this way is hugely transformational.

Please visit the Usui Reiki Kotodama Workshop Page for further information. This year the workshop is being held on Sunday June 7th and I have started to take bookings. Because of the benefits of working in a group energy in this way, it is not uncommon for students to come back and repeat the workshop.  Because we work with the Level Two/Okuden energies, students need to have at least trained to this level. For those Masters who join the training, we will also be working with the Kotodama of the Master energy. If you would like to learn more about the sacred chants of the System of Reiki, then please come and immerse yourself in this beautiful group energy.

Here are some comments from recent workshops:

“Thank you for arranging a wonderful day yesterday. I feel cleansed and cleared in some places and enlightened in others!  Would happily do another.”

“Heartfelt thanks for creating such a lovely space in which to deepen my connection to Reiki and express myself yesterday.  Pure joy and lots of fun. I shifted some old and more recent “stuff” and cleared several layers”.

“Thank you for an amazing Kotodama day yesterday. The sacred sounds and the vibrational energy relieved tension I had been carrying around. I will try to do more chanting at home for my well-being.”

“Thank you so much for a great day!  It’s very helpful for us to revise and learn new techniques and to have a fun day with such a great group of Reiki people from far and wide!”

© Sarah Gregg 2015

Forthcoming Highlighted Events

• 31 January/1 February – Reiki One (Shoden) – Sawbridgeworth
• 5 February – Monthly Reiki Share (no booking required) Sawbridgeworth Memorial Hall 7-10 pm £5
• 7 & 8 February  – Reiki Two (Okuden) – Sawbridgeworth
• 21 & 22 February – Holy Fire Karuna Reiki  I & II Practitioner – Sawbridgeworth
• 5 March –  Monthly Reiki Share (no booking required) Sawbridgeworth Memorial Hall 7-10 pm £5
• 7 & 8 March – Reiki Drum Practitioner Training – Sawbridgeworth
• 13-15 March – Holy Fire Karuna Reiki Master Teacher Training – Sawbridgeworth
• 22nd March – Annual Spring Equinox Reiki Drum Share, Sheering, Essex 10:00-16:30 pm £20
• 2 April – Monthly Reiki Share (no booking required) Sawbridgeworth Memorial Hall 7-10 pm £5
• 11 & 12 April  – Reiki One (Shoden) – Sawbridgeworth
• 18 & 19 April -Sacred Sound & Light Immersion Training – Sawbridgeworth
• 7th June – Usui Reiki Kotodama Workshop – Sawbridgeworth
• 13th-17th July – Annual Reiki Retreat, Glastonbury, Somerset

We started a new Reiki Share in East Herts this year, the Herts & Essex Reiki Share.  Having completed its first year I can wholeheartedly say it’s been a success. We’ve always had a great turn out, thank you to those of you who have come along and supported it, there has been a lot of beautiful Reiki shared, but also camaraderie and stories from those who have come along.   We have had amazing community healings, beautiful distant healing, deep Reiju empowerments and lots of different types of meditative techniques, both Reiki and other.  If you haven’t yet managed to join us for our monthly event, it would be great to see you in 2015 to add your beautiful energy to the mix.

March 2014 saw probably the best of our annual Reiki Drum Shares to date with the addition of our beautiful gathering drum which has been played by many of you by now and created some fabulous energy. See our fun and happy smudging ceremony here Reiki Drum Share Smudging Ceremony Next year’s event on March 22^nd looks like it is going to be just as much a high energy day as ever. At the time of writing there are around 15 places remaining for those of you who would like to come and enjoy some Reiki and drumming with sixty other Reiki attuned practitioners. We always leave on a high after sharing Reiki drumming, sacred ceremony, group drumming, journeying and much more. The love in the room is tangible!  It is an event to come to if you want to leave behind any worries for the day and just focus on being present and joyful as well as meet up with old friends and of course make some new ones. You don’t have to have completed your Reiki Drum practitioner training, but you do need to be Reiki attuned to join us. 

