Alchemy Drumming circle for the sacred feminine. 22nd Sept 2026

Ancient wisdom for the modern world. Community, safety and the healing power of drumming circles to heal ourselves and the world. The female nervous system is built for rhythm, for atunement, for connection: it doesn't heal under pressure, it heals when it's met. So this is a space to meet & connect: with yourself, with other women, with the sacred drum, with song, and with the energy of the roundhouse and the sacred land of the Clophill Centre. In these turbulent times we're bombarded with heavy energy, so this is an opportunity to gather with like-minded people in a healing, community circle. Using the powerful, ancient and healing rhythm of the drum to focus intention and transmute negative and low energy into high frequency, loving and light energy, both for ourselves and to spread outwards into the world. Water can also be placed in the circle to absorb the positive intention to take home. Water holds emotion and memories, so this alchemy is a strong way to spread the intention of the circle further afield. Most importantly, we'll have fun, support each other and we'll create a community. The circle is always what it needs to be on the day, there's no pressure to do anything other than sit and feel ancient rhythms wash through you, but the more you put in to the circle, the more you get out. In a circle we re all equal: no-one is above, no-one below, no-one in front no-one behind. Your voice is welcome and your silence is held with love. Sing, rattle, move, hum, talk, or simply be: be human and be witnessed. Feel held, seen, and safe to just be. Please bring: Anything to make you feel comfortable and cosy. I suspect it will cool considerably over the evening, so please bring lots of layers. Also cushions, throws etc. to be comfy, but bear in mind it will be an earth floor, a fire pit and straw bales, so nothing you're too precious about! Drinks or snacks if you might need them. (There should be a ketle available for use. I'll bring a selection of herbal teas and I'll share some grounding snacks at the end!) A camping chair if you think you'll need it: we will be sitting on straw bales around the fire pit, so if that might not be comfortable for you, bring what you need. Your own drum if you have one, but there's plenty available to use (or you can book a drum birthing with me if you'd like to create your own!) A notebook/journal and pen if you feel drawn. A small glass bottle if you wish to take imprinted water home (I will try to have some available if needed, and often also have some Glastonbury spring water available to buy). Anything you wish to bring to honour the space and/or soak up the energy: crystals, totems, sentimental items etc. for the altar. An open heart and mind. Getting there: If this is your first time, please leave plenty of time to get there and find the roundhouse! Using the map below: Once at the centre, drive straight ahead once you enter from the road (Don't turn left into the marked parking area). Drive straight up the track, through the front field and, upon entering the top field, park to the right of the track, between the bottom hedge and the mound, then walk up to the roundhouse (marked "M" on the map). You can see directions to the centre itself on their website: https://www.clophillcentre.co.uk/contact-2/ Contraindications: The women’s drum circles and the sharing circle within is not a substitute for medical consultation for physical, mental & psychological illnesses. It is, however, a powerful natural complementary form of healing as well as a safe space for social interaction. It is not a therapy group, and should not be seen by participants as such. It may not be suitable for everyone, so please consider your own situation before attending, and contact me or take medical advice if you have any concerns. • Tinnitus & Meniere’s. Those with Tinnitus or Meniere’s disease may find that the use of ear plugs helps with joining a drum circle whilst avoiding over-stimulating the ears. However, some participants have reported an easing of symptoms when drumming. • Epilepsy. Those with Epilepsy and those otherwise affected by repetitive sound, should consider their triggers and make Mel, or any drum circle facilitator present, aware of any needs you might have. • PTSD, schizophrenia etc. Drumming is particularly contraindicated for those suffering from active schizophrenia, PTSD and other reality-perception altering conditions, as repetitive drumming can change the brain waves and induce trance like states. • Pregnancy. Those in the early stage of pregnancy, or those who have suffered frequent miscarriages and are currently pregnant, should seek medical advice before joining a drum circle. • Trauma. Along with the effects of sound, the active sharing space may trigger some with past trauma. This is discussed before the share. I have CPTSD and am a trauma-informed coach, so making this safe is a high priority for me. • Musculo-skeletal complaints. Those with arm and/or back complaints should be aware that repetitive or vigorous drumming can aggravate sensitive muscles. If suffering from an active back or arm injury/complaint be mindful of drumming softly and considering how you might support the affected muscle. I have hypermobility and neck instability, so am happy to talk to any concerns you may have. Please note: The women’s drum circle facilitators are not therapists and should not be treated as such. You are responsible for the energy you bring to the space. If I, or any other facilitator , believes that somebody is struggling in a way that affects the group or raises concern for wellbeing, then we may intervene and invite participants to seek alternative or additional support. "When women come together with a collective intention, magic happens." Phylicia Rashad