Unlike the African trance tradition, the shaman goes on a journey to the spirit world with the aid of music essentially drumming/chanting/singing. He or she goes to the spirit world (usually the "under" world) accompanied by his/her spirit helpers in the belief that he can recover lost souls or to see what are called power intrusions in the body of the sick person which are causing the illness from several supposed sources such as bad spirits or sent by evil sorcerers.
Shaman’s Rattle:
An interesting aspect of this is that the shaman's rattle is held close to his own head while he shakes it. I think it was Kay Gardner's book on healing music where I read about this aspect. The sound of the loud random multiple strikes occurring inside the rattle may be affecting brainwaves and keeping a "sacred rattle" used only for the purpose of achieving altered states helps the shaman strongly associate this state to the sound of the rattle. It's always wrapped out of sight in the ordinary day until it's time to do shamanic work so as not to dilute it's potency with random associations from ordinary waking life the same as with sacred masks, pipes etc. The sound of the rattle may also help the sick person enter into an alpha state which is considered the healing frequency you want to be in to recover faster. Shamans are also known to shake the rattle over the sick person.
However, shamans usually consider the voice to be the source of the greatest healing power. It can more fully express the healing intent/compassion/love. Getting clear on the intent of the work is usually considered the thing to do first before beginning any healing whether its vocal, musical or not. I heard a flute player online associated with Mathew Montefort/scalloped fretboard guitarist and Ancient Future/world music ensemble. She played a piece whose title was something for world peace. I really felt her intent come through that performance even on little computer speakers. Something I would aspire to.
Trance and Style:
Some studies have shown that there is no relationship between the types of music used and the types of trance induced. It’s been proven that music can help trigger and maintain trance states but all sensory stimulus, along with cultural belief systems and individual expectations contribute. The musical component of trances invokes an entire mythology to which certain emotions and behaviors are attached. Incense, flowers, costumes and ritual all play their part in invoking trances, not just the music. Sometimes the music is not even needed with the right individual.
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