In April I facilitated the fifth Sacred Sound & Light Immersion, which again seemed to be the best yet in terms of high energy. This weekend is a fabulous opportunity to dip your toe in the water for many different sound healing techniques. From here students often go on to explore different aspects of sound healing at a deeper level. We tone and chant mantra, chant ancient sacred chants, use rattles, drums and many other forms of percussion, partake in crystal and Tibetan bowl meditations, and possibly the piece de resistance, each participant gets to play the gong and give those attending a gong bath. Some students have said this is one of the best two day workshops they have attended. It’s certainly fun, insightful and deeply healing.  I am taking bookings for next year’s event which is taking place April 18^th & 19^th in East Herts.

Due to the effects of last year’s Usui Reiki Kotodama day which is the first time I had run the event, and the positive feedback from many of the people who attended, we held it again in 2014. Gathering a large group of Usui Reiki practitioners in one space to chant the sacred Usui Reiki chants is quite phenomenal. Again this event is running again in June 2015 and is attracting many who have already completed the day as the energy we create is truly beautiful. It also gives students the opportunity to learn and work with different sacred Buddhist Chants which can be used for a variety of healing purposes. I would invite any practitioners who have completed Level II or Okuden and above to join us in this powerful day because not only will you experience great shifts during the event but you will have a new tool to incorporate for your clients, but principally for your own spiritual practise. Chanting the Kotodama for 20 minutes a day can be a deeply healing experience.

Also in June we returned to Cornwall and Tintagel for the special Reiki Retreat, Exploring our Divine Potential. Not only did we spend time amongst the beautiful Cornish scenery exploring sacred sites, beaches, caves and coastal paths, but we also explored what made us tick, what skills we had, what our passions were and how these were propelling us into our future paths. The group of people this year were such a lovely group of old souls and strong bonds were made by those who attended. There was a lot of love and a lot of laughter!  The weather was absolutely stunning, and because of the incredible temperatures it almost felt Mediterranean. We had such talent amongst us and one of the highlights was the poetry that one of our participants  graced us with each day themed and based around our day’s activities. Next year we are returning to Glastonbury for our annual retreat July 13^th – 17^th and at this current time there are five places remaining for what is always an incredible week. I will write more about next year’s retreat over the coming weeks as I am going to showcase various events which are coming up with their own blog write up which they are all worthy of.

In July I took a sabbatical and spent time overseas following some beautiful teachings and connecting with incredible souls, part of my soul family I feel, making friendships that I feel will last for ever.  How important it is for us as teachers and practitioners to take time out for ourselves at least once a year to work on our own development. The experience did indeed feed my soul and gave me the energy boost I needed to meet the demands of the latter part of the year. I try and undertake some form of retreat myself at least annually. I am always grateful when experienced and practised Reiki and metaphysical teachers find their way to my events. Sometimes it’s not necessarily to learn a host of new things, but to immerse oneself in old and familiar teachings to gain the practise from them rather than learn them as new.  Our Reiki retreats are one event in particular where participants with a wealth of teaching and healing experience mix with students who have just been attuned to Reiki and make for a really interesting blend of lovely people.

In August due to many different synchronicities and prompts from the Universe I revisited my Karuna Reiki Master training to complete Holy Fire Karuna Mastership which appears to have opened up my world even further. This will be the first of the courses I am going to dedicate a piece to in the next few weeks, needless to say the new energy channelled is I feel an ancient energy, revisiting us to impart its love, wisdom and power. I ran the first of the Master courses in September and will be rolling out both a practitioner training in February and August and Master course in March and September for any Usui Reiki Masters who are interested in taking their training to the next level or for Karuna practitioners and Masters who would like to incorporate the new Holy Fire energy.

In September our Autumnal Equinox Celebration of Gratitude Event was an incredibly beautiful affair. Many of us met to celebrate the many blessings this lifetime has graced us through sacred chant, gong baths, dance and drumming. We all left with open hearts full of gratitude and joy.

