About this Event
The Serpent sheds its skin, eyes clouded in a ritual of renewal. The ancients observed and honoured this trance like state between being and becoming....
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Enter The Sound Apothecary for an evening of embodied myth & sound medicine within the cocoon of the beautiful Durbar Hall....
The snake is a powerful totem of regeneration and transformation. History is rich with serpentine imagery such as the iconic symbol of the Ourobouros - the snake devouring its own tail - representing the cyclical nature of death and rebirth.
Although we enter the lunar new year on February 17th and transition from the Chinese year of the snake to the fire horse, the snake remains a constant talisman for the rhythm and shedding of life. A time to burn what may need release or illumination in the alchemical fire.
The snake shapeshifts as it winds its way through the temples of ancient mythology, folklore, medicine, sacred texts and art, teaching us about the process of release, with its earth bound physicality & shedding of skin. The Serpent is the snakes mythological counterpart.
Serpentis is an exploration of this serpentine wisdom, an honouring of our own endings, shedding and beginnings and the liminal spaces in between.
This is an invitation to ground and transform the skins of our experience, to reflect on what has passed and what may be ready to emerge.
Ancient civilisations knew the spell of sound on atmosphere, the emotions and physical body, with hypnotic drum beats and rattles the sacred messengers of ritual and trance.
We will honour these traditions with the primal beat of the drum, Sun gong, singing bowls and the ethereal monochord, inspired by the ancient stringed instrument created by the Greek philosopher Pythagoras to explore the harmonics of sound. We will call in deep rest and an altered state of consciousness, a journey which winds like a serpent through both stillness and stimulation.
An infusion of the herb Sideritis, the mineral rich wild mountain tea of Greece will be served to connect with the elemental nature of the land we will be journeying to....
Serpentine Medicine
The snake curling around the rod of Asclepius, the god of healing is a prominent symbol of medicine originating from the healing sanctuaries of Ancient Greece, where non venomous snakes roamed freely as agents of healing. Snakes were perceived as being connected to the underworld and mediators between the upper and lower worlds.
In the context of creative practice, the serpent is a powerful metaphor for the uncoiling of the knots of resistance, personal or creative inertia & when seeking the spark of creative vision in transitions of life and change.
The archetype of the serpent as creature of healing alongside it's venomous dangers is a multi faceted source of fascination both revered and feared. With a limbless form and an underbelly fully connected to the earth, its easy to understand why the snake has been associated throughout history with grounding, protection and transformation.
Please read all health considerations below prior to booking.
The Venue: The Durbar Hall of Hastings Museum.
The Time: 7- 9pm.
Your Host:
Maria Christofi is the founder of The Sound Apothecary, a space of retreat for transformation and deep listening. The name was chosen to represent the medicinal power of sound.
A graduate of the British Academy of Sound, the London College of Traditional Acupuncture & Central Saint Martins, Maria has a special interest in the cross section of the healing & creative arts, creating ritual with sound & plant medicine, rooted in mythological and Shamanic wisdom.
María is a practitioner of Classical Acupuncture, Daoist healing & Sound Therapy with 25 years of clinical experience. As lead Acupuncturist of Professor Winston's fertility clinic, María has supported hundreds through the fertility journey, pregnancy loss, labour and post partum care alongside general practice supporting physical conditions and emotional transitions such as bereavement.
María has contributed 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 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:
HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS
Please ensure that all ticket holders have read this information.
Due to it's stimulating effect, shamanic drum journeying is contraindicated during pregnancy & the following,
•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
Please reach out on 07970794367 if you would like to discuss suitability.
One to one & bespoke group sessions can alternatively be arranged where sound will be composed to suit.
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 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 tea.
For those choosing lying down tickets, please bring a yoga mat, blankets and cushions.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Hastings Museum & Art Gallery, Bohemia Road, Hastings, United Kingdom
GBP 22.38 to GBP 27.80
