About this Event
Following previous sold out events in the beautiful Durbar Hall of Hastings Museum, The Sound Apothecary & Abstract Source bring Call of the Jaguar to the Mandrake.
This ceremony of sound is rooted in Shamanic tradition with both ancient and modern sound technology for a unique multi sensory experience of drum journeying, ambient soundscapes and gong and crystal singing bowl resonance composed to entrain the mind / psyche into the Theta state, the brainwave associated with intuition, dreaming and inner sight.
Ancient civilisations understood the transformational power of sound and its effect on atmosphere, the emotions and physical body, a sacred part of ceremonial rituals to induce a trance like state via the use of hypnotic drum beats and rattles, one of the oldest forms of Sound Therapy.
The significance of the Jaguar…
Revered by the ancient Maya, the Jaguar is the largest and most powerful creature of the rainforest, a totemic symbol of stealth & strength. Aligning with the spirit of the Jaguar in traditional shaman led ritual served as an effective practice to “become one” with these qualities.
An ability to see in the dark associated the Jaguar with the power of inner sight and their appearance at dusk with the setting sun led to their being called the “night sun” and worshipped as masters of the underworld and the subconscious mind.
This essence of the Jaguar would be called upon in ceremony for personal guidance and to shine a light into the deepest parts of the heart and psyche.
Call of the Jaguar honours the wisdom from this tradition... everyone can use some Jaguar power 🐆⚡️
We will open the evening with a dose of pure Cacao, which due to its potent effect on blood flow to the heart and brain may enhance perception and deepen the experience.
Please read all Cacao information below including the "health considerations" and FAQ section.
About Cacao
Cacao is rooted in ancient Meso-American culture and mythology, with the Aztecs prizing it as highly as gold and as a medicine of the heart with the Cacao tree itself believed to be a conduit between heaven and earth.
Ingested in its purest form, Cacao contains actives which stimulate the cardiovascular system, boosting blood and oxygen flow to the brain and heart. The result can br heightened mental and emotional perception.
Animism is a term used to definite the spirit of a plant in central and south american herbology and due to Cacao's effect on bloodflow and the heart, it's spirit has traditionally been regarded as an advisor and medicine for the heart.
The first recorded evidence of cultivation dates from the Olmec tradition 4000 years ago and the Cacao served this evening will be sourced from the Peruvian Criolla Cacao tree and cultivated by small farmer co -operatives.
Cacao Science
Cacao contains high levels of Theobromine, the main alkaloid contained in Cacao which expands blood vessels increasing blood circulation by up to 40% to the brain and heart stimulating both mental and emotional focus. Theo means God in greek and Broma means food so Theobromine translates as food of the gods.
This increased blood flow boosts oxygen to the brain enhancing cognitive focus making Cacao a powerful tool for transforming creative blocks and channelling new ideas.
Rich in antioxidants and minerals such as magnesium and iron, Cacao contains a much lower amount of caffeine than coffee so there are no wired energy crashes or impact on the central nervous system. The naturally bitter taste aligns to the Liver, the organ of detoxification so this combined with the stimulating effect on the brain and heart makes Cacao a powerful plant medicine for potential release on both the physical and emotional level.
The really exciting substances of Cacao are the compounds which trigger the brains production of neurotransmitters creating a release of endorphins, dopamine and serotonin...hormones which elevate mood.
Anandamide, (from the Sanskrit word Anand meaning bliss) often referred to as the "bliss molecule" binds to Cannabinoid receptors in the brain stimulating feelings of calm and euphoria associated with Cacao.
Health Considerations before drinking cacao:
Antidepressants:
SSRI antidepressants and anti-psychotics are incompatible with the Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors in cacao which can interfere with Medic*tion. However, a micro dose of cacao can be well tolerated with lower dose of medications.
Heart Rate:
It is the nature of cacao’s blood circulation boosting properties to slightly raise the heart rate. Please check with your Dr if you have any pre existing heart conditions where an increase in heart rate could could be problematic medically.
Substance use
Cacao in this pure form boosts blood flow to the brain by 30-40% amplifying other substances in your blood which is not advisable for this event.
