Return of the Sun - A Journey of Myth & Sound

The ancient Egyptians worshipped the sun, awarding it mythic status as the embodiment of Ra, the god of solar power and creative energym, born from the yellow centre of the sacred Blue Lotus...

*************************************************

As the November new moon waxes and we move from the watery depths of Scorpio into the fire of Sagittarius and final phase of the year before the Winter Solstice, Return of the Sun invites you to explore the power of sound and plant medicine with Blue Lotus, (Nymphaea Caerulea) the aquatic plant native to the Nile and sacred to the ancient Egyptians for its stimulating and sedating properties.

The journey begins with an infusion of blue lotus flower, warm with honey and a prelude to the symbolism & mythic realms of the blue lotus…

Blue Lotus is an oneirogen, a substance which can create a dreamlike state or shift of consciousness. The word originates from the Greek "óneiros" meaning "dream" and gen "to create".

Our evening will open with a warming infusion of Blue lotus and honey, as we immerse in the symbolism of the Blue Lotus,

Ancient civilisations understood this transformational power of sound and its effect on atmosphere, the emotions and physical body, where hypnotic drum beats and rattles were agents of ritual and trance.

We will honour these traditions with the primal beat of the drum, deep resonance of the Sun gong, singing bowls and the ethereal monochord, a modern interpretation of the ancient monochord created by the Greek philosopher Pythagoras to investigate the mathematical ratio of music harmony.

Journeying into Ancient Egyptian mythology we will be immersed in sound sequences composed to drop the nervous system into deep rest & entrain the mind to the theta brainwave, the domain between waking and dreaming, intuition, altered states of consciousness & the psychedelic realms.

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. This rich mythology helps us undertand the presence of its image in so much ancient Egyptian art.

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 belongs to the family of adaptogens, which are naturally de stressing plant medicines.

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 relieving anxiety and enhancing sleep quality. These qualities make blue lotus a useful plant ally for relaxation, dream intensity and to enlucid dreaming 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 brightness of winter sun and retreating into the depths of winter nights.

Present day Blue Lotus is very different to the lotus which flourished in Ancient Egypt, but its active compounds and symbolic history lends itself well to ceremonial embodiment practices, potentially enhancing dream quality and aid lucid dreaming.

Our Blue Lotus tea infusion will be prepared for the evening by The Sound Apothecary, see the FAQ section below for more info.

Please touch base on the number below if you have any questions or would like to take part without the Blue Lotus, which is optional...see below for FAQ section.

Seating Options

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

What to Bring

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.

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 07970794367

•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 medication.

Your Host

Maria Christofi is the creator of

The Sound Apothecary a space to retreat to for deep listening. The name was chosen to represent the therapeutic power of sound and the curation of both one to one and group offerings incorporating sound with plant medicine and ritual rooted in elemental, mythological and Shamanic practices.

Maria is a certified Sound Therapist, acupuncturist and graduate of The British Academy of Sound with a history of 30 years as a practitioner of Shamanic & Traditional Chinese Medicine with contributions to publications such as the annual Ignota Diaryand Wild Alchemy Lab, including the article "Alchemy of Sound" in the Air edition of the Wild Alchemy Journal.

As a multi faceted percussionist, Maria also collaborates with musicians and artists, with previous events at Hastings Museum, Coastal Currents Arts Festival, Strange Frames Film Club, Hastings Botanical Garden, Sono Electro and A Curious Agenda Arts festival.

Further information and event updates:

Instagram

Facebook