About this Event
The ancient Egyptians worshipped the sun, crowning it with mythic status as the embodiment of the sun god Ra who represented solar power and creative energy, emerging through the primordial waters to be born from the yellow centre of the sacred Blue Lotus...
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On the eve of the last New moon and dark phase of the year before the Winter Solstice, illuminated by the alchemical fire of Sagittarius we will explore Blue Lotus,( Nymphsea Caerulea) the aquatic plant native the Nile and so sacred to the ancient Egyptians for its stimulating and sedating properties.
Our ritual will begin by drinking an infusion made from Blue Lotus followed by a drum journey connecting with ancient Egyptian mythology and extended sound sequences with crystal singing bowls, Sun Gong and egyptian sistrum composed to relax the nervous system and tune brainwaves to an altered state of consciousness, the domain of creativity and dreaming, a powerful practice for clearing emotional/ creative blocks and reigniting inspiration.
The wooden carved Durbar Hall of Hastings Museum will be a temple of sound ....
About Blue Lotus
Opening and closing with the rising and setting of the sun, the Blue Lotus emerges from the water by day and retreats into its depths at night, appearing again at sunrise. The ancient Egyptians observed this solar attunement and associated the Blue Lotus with the sun cycles, rebirth and regeneration.
Blue Lotus (Nymphaea Caerulea) was valued as a precious dream plant with mind stimulating properties. It's imagery shows up again and again through the cultural and mythological history of Egypt with connections to medicine, ritual and celebration. painted on the walls of royal tombs, carved onto sacred temples and the intoxicating aroma captured by master perfumers and incense makers. Lotus infused wine was drunk ceremonially to promote relaxation and heighten consciousness.
The Science of Blue Lotus
Blue Lotus is an aquatic plant, belonging to the family of adaptogens, which are natural de stresses. The active compounds of Blue Lotus include the Alkaloids Apomorphine and Nuciferine which both block and activate Serotonin and Dopamine receptors, so it is both stimulating and sedating which can balance the central nervous system and relieve anxiety and enhance sleep quality. These qualities make blue lotus a useful plant ally for relaxation, dream intensity and dream recall.
The opening of the Lotus to the Sun and closing movement at night mirrors our own patterns as we move into the darker half of the year, opening to the bright sun of winter sun when we see it and retreating into the depths of winter.
Present day Blue Lotus is very different to the lotus which flourished in Ancient Egypt, but it is the intention held in its symbolic history as well as its still active compound which make it a useful plant to explore. Our Blue Lotus tea infusion will be prepared for the evening by The Sound Apothecary, see the FAQ section below for more info and touch base on the number below if you have any questions or would like to take part without the Blue Lotus, which is optional...
What to Bring
There is a choice between seated tickets on cushioned banquette seats or a lying down space on the wooden floor of the Durbar Hall.
An eye mask is recommended for the journey and warm layers, body temparature can drop once in deep relaxation mode.
For lying down tickets please bring a yoga mat, blankets, cushions and plenty of warm layers to be as snug as possible. 🌛
For seated tickets, bring a blanket.
A water bottle is a good idea (there is a water dispenser in the Museum foyer)
A journal if you'd like to make note of any insights which may come up.
Preparation
Try to sleep well in the days before to reduce the chances of falling sleep. It's ok to fall asleep if your body really needs to, that may be a necessary medicine but it means you may miss out on being present in the more meditative phase between being awake and sleep which can be insightful...
The following conditions are contraindicated for this deep sound work, feel free to touch base with any questions and to notify me of any health conditions on
•Epilepsy.
•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
Blue Lotus Contraindications
Not to be taken during pregnancy or if breastfeeding or on SSRI Medic*tion.
Your Host
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.
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. In 2025, Maria will be joining author Sarah Janes on her dream incubation retreats in Greece and Egypt. Please follow social media for updates and more related content.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Hastings Museum & Art Gallery, Bohemia Road, Hastings, United Kingdom
GBP 16.96 to GBP 27.80