October was the icing on the cake for the trainings I had delivered. From spiritual guidance and channellings in 2013 I had put together a new system of healing called The Ancestral Resonance Process which was rolled out for the first time during the Celtic New Year Honouring the Ancestors Retreat in Suffolk. Again, a more in depth piece will be dedicated to this amazing retreat. It attracted hugely gifted individuals and the healings that took place were profound, supported by our ancestors through the medium of sound.  I am looking forward to running this again October 30^th through to November 2^nd in 2015 and have started to take bookings.  If you feel you may have inherited not only family personality traits and characteristics that sabotage your life but also see yourself repeating circumstances which have occurred in the family lineage time and time again, this process sheds light on the original source of the issue along with creating a space for deep healing.

Not forgetting our regular offerings of Reiki Drum practitioner workshops, and Usui Reiki workshops, all of which were well attended in 2014. Reiki Drumming is practised so widely now throughout the UK and draws such interest nowadays that I decided to offer only two trainings in 2015, in March and September, so if you have not yet added this fabulous healing modality to your Reiki toolbag, take the marvellous opportunity to do so in 2015.

I have been guided to introduce several new projects for 2015, news of which will be coming out in due course, needless to say they are all very exciting and will include several new events and a powerful life changing workshop which I’m hugely excited about, which I have been working on for a few years and is now looking like it finally near fruition. Many of the offerings I now teach and facilitate are purely sound healing based, and as such I have set up a sister organisation to reflect these teachings called Sacred Sound Inspirations which works in tandem with Reiki Drum for many of the events. If our paths have not crossed in 2014 I hope it was a great one for you and if we haven’t yet met, perhaps some of the offerings coming up in 2015 will appeal to you.

In terms of the global reality.  2014 seemed to be a year of cleansing, chaos and conflict. Many of the global conflicts  I felt deeply and had to do a lot of personal practise to release emotional attachment to some of the things that were happening around the world, which appear so senseless and violent originating from fear as opposed to love and which touch Sensitives like us so profoundly. But cleansing it was and through the pain and misery that many souls suffered through the global shadow, growth and hope will always endure.  When we work with the Reiki consciousness, it is hard to witness the heartless ego driven actions of others and some of us may find it difficult to understand these actions. There is a need like never before to continue to raise consciousness on the planet through the work we do through our healing and teaching, stay strong in knowing that the work we do matters and contributes to facilitating great change for people and protect ourselves from those lower vibrational energies who would try and sabotage our endeavours  through continuing our own personal practise and also through the joy we find in our communities of like-minded.

Just writing this has made me realise what a full year it was for the teachings shared with so many wonderful people. I often wonder if things will slow down but 2015 looks like it holds many more beautiful opportunities to connect with like-minded adventurous souls on their spiritual quests and I believe when one holds passion for what one does, the Universe will keep providing fantastic opportunities to explore that.

I would like to thank so many of you who made 2014 such an incredible year of joy for me. At a recent Master class I was asked what drove me and I can honestly say seeing the transformations that this work I have been blessed to be part of, creates for individuals, has to be my driving force. Seeing people come to Reiki shares and workshops or sound events looking slightly grey around the gills and world weary when they arrive, often weighed down with the burdens of life, but leaving so much lighter and with radiant smiles on their faces having experienced the healing effects of the Reiki energy or the profound shifts sound healing can create. This is something that cannot be taken away or destroyed in my mind or memory and inspires me to continue this work.

Solstice Blessings beautiful ones, may the end of the year draw to a gentle close for all of you giving you time to reflect on your 2014, the dark and the light, and may 2015 bring you new growth in all areas of your life.

