Call of the Jaguar

This unique collaboration between & returns to the Durbar Hall of Hastings Museum following previous sell out dates. The 1st of February falls on Imbolc, the midpoint between Winter Solstice & Spring Equinox marking a potent time for transformation as we emerge from winter.

Call of the Jaguar is a modern day sound ritual rooted in Shamanic tradition with both ancient and modern sound technology for an immersive, multi sensory experience with drum journeying, ambient soundscapes, Sun gong and crystal singing bowl resonance.

Ancient 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 via the use of hypnotic drum beats and rattles, one of the oldest forms of Sound Therapy.

The resonant acoustics of the wooden carved Durbar Hall of Hastings Museum will cocoon you in a deep sound composed to entrain the mind into the Theta state, the brainwave associated with intuition, dreaming and inner sight.

We will open the evening with a dose of pure Cacao, which due to its potent effect on bloodflow to the heart and brain may enhance perception and deepen the experience.

Please read all the info below prior to booking...

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The significance of the Jaguar…

Revered by the ancient Maya, the Jaguar is the largest and most powerful creature of the rainforest, a totemic symbol of stealth & strength. Aligning with the spirit of the Jaguar in traditional shaman led ritual served as an effective practice to “become one” with these qualities.

An ability to see in the dark associated the Jaguar with the power of inner sight and their appearance at dusk with the setting sun led to their being called the “night sun” and worshipped as masters of the underworld and the subconscious mind.

This essence of the Jaguar would be called upon in ceremony for personal guidance and to shine a light into the deepest parts of the heart and psyche.

Call of the Jaguar takes inspiration from this tradition... everyone can use some Jaguar power 🐆⚡️

“It is the animal in us that knows what it knows” Toko Pa Turner

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About Cacao

Cacao is rooted in ancient Meso-American culture and mythology, with the Aztecs prizing it as highly as gold and as a medicine of the heart with the Cacao tree itself believed to be a conduit between heaven and earth.

Ingested in its purest form, Cacao contains actives which stimulate the cardiovascular system, boosting blood and oxygen flow to the brain and heart. The result can br heightened mental and emotional perception.

Animism is a term used to definite the spirit of a plant in central and south american herbology and due to Cacao's effect on bloodflow and the heart, it's spirit has traditionally been regarded as an advisor and medicine for the heart.

The first recorded evidence of cultivation dates from the Olmec tradition 4000 years ago and the Cacao served this evening will be sourced from the Peruvian Criolla Cacao tree and cultivated by small farmer co -operatives.

Cacao Science

Cacao contains high levels of Theobromine, the main alkaloid contained in Cacao which expands blood vessels increasing blood circulation by up to 40% to the brain and heart stimulating both mental and emotional focus. Theo means God in greek and Broma means food so Theobromine translates as food of the gods.

This increased blood flow boosts oxygen to the brain enhancing cognitive focus making Cacao a powerful tool for transforming creative blocks and channelling new ideas.

Rich in antioxidants and minerals such as magnesium and iron, Cacao contains a much lower amount of caffeine than coffee so there are no wired energy crashes or impact on the central nervous system. 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 potential release on both the physical and emotional level.

The really exciting substances of Cacao are the compounds which trigger the brains production of neurotransmitters creating a release of endorphins, dopamine and serotonin...hormones which elevate mood.

Anandamide, (from the Sanskrit word Anand meaning bliss) often referred to as the "bliss molecule" binds to Cannabinoid receptors in the brain stimulating feelings of calm and euphoria associated with Cacao.

Health Considerations before drinking 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 in this pure form boosts blood flow to the brain by 30-40% amplifying other substances in your blood which is not advisable for this event.

Pregnancy

Due to the circulation boosting effect of cacao, it is best avoided in the first trimester of pregnancy.

FAQ section will be added below soon...

Pre Event Guidance

- Hydrate well with water in the hours leading up to the event and bring a large bottle of water with you so you can hydrate after drinking Cacao. Due to the naturally dehydrating effect of Cacao, abstainance from alcohol is advised for 36 hours preceding the event.

- 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, porridge, broths…

Event Information

There is a choice between seated tickets on cushioned banquette seats or a lying down space on the wooden floor of the Durbar Hall.

We recommend that you bring eye masks for the guided visualisation.

For those choosing lying down tickets, please bring a yoga mat, blankets and cushions.

You may also want to bring a blanket for seated tickets to make the experiece more cosy.

Please contact us with any questions and to notify of any health conditions on

The following conditions are contraindicated for this deep sound work.

•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

Your Hosts

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.

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is a digital arts collective founded by Jules Dickens.

Dynamic soundscapes are crafted from a classical background and rooted in ambient electronica featuring brainwave entrainment, Pythagorean tuning, biorhythms and traditional sound healing.

Previous projects include the release of a Digital Music Therapy album on the MEYA app, live performances at Brighton Digital Festival, Brighton Fringe and Hastings Sonics and collaboration with Canterbury Christ Church Universities innovation and research project.

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