About this Event
The setting sun casts a spell in the air and the Jaguar is calling...
Rooted in the wisdom and honouring of mesoamerican history & Shamanic tradition, Call of the Jaguar is a ritual of cacao, immersive sound & meditative journeying to ground & restore on the dark moon before the new moon in Gemini brings its energy of duality. The dark moon is the astrological term for the last few days of the waning crescent moon before the next new lunar cycle, the side of the moon we see is not lit by the sun, it seems to sleep encouraging us into rest, introspection and seek our own inner illumination. It invites us to release before the new cycle begins...
Come as you are to a point of stillness.
Ancient Mesoamerican civilisations understood the transformational power of sound and its effect on atmosphere, the emotions and physical body, using it in ritual to induce a trance like state with voice, hypnotic drum beats and rattles, the oldest forms of Sound Therapy.
They also honoured the wild ways of the Jaguar, summoning it's spirit in ceremony to align with its power, driven by the beat of the Shamans drum.
It feels ceremonial to even step into the the wooden carved Durbar Hall, it's such a sacred space for meditation & rest. It's resonant acoustics will cocoon you in a deep immersion of sound composed to entrain the mind beneath the veil of the subconscious into the Theta state, the brainwave associated with intuition and inner sight.
The primal beat of the drum stirs the blood, it stirs the spirit and aligns us to the pulse of the earth.
The Journey
Our evening begins with an introduction to cacao, which due to its potent effect on bloodflow to the heart and brain may enhance perception and deepen the experience.
Cacao holds a significant place in Mesoamerican history and we will drink together as a moment of recognition & honouring of this in the spirit of ritual to open our journey.
Warming, earthy & mineral rich, we will drink cacao sourced from the Peruvian Criollo bean cultivated by small farmer co operatives in Peru. Containing Anandamide, (from the Sanskrit word anand meaning bliss) it stimulates feelings of focus, calm and euphoria making it a powerful prelude to any form of creative practice, shamanic journeying and meditation.
Please read on below for full event details and health considerations ....
The Venue: The Durbar Hall, Hastings Museum.
The Time: saturday 13th June 7-9 pm
Your Host
The Sound Apothecary is a name chosen by Maria Christofi to represent the therapeutic power of sound.
A graduate of the British Academy of Sound, María is a certified sound therapist and practitioner of Classical Acupuncture & shamanic tradition with 30 years of experience.
Please read on for full event details, what to bring and health considerations before booking ....🐆
You are welcome to touch base on 07970794367 with any questions or to discuss suitability.
********************************************
The Significance of the Jaguar
Ancient civilisations in both Mexico and the Andes revered both the Jaguar and serpent equally. The Jaguar held supernatural status, believed to be a representation of the sun which descended to the underworld at night.
In the Andean Medicine cosmological wheel, the Jaguar is honoured in the west as one of the 4 sacred winds / directions alongside the serpent, condor and hummingbird.
The Jaguar is the most powerful feline of the rainforest, a totemic symbol of strength, courage & vulnerability. The ancients observed its fearless exploration of the dark forest and interpreted this as an ability to cross the threshold into the mythical underworld, a parallel to the shamans own passage between the physical and unseen realms.
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
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.
Drum vibrations resonate at the depth of the bones, internal organs and tissues, an opening ceremony for the body. In Shamanic tradition, the drum is a sacred instrument, referred to as an animal carrying the spirit on its journey....
Rhythms 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 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 and 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 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....
********************************************
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 reach out, accessibility is important.
What to Bring:
A bottle of water for hydration through the evening which you can refill in the museum reception.
You are welcome to bring your own cup for the cacao, which will also help us save on paper cups.
A notebook to take notes of 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
About
Maria Christofi is the founder of The Sound Apothecary, a name representing the medicinal power of sound.
A graduate of the British Academy of Sound, María is a certified sound therapist and practitioner of Classical Acupuncture & shamanic tradition with 30 years of experience. With a focus on the cross section of the healing & creative arts, Maria creates ritual with sound & plant medicine, rooted in mythological and Shamanic wisdom.
Introduced at a young age to the wisdom of the ancient world, by her Greek Cypriot maternal line, Maria later studied classical civilisation where she was drawn to the history of the healing sanctuaries and Eleusinian Mysteries, one of the most important spiritual rituals in the ancient Greek world before starting ongoing study in shamanic tradition, Chinese medicine and sound therapy.
Contributions to publications include the annual Ignota Diary Her article "Alchemy of Sound" features in the Air edition of the Wild Alchemy Journal.
Previous collaborations include Votive art residency, Hastings Museum, The Psychedelic Society, Coastal Currents Arts Festival, Hastings Contemporary, Electric Palace Cinema, Strange Frames Film Club, Hastings Botanical Garden, 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 45.00
