As I’ve previously explained on this site, every time I make a drum, it leads me to its story or to a general theme involving it, and eventually to its name. I find such joy in this exchange. So, while working with this wonderful little drum, it led me to thoughts of leprechauns, elfin and fairy folk and other clans associated with European traditions, and then to the so-called “Little People of the Cherokee”  http://www.ilhawaii.net/~stony/lore132.html.

In total, these beings are said to have been here long before us, and that they continue to live everywhere on the Earth Mother. They possess abilities which we consider to be magical, but to them, are so normal as to not be noticed. They can appear and disappear at will, particularly when feeling mischievous (or embarrassed). They can spin gold from sunlight, stir water into silver, make rainbows, talk to rivers, convince mountains to relocate, and are considered the masters of animals and of the anvil. Originally, it is said, they had no natural enemies and they lived very long lives. They are also said to have made the first drum, a skill taught to them by their friends, the trees. Of course, they only make drums from downed trees, a pact first agreed upon at the time they were taught.

And so, I came to call this the Elfin Drum, not in direct reference to Elves alone or in particular, but because the name seems to suggest a collective of all such beings, to me at least. And it is very playful!

For sure, the drum’s frame, made from sassafras, is associated with magical lore and healing properties. Early American settlers discovered this native tree and learned of its abilities to ward off evil spirits and to be used as a poultice and elixir, the latter now prohibited by the FDA. (http://www.allbusiness.com/furniture-related/office-furniture-including/1193542-1.html) It was even thought to possess the power of eternal youth, just like some of the Little People. It is a rare tree in many ways, as well, particularly because it will sprout three different kinds of leaves at once! I take these to represent mind, body and spirit.

My connection with the Elfin Drum definitely influenced the making of the attachments I made for it. It is a pretty straightforward process I follow to do so. I generally just sit at my workbench and allow my attention to gently focus on the drum. (I also play the drum prior to doing this if I have already tied on the drum head, which was the case here.) Sometimes, it takes a while for impressions or thoughts to come forward, and generally this transpires over several days. My first impression came quickly with the Elfin, though: it seemed to be a figure that all such beings may easily recognize, though I can’t say for sure. At any rate, it is a sort of angelic/deity that I carved from redwood, mounted on a wooden circle and entwined with copper wire and an emerald heart.  I call it the “Elfin Angel.” It is just right, having such a spirit guide watch over this drum.

Next came an important thought linking the drum with a smoky crystal I had in my possession for many years. It seemed a perfect match, so I mounted it onto a triangular piece of Lightning-Struck cherry wood I’d been saving. Doing so resulted in a natural cavity created behind part of the crystal, which I recognized as an opening into the netherworld, and a place where one can place small bits of healing herbs, tobacco or other material when using the drum in ceremony. It is a habit of mine to always put such things into openings, whether they be in drums or drum stands I use. Since Lightning-Struck wood was used, I added a length of copper wire with an emerald at each end to facilitate spiritual healing. That is, of course, the entire point of all Thunder Valley Drums I make.

It was entirely appropriate to also add a hickory nut to the Elfin Drum because it represents the power of potential, protection and manifestation. As such, it is probably highly prized by the Elfin clans. I have read that Druids often also associate the hickory nut with directional abilities. All in all, it is a symbol of strength and grounding, just as with the tree it bears, and in which, no doubt, certain Little People live.  

And finally, I was led to attach two apple circles to the Elfin Drum. There is much symbolic importance with these two “apple moons,” beginning with the recognition of apple as the symbol of rebirth and, like the lilac, with the Ain Soph Aur. The apple is also equated with love, or in this case, with double love, for self and for others, a vital component when used in ceremony.

Because the Elfin Drum is small, its note is higher, sounding much like a small snare drum or the equivalent. In a group drumming, it will be quite distinctive, a light, very distinctive, staccato note amid the bass rumblings of other drums. It is quite lively! The slightest touch on it from the drumstick or your finger will resound with life! Because it is so lightweight, you will not tire from playing it. And it makes a perfect traveling companion.

The Elfin Drum carries a pixie sound that will resonate with all of life, even with those we can’t normally see, but who are here among us, learning, playing, being, experiencing. It is a small drum that carries a big message of hope, healing and service, the triumvirate of creation.

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