Drumming for Life’s Transitions

Explore how the drum can support you through life changes and guide you through personal growth

Drumming: A Pathway to Transformation

Sophie Messager standing in a meadow field holding up a drum

Throughout my journey from scientist to life transitions mentor, drumming has been a constant companion, offering a unique blend of scientific insight and ancient wisdom. Each rhythm tells a story, each beat a step towards healing and growth.

Drumming is more than just music; it’s a language that speaks to the soul. It has been a pivotal tool in my work, helping women connect with their inner selves and embrace change. Here, I share my experiences and insights, hoping to inspire others to find their own rhythm in life’s journey.

Free Drumming as Medicine Intention Cards

30 beautifully designed cards to deepen your drumming practice

Each card offers a specific intention to guide your drumming: from grounding and release to energising and transformation. Pull a card before you start drumming, let it meet you where you are, and drum from there.

Includes:

  • 30 intention cards across 7 themes (Grounding, Releasing, Energising, Emotional, Transition, Seasonal & Permission)
  • Clear, embodied guidance for each intention
  • Beautiful purple & teal design

Whether you’re anxious and need grounding, angry and need release, or numb and need to wake up, there’s a card to support exactly what you need today.

Perfect for:

  • Daily drumming practice
  • Setting intentions before drum circles
  • Supporting your nervous system regulation
  • Deepening your connection to intuitive drumming

Download your free deck and let the cards guide your rhythm.

 
Free drum medicine intention deck PDF
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Beating the ‘Shroom: Drumming as a Safer Alternative to Psychedelics

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NEW: The Beat of Your Own Drum

Reclaim your voice. Discover your rhythm. Transform your life.

A groundbreaking exploration of drumming as a path for women’s wisdom, health, and transformation. By Sophie Messager, PhD.

Close up photo of Book the beat of your own drum by Sophie Messager placed on a log beside a drum in nature

The Beat of Your Own Drum, by Sophie Messager.
£11.99

A Journey Through Rhythm and Transformation

Explore the ancient wisdom and modern science of drumming across 10 transformative chapters. From the history of women drummers to the neuroscience of rhythm, from supporting birth journeys to creating sacred circles – discover how the drum can become your guide through life’s transitions.

With a foreword by acclaimed midwife and educator Jane Hardwicke Collings, this comprehensive guide bridges the gap between scientific research and sacred practice.

“This book encapsulates everything you need to know about sacred drumming, in fact this book should come as standard issue with every drum – bought and birthed.”

— Rachael Crow

Drumming Services

One to One Drum Sessions

One to one drum assisted mentoring or healing sessions tailored to your unique journey

Online Courses & Workshops

Drumming as medicine, drumming for birth courses and drum workshops for personal transformation

Monthly Drum Circle

Community drum circle near Cambridge for connection and healing

What People Say

“Sophie holds a beautifully supportive space for us all to be in, feel the rhythm and the magic. I feel that I have learned and remembered a lot about myself, I feel more connected within. Truly beautiful!”

— Thalia, Perinatal educator

“I feel more confident in my drumming and confident going forward for drumming ceremonies or sessions alone”

— Robyn, Doula

“A deeply affirming experience that connects you back to your innate wisdom using the ancient power the drum. Sophie has a beautiful kind presence and ability to guide you safely and easily into the depths of your being.”

— Kanan, Neurodivergent Coach

Let’s Collaborate on Your Drumming Journey

I’m here to guide you as you seek personal transformation, look to learn drumming skills, or want to join our community circles.

Latest Drumming Insights

  • 10 Ways the Drum Slows Your Brain Down (So You Can Access Peace and Wisdom)

    10 Ways the Drum Slows Your Brain Down (So You Can Access Peace and Wisdom)

    Have you ever noticed how hard it is to think your way into calm? The more we try to stop the mind from spinning, the louder it seems to get. The drum offers a different path, one that bypasses the busy mind and leads you straight into stillness. Every one of us carries within a…


  • Why Drumming Disrupts the Patriarchy: Reclaiming the Ancient Medicine They Made Us Forget

    Why Drumming Disrupts the Patriarchy: Reclaiming the Ancient Medicine They Made Us Forget

    The first time I held a drum, I felt something ancient in my body. A recognition. Something that said: you know this. And I did, or rather, my body did. My hands knew the rhythm before my mind. My heart knew this was medicine before I had language for why. This was so strong that…


  • Start Drumming: A Guide for Women’s Wellbeing & Inner Wisdom

    Start Drumming: A Guide for Women’s Wellbeing & Inner Wisdom

    “Imagine a practice that calms the nervous system, soothes body and mind, deepens connection and empowerment – that’s drumming.” – Jane Hardwicke Collings The Permission You’ve Been Waiting For Since sharing my research on women and drumming and publishing The Beat of Your Own Drum, I’ve heard the same thing over and over from women…


  • From Skeptic to Believer: Why I Wrote The Beat Of Your Own Drum

    From Skeptic to Believer: Why I Wrote The Beat Of Your Own Drum

    My new book The Beat Of Your Own Drum, the history, science and contemporary use of drumming as a path for women’s wisdom, health, and transformation, is now available from Womancraft publishing.  I want to share with you why I wrote this book.   The beginning My journey with the drum is deeply rooted in…


  • What Happens When Women Refuse to Stay Quiet? A Conversation Series on Reclaiming Our Right to Make Noise

    What Happens When Women Refuse to Stay Quiet? A Conversation Series on Reclaiming Our Right to Make Noise

    To accompany the launch of my new book, The Beat of your Own Drum, the history, science and contemporary use of drumming as a path for women’s wisdom, health, and transformation,  I have recorded this series of conversations with 9 change making, pattern disrupting women who have experienced this tension between silencing and expression in…