the world beyond words

I’ve always known there is more than the eye can see. For years, I kept this part of me to myself. Almost as a secret. Because I didn't know how to explain it. Even after 20 years of working as a professional copywriter in advertising, I still can't find the right words for it. But now I finally know why. Some things just go beyond words. They go beyond everything we know. And beyond everything we see. Some things are meant to be felt and experienced. And can only be described as magical.

For more than 10 years, I’ve studied ancient native knowledge, alternative and holistic (Japanese) healing techniques. And in the past years I’ve received several Shamanic initiations. On my journey, everything I already felt and knew made such more sense. In every way.

Now, I translate native and universal knowledge into new, fresh and contemporary treatments, journeys, rituals and ceremonies. Giving everything I do my own, personal touch. I connect ancient wisdom to modern society. I want to enrich everyday life by making ‘magic’ more down to earth, more accessible, practical and modern. So it will appeal to more people, and even companies. I want to make drum healings as normal as getting a massage or going to the spa. Because I believe that magic is here, for everyone.

My name is Ilona van de Laarschot.

It feels so powerful and liberating that I finally found the courage to let this part of me rise. And shine.

And I’m glad I had the guts to answer, when Aljezur -Portugal- called me home.

the story of the drum

The first time I picked up a shamanic drum something profound shifted. It was as if I was remembering something long forgotten. My shaman teacher witnessed it and simply said, "I don’t need to learn you anything. You already know." All I needed was to stay connected to this feeling of deep knowing and trust that my drum would find me.

And it did, sooner than I expected. Horses have always held a special place in my heart, so I reached out to a talented woman in Amsterdam who crafts shamanic horse drums. When I explained why I was calling, she said, "That’s funny. I just finished a very special drum and was wondering who it was meant for."

When I arrived at her workshop, I was greeted by a wall of stunning horse drums. But even before I saw it, I heard its sound in my mind—a drum that felt connected to a horse I once loved and lost. As soon as I picked it up, it was as if a thousand wild horses gathered behind me, their energy vibrating through the drum. At that moment, I knew. This drum isn’t just an instrument—it is my teacher, my guide, my voice, my rhythm, my heartbeat.

My drum is made of horse skin, deer antler, enriched with Rock Crystal. It is officially initiated during a shamanic ceremony. And we’ve been working together for almost a decade now.

education

I believe that life learns us great lessons. But I had the honour to meet professional teachers on my way.