About this Event
The setting sun casts a spell in the air and the Jaguar is calling. Ancient Mesoamerican civilizations honoured the wild ways of the Jaguar, summoning it's spirit in ritual, driven by the beat of the Shamans drum...
***********************************************
Call of the Jaguar is an honouring of the indigenous and ancestral wisdom of shamanic tradition and the mythical symbolism of the Jaguar, a telling of the wisdom of the wild within the medicine of sound.
Our ancient ancestors understood the transformational power of sound and its effect on atmosphere, the emotions and physical body, creating trance like states with hypnotic drum rhythm, chanting and rattles, the oldest forms of sound healing.
Sound can have a profound effect on the rhythm of brainwaves and this ritual of sound will resonate with the power of the drum and other therapeutic instruments, leading the body into deep restoration and entraining the mind beneath the veil of the subconscious into the theta brainwave, the hypnagogic state between waking and dreaming.
Whether you are drawn to an experience of deep listening or in need of restoration or creative inspiration, the resonant acoustics of the wooden carved Durbar Hall of Hastings will offer a place of pause and stillness within sound.
If you hear the call of the Jaguar, you will feel it in your bones...
***********************************************
We will open the evening with a dose of pure Peruvian ceremonial Cacao, which due to its potent effect on bloodflow to the heart and brain may enhance perception and deepen the experience.
Please ensure that all ticket holders have read the full event & health information prior to booking/ attending....🐆
*************************************************
The Venue: Hastings Museum
The Time: January 31st 7pm. The eve of Imbolc and full moon.
The Significance of the Jaguar
The most powerful feline of the rainforest, held sacred by ancient civilisations for its perception, fearlessness and strength, Jaguar spirit is called upon in ritual for purification, guidance and to "become one" with it's qualities.
Moving silently across the forest floor, the Jaguar glides through water, climbs the tallest trees into the air, ventures deep into the parts of the forest avoided by other creatures and hunts after dusk with the most ultra perceptive night vision of all the felines.
The ancients observed these wild ways and the Jaguars mastery of the dark forest symbolised an ability to cross the threshold into the even darker underworld, a parallel to the shamans own journeying between the physical and unseen realms.
Jaguar mythology is a rich tapestry for self discovery and its spirit is still called upon in shamanic tradition to shine a light on the inner terrain of the subconscious.
**************************************************************************************************
About Shamanic Sound Journeying
The beat of the drum runs deep through ancient ritual with its rhythmic song played in sacred temples, around the fire, as a summoner of trance, power and transformation. In Shamanic tradition, the drum is referred to as an animal carrying the spirit on its journey....
Present day medical research studies reveal that particular rythmns such as those played in a shamanic drum journey, balance the right and left hemispheres of the brain, calm the nervous system, heighten cognitive processing and assist memory recall. The primal beat of the drum, Its harmonics, vibrations and rhythm resonate at the depth of the bones, internal organs and tissues, an opening ceremony for the body.
The Plant Medicine of Cacao
The Cacao tree and its precious beans are rooted in ancient Meso-American culture and mythology, where it was prized as highly as gold and held sacred as a gift from the gods. The Cacao tree itself was believed to be a conduit between heaven and earth.
Animism is the belief that all natural creations possess a spirit and the spirit of cacao is considered an ally and medicine of the heart.
The first recorded evidence of cultivation dates from the Olmec tradition 4000 years ago which has obviously continued to the present day in various forms.
Ceremonial cacao is a term used to define cacao which is minimally processed retaining all its nutrients. It also has a higher cacao butter content which increases the absorbability of the nutrients creating a slower release of the stimulating effects of the caffeine.
The Cacao served this evening will be sourced from the Peruvian Criolla Cacao tree and cultivated by small farmer co -operatives.
Cacao Science
Rich in antioxidants and minerals such as magnesium and iron, Cacao contains a much lower amount of caffeine than coffee yet is is potent and when drunk in its purest form it contains actives which can elevate both the mind and the emotions.
