About this Event
The Venue: The Durbar Hall, Hastings Museum.
The Time: Friday March 20th 7.30pm.
Please note:
Due to it's stimulating effect, shamanic drum journeying is contraindicated during pregnancy & certain medical conditions (Please refer to health guidance below.)
One to one & bespoke group sessions can alternatively be arranged to suit.
Please read all information below prior to booking/ attending ....🐆
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*The setting sun casts a spell in the air and the Jaguar calls from the shadows, as the serpent descends from the sky ..
Call of the Jaguar is a deep meditation of sound, honouring the indigenous & ancestral wisdom of shamanic tradition. It is an embodiment of the wild within the symphony of drum, sun gong, singing bowls and ritual percussion.
The stimulation and stillness within sound entrains the mind beneath the veil of the subconscious into the theta brainwave and hypnagogic state between waking and dreaming encouraging profound rest and reflection, visualisation and processing.
The Mayans were advanced astronomers, creating magnificent structures such as the El Castillo pyramid at Chichén Itzá to align with the sun on spring equinox. This pyramid is a marvel of astronomical architecture, casting a serpentine shadow descending down the pyramid, marking the start of the agricultural season and symbolising renewal.
Ancient Mesoamerican civilisations revered both the Jaguar and serpent equally but the Jaguar in particular was given a supernatural status , believed to be a representation of the sun when it descended to the underworld at night. the Jaguar holds equal mastery over both and night.
The ancients honoured the wild ways of the Jaguar, summoning its spirit in ritual, driven by the beat of the Shamans drum.
Our sound ritual will begin with a warming cup of earthy and mineral rich Peruvian Criolla cacao sourced from small farmer co operatives in Peru. Containing Anandamide, (from the Sanskrit word Anand meaning bliss) Cacao stimulates feelings of calm and euphoria making it a powerful prelude to shamanic journeying & meditation.
If you hear the call of the Jaguar, you will feel it in your bones...::
The Jaguar as a Shamanic animal
The Jaguar is the most powerful feline of the rainforest, a totemic symbol of strength, courage & vulnerability. Held sacred by ancient Meso American civilisations, who observed it's fearless exploration of the dark forest, symbolising an ability to cross the threshold into the even darker mythical underworld, a parallel to the shamans own passage between the physical and unseen realms. They summoned it's spirit in ritual, driven by the beat of the Shaman's drum...
It's spirit is still called upon in shamanic tradition to shine a light on the inner terrain of the subconscious, for shadow work, guidance and to "become one" with its qualities.
The Medicine of Sound
In Shamanic tradition, the drum is a sacred instrument, an animal carrying the spirit on its journey....
The beat of the drum resonates through history since ancient ritual with it's rythmic song played in sacred temples, around the fire, as a summoner of trance, power and transformation.
Rythmns such as those played in a shamanic drum journey, balance the right and left hemispheres of the brain, calm the nervous system, heighten creativity, cognitive processing and memory recall.
The primal beat of the drum, Its harmonics, vibrations and rhythm resonate at the depth of the bones, the internal organs and tissues, like an opening ceremony for the body.
The Plant Medicine of Cacao
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. The cacao tree and its beans are rooted in ancient Meso-American culture and mythology, prized as highly as gold. The Cacao tree itself was revered as a conduit between heaven and earth....
Pure cacao paste is minimally processed retaining all its nutrients. It also has a higher fat content which increases the absorbability of the nutrients creating a slower release of its's stimulating effects.
The Cacao served this evening will be sourced from the Peruvian Criolla Cacao tree and cultivated by small farmer co -operatives.
The benefits of drinking cacao.
Cacao contains high levels of a substance called 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 and relaxing the body.
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 contains actives which elevate both the mind and the emotions.
Cacao can be a powerful ally for shifting stagnant physical or emotional energy.
Why does Cacao produce a natural high?
Cacao triggers the brains production of neurotransmitters creating a release of endorphins, dopamine and serotonin, hormones which elevate mood.
Scroll down for more cacao info in the FAQ section....
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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 - 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 for a more tailored experience.
Health considerations in relation to cacao ( you are still welcome to attend if you are unable/ 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.
Please reach out on 07970794367 if you would like to discuss suitability.
Pre Event Guidance & Preparation
- 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.
Alcohol & substance use
Due to the naturally dehydrating effect of Cacao, abstainance from alcohol is advised for at least 24 hours before.
Cacao boosts blood flow to the brain by 30-40% amplifying other substances in the blood so it is unsafe to drink Cacao alongside other substances.
- 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, 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:
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.
A notebook to take notes if your journey at the end. (optional).
For those choosing lying down tickets, please bring a yoga mat, blankets, cushion or pillow for your head and plenty of layers for warmth.
A blanket for seated tickets will also make the experience more cosy.
Please touch base 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 the founder, Maria Christofi to represent the therapeutic power of sound.
A graduate of the British Academy of Sound, Maria has a special interest in the cross section of art, healing & performance, incorporating sound with plant medicine and ritual rooted in mythological and Shamanic wisdom.
Maria is a practitioner of Classical Acupuncture, Daoist healing & Sound Therapy with 20 years of clinical practice, integrating ancient shamanic wisdom with modern functional medicine.
Maria contributes to publications such as the annual Ignota Diary and her article "Alchemy of Sound" features in the Air edition of the Wild Alchemy Journal.
Previous collaborations:
Votive art residency
Dream Mysteries
Hastings Museum
Coastal Currents Arts Festival
Hastings Contemporary
Strange Frames Film Club
Hastings Botanical Garden
Sono Electro
A Curious Agenda Arts festival.
Further information and event updates:
Agenda
🕑: 07:00 PM - 09:00 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 44.04