Pregnancy
Due to the circulation boosting effect of cacao, it is best avoided in the first trimester of pregnancy.
Pre Event Guidance
- Hydrate well with water in the hours leading up to the event and bring a large bottle of water with you so you can hydrate after drinking Cacao. Due to the naturally dehydrating effect of Cacao, abstinence from alcohol is advised for 36 hours preceding the event.
- Avoid caffeine all day.
- Eat a few hours before drinking Cacao and a grounding meal / snack after
It is recommended that for the day before and of the event to eat warming and nourishing foods such as soups and stews which are easy to digest rather than raw food. For eg sweet potatoes with a black bean stew, porridge, broths…
Please contact us with any questions and to notify of any health conditions (see below) on 07970794367
• Epilepsy at any point in your life.
• Pace maker or cochlear implant
• Mental health conditions.
• Metal implants - note that sound vibrations may be felt in implants or joint replacements.
• Severe Tinnitus
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Your Hosts
The Sound Apothecary is a concept created by Maria Christofi, a graduate of The British Academy of Sound Therapy to represent the power of vibrational sound. With a special interest in the integration of the healing arts with plant medicine, performance and sound, Maria holds space for deep transformation and is a fully qualified acupuncturist, sound therapist and shamanic practitioner with 20 years of clinical practice. One to one consultations are available on the South Coast in St Leonards / Hastings and at Triyoga in London.
Maria contributes to publications such as the annual Ignota Diary and Wild Alchemy Lab and you can read her article "Alchemy of Sound" in the Air edition of the Wild Alchemy Journal.
Previous collaborations include sell out events at Hastings Museum. Coastal Currents Arts Festival ,Hastings Botanical Garden and A Curious Agenda.
Follow social media for updates and more related content.
Abstract Source is a digital arts collective founded by Jules Dickens.
Dynamic soundscapes are crafted from a classical background and rooted in ambient electronica featuring brainwave entrainment, Pythagorean tuning, biorhythms and traditional sound healing.
Previous projects include the release of a Digital Music Therapy album on the MEYA app, live performances at Brighton Digital Festival, Brighton Fringe and Hastings Sonics and collaboration with Canterbury Christ Church Universities innovation and research project.
Abstract Source
What is "Ceremonial" Cacao?
"Ceremonial Cacao" is a term to define Cacao in it's most raw state, which has been fermented and ground to a paste, rather than heat treated keeping it's active compounds, nutrient and fat content intact.
Where will the Cacao be sourced from?
The Cacao served at Sound Apothecary ceremonies is sourced from the Peruvian Criolla Cacao tree and cultivated by small farmer co -operatives. It is free from agricultural chemicals. The Criolla variety is considered "the king of Cacao" because it is the most ancient variety rather than a hybrid.
Is the inclusion of Cacao in an event cultural appropriation?
The most important question of all. As with many practices originating from other cultures, honour, respect and acknowledgment of the tradition matter.
Awareness of the provenance of the Cacao and it's journey to your cup, the farmers and producers is a big part of the honouring of cacao and its history. By sourcing Cacao mindfully we are supporting the community and lineage. There is much more to say and will be an ongoing discussion...
Will anything be added to the cacao?
Cacao is often prepared with only water to fully engage with it's deep earthy taste. Nutmeg, cinnamon and cayenne are sometimes added. This is always determined by the requirements and any intolerances of attendees.
I often see Cacao mixed with medicinal mushrooms, why is this?
Cacao's stimulating action on blood circulation means that it increases the absorption of other ingredients such as medicinal mushrooms (Reishi/Lions Mane). Cacao serves as a conduit or messenger carrying these other ingredients into the body and bloodstream.
Will sugar be added to the Cacao?
Sugar is not added and not advised due to its effect on blood sugar levels. A little maple syrup is sometimes added which can make it more palatable to those not used to Cacao's natural bitterness.
Maria ChristofiThe Sound Apothecary@the_sound_apothecary
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
THE MANDRAKE, 20-21 Newman Street, London, United Kingdom
GBP 44.04