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 shifting stagnant physical or emotional energy.
Cacao contains high levels of Theobromine, an alkaloid which expands blood vessels increasing blood circulation by up to 40% to the brain and heart stimulating both mental and emotional focus making this a powerful practice for unlocking creativity.
Theo means God in greek and Broma means food so Theobromine translates as food of the gods.
Why does Cacao produce a natural high?
Aside from the stimulation of blood flow to the brain and which boost relaxation, Cacao also contains Anandamide, (from the Sanskrit word Anand meaning bliss) often referred to as the "bliss molecule" which binds to Cannabinoid receptors in the brain stimulating the feelings of calm and euphoria associated with Cacao.
Cacao also triggers the brains production of neurotransmitters creating a release of endorphins, dopamine and serotonin...hormones which elevate mood.
********************************************
HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS
Please ensure that all ticket holders are aware of the following.
Due to stimulating drumming sequences, this evening is not suitable during pregnancy or if experiencing the following conditions.
•Epilepsy at any point in your life.
•Pace maker or cochlear implant
•Severe diagnosed mental health conditions.
•Metal implants - note that sound vibrations may be felt in implants or joint replacements.
•Severe Tinnitus
Bespoke group or one to one ceremonies can alternatively be created for individuals experiencing these symptoms.
Health considerations in relation to cacao ( you are still welcome to attend even if you are unable or unsure about drinking any 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 boosts blood flow to the brain by 30-40% amplifying other substances in your blood so it is not advisable to drink Cacao alongside other substances/ alcohol.
Please reach out on 07970794367 if you would like to discuss suitability.
Pre Event Guidance
- Please hydrate well with water in the days/ hours leading up to the event,
electrolyte hydration powders such as those by Ancient and Brave and Artah are also recommended.
Due to the naturally dehydrating effect of Cacao, abstainance from alcohol is advised for at least 24 hours before we meet.
- Avoid caffeine all day.
- Eat a few hours before drinking Cacao and a grounding meal / snack after
It is recomended 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, broths…
Tickets: There is a choice between seated tickets on cushioned banquette seats or a lying down space on the wooden floor of the Durbar Hall.
If financial resources are limited but you feel drawn to this event, please do not hesitate to reach out, it's important to us that this is accessible.
What to Bring:
Please bring a bottle of water to hydrate with through the evening which you can refill in the museum reception.
You are welcome to bring your own cup for the cacao if you'd like to drink from a favourite cup, this will also help us save on paper cups.
For those choosing lying down tickets, please bring a yoga mat, blankets, cushion or pillow for your head and plenty of layers so you see warm.
A blanket for seated tickets will also make the experience more cosy.
Please contact us with any questions and to notify of any health conditions on 07970794367
Your Guide
The Sound Apothecary is a place to retreat to for deep listening. The name was chosen by Maria Christofi, a certified Sound Therapy Practitioner and graduate of The British Academy of Sound to represent the therapeutic potential of sound.
curation of both one to one and group offerings incorporating sound with plant medicine and ritual rooted in elemental, mythological and Shamanic practices.
Call of the Jaguar is the culmination and ongoing development of a long term practice of shamanic tradition.
Maria has a history of 30 years as a practitioner of Shamanic & Traditional Chinese Medicine with contributions to publications such as the annual Ignota Diary and Wild Alchemy Lab, including the article "Alchemy of Sound" in the Air edition of the Wild Alchemy Journal.
As a multi faceted percussionist, Maria also collaborates with musicians and artists with previous collaborations at Hastings Museum, Coastal Currents Arts Festival, Strange Frames Film Club, Hastings Botanical Garden, Sono Electro and A Curious Agenda Arts festival.
Further information and event updates:
Agenda
🕑: 07:00 PM - 09:30 PM
Doors
Important info
Please read all info below before booking
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Hastings Museum & Art Gallery, Bohemia Road, Hastings, United Kingdom
GBP 27.80 to GBP 33.22