With love, Sarah xxx

Forthcoming Highlighted Events

• 31 January/1 February – Reiki One (Shoden) – Sawbridgeworth
• 5 February – Monthly Reiki Share (no booking required) Sawbridgeworth Memorial Hall 7-10 pm £5
• 7 & 8 February  – Reiki Two (Okuden) – Sawbridgeworth
• 21 & 22 February – Holy Fire Karuna Reiki  I & II Practitioner – Sawbridgeworth
• 5 March –  Monthly Reiki Share (no booking required) Sawbridgeworth Memorial Hall 7-10 pm £5
• 7 & 8 March – Reiki Drum Practitioner Training – Sawbridgeworth
• 13-15 March – Holy Fire Karuna Reiki Master Teacher Training – Sawbridgeworth
• 22nd March – Annual Spring Equinox Reiki Drum Share, Sheering, Essex 10:00-16:30 pm £20
• 2 April – Monthly Reiki Share (no booking required) Sawbridgeworth Memorial Hall 7-10 pm £5
• 11 & 12 April  – Reiki One (Shoden) – Sawbridgeworth
• 18 & 19 April -Sacred Sound & Light Immersion Training – Sawbridgeworth

I’ve also come across people from different traditions who have perhaps judged Reiki Drumming as just another slant on an old theme. Is it shamanic drumming with a twist or Reiki with some added extras? I believe not, I feel that Reiki Drumming is a healing modality all on its own which introduces a variety of amazing healing practises through the power of Reiki energy. Reiki Drumming is a sound healing modality in that it harnesses the magic of the drum. Reiki Drumming uses the high frequency energy of Reiki as its medium. Reiki Drumming works with Shamanic, Buddhist, Shinto, Native American, and Celtic practices. Reiki Drumming incorporates gifts from many different traditions from around the globe. Reiki Drumming utilises Meditations, NLP and affirmations. So as you can see it doesn’t sit only in the Shamanic camp or the Reiki camp. It is too diverse. It brings people back to ancient practises and techniques which are part of their spiritual, energetic and healing birthright.

I personally have studied different shamanic practices from a variety of cultures and revere and respect the techniques and their origin. I am aware however that there are many people, especially in the mainstream who find the word “shaman” a bit daunting. This is where Reiki Drumming comes into its own as a “bridge”. Reiki Healing sits comfortably in the mainstream nowadays. It is practised in a wide variety of organisations such as hospitals, hospices, rehabilitation units, animal rescue centres etc. You can go into many salons, spas and therapy centres around your own country and you will find a Reiki practitioner. Because of this it attracts people from all walks of life. I’ve also found that most people are happy for the practitioner to incorporate the drum as part of the healing therapy. This is when it acts as a bridge. When recipients start to experience the deep healing effects of Reiki Drumming it can open up and raise their consciousness. My colleague today recounted several stories of her case study clients who would never have experienced some of the powerful healings they received during Reiki Drum healings or journeys if it hadn’t been for Reiki Drumming. They were not the type of person who would seek out a shaman for some soul retrieval work, but they were comfortable in coming to a Reiki treatment which incorporated these aspects from other different traditions.

I’ve personally found in my own practise that most people love the drum. They associate with it at a deep level and I have treated a wide spectrum of people from those with an awareness and interest in healing practises, to young children and old aged pensioners, cancer patients, maternity clients etc. All have been comfortable with this gentle but powerful healing modality. They trust the Reiki energy so they also trust the techniques introduced through Reiki Drumming.

If you haven’t yet experienced this marvellous healing modality, why not seek out a practitioner local to you and try it. The fact that it is spreading through the UK like wildfire is a sure sign that this is something important at this present time in our evolution, and a healing modality which is helping to raise humanity’s consciousness. And for those of you who are Reiki practitioners and would like to learn a little more, we run regular classes throughout the year. You can find further details in our Courses section.

With love and blessings, Sarah x

Forthcoming Highlighted Events

6 March – Monthly Reiki Share, Sawbridgeworth, Herts (repeated first Thursday of every month)

23 March – Reiki Drum Share, Sheering, Essex (2 places remaining)

5 & 6 April – Sacred Sound & Light Immersion, Sheering, Essex (1 place remaining)

3-4 May – Reiki Drum Practitioner Training

8 June – Usui Reiki Kotodama Workshop

17-21 June – Summer Solstice Reiki Retreat “Exploring Your Divine Potential” – North Cornwall

31 Oct-3 Nov – Honouring The Ancestors & Healing The Ancestral Line Retreat