Sistrum (Musical Instrument) - The effect produced by the sistrum in music - when shaken in short, sharp, rhythmic pulses - is to arouse movement and activity. The rhythmical shaking of the sistrum, like the tambourine, is associated with religious or ecstatic events, shaken as a sacred rattle in the worship of Hathor, Sekhmet, Isis, Bastet and other aspects of the Goddess