Serpentis - A Journey of Myth & Immersive Sound

The Serpent sheds its skin of transformation, eyes clouded with the renewal of release. The ancients observed and honoured this trance like state between being and becoming....

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The Sound Apothecary & Abstract Source bring a new immersive experience to Hastings Museum as part of Coastal Currents Arts festival, following on from their previous sold out 2023 festival submission, Call of the Jaguar.

Continuing their exploration of sound as both a creative & therapeutic medium, Serpentis is a journey through the mythology & shamanic lore of the serpent alongside sound composed to entrain the mind into the theta brainwave, the domain between waking and dreaming, insight, intuition & the psychedelic realms.

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 the gatekeepers to ritual and trance.

We will honour these traditions with both ancient and modern sound technology, from the primal beat of the drum, hypnotic sound recordings, Sun gong, singing bowls and the ethereal monochord, inspired by the ancient monochord created by the Greek philosopher Pythagoras to investigate the mathematical ratio of music harmony and foundation of musical intervals.

Significance of the Serpent

The serpent is a powerful metaphor for moving through the restriction of personal or creative inertia & resistance, when seeking the spark of renewed inspiration or transitioning through stages of life and release.

Symbolic of rebirth and renewal, the serpent sheds its skin, shapeshifting as it winds its way through the temples of ancient mythology, folklore, medicine, sacred texts and art. Still capturing the imagination in the modern day, history is rich with serpentine imagery such as the Ourobouros (serpent devouring its own tail) representing transformation and the cyclical nature of life first documented in ancient Egypt before crossing into ancient Greek mysticism and through to western tradition.

One of the most iconic serpentine symbols, the snake curling around the rod of Asclepius, the god of healing remains to this day the prominent symbol of medicine and originates from the healing sancturaries - Asclepions of Ancient Greece, where non venomous snakes roamed freely as agents of healing while at the temple of Apollo in DelphI the priestess and oracle of divination, the Pythia, was named after the python slain by Apollo...

This multi faceted archetype of the serpent as creature of transformation and totem of healing versus its venomous reputation has long held fascination and with its limbless form and an underbelly fully connected to the earth, its easy to see why it's spirit has been called upon in shamanic tradition for grounding and transformation.

Our journey this evening will wind like the serpent through both stillness and stimulation.....

The Venue: The wooden carved Durbar Hall of Hastings Museum.

The Time: 7- 8.45pm on the waning moon.... an optimal time for release.

We will be serving a small amount of Greek mountain tea (sideritis) to taste and connect with the earthy nature of the land....

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 - 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.

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 to us 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.

Your Hosts

The Sound Apothecary is a place to retreat to for deep listening.The name was chosen by Maria Christofi 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.

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Abstract Source is Jules Dickens, a composer and producer of dynamic soundscapes crafted from a classical background and rooted in ambient electronica featuring brainwave entrainment, Pythagorean tuning, biorhythms and traditional sound healing.

Jules is integral to thus event, bringing both his own compositions and invaluable tech set up for the sounds you will be immersed in.

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.

Abstract Source