Winter's Depths - A Sound Meditation for Solstice Season.

Enter The Sound Apothecary for a night of aromatic incense & therapeutic sound in the lead up to winter solstice, the longest night of the year and astronomical start of Winter.

Corresponding to the water element, this is a time to go deep and replenish our waters and fill our cups. Much has happened in the year and it is a natural urge to retreat within. This evening will be composed to bring stillness and rest, to commemorate the year and the natural cycle of death and rebirth.

We will open with an exploration of the mythology and medicinal history of Mistletoe, a plant held sacred for its medicinal & protective properties from the ancient Greek physicians Dioscorides and Hippocrates to the Celtic Druid priests and sages of Chinese medicine.

A warming infusion will be served to carry us into meditation and drum journeying connecting with the archetypal wisdom of the Hermit and Sun, tarot cards associated with the winter solstice followed by long, hypnotic sequences of pure quartz crystal singing bowls and monochord composed for deep rest and an altered states of consciousness.

Lighting and aroma will be crafted to assist a soothing response from your nervous system. As a prelude to visionary ritual the ancients burned precious incense resins known for their psychoactive and mind relaxing properties. Aroma has a strong effect on the brains olfactory nerve and limbic system, which are associated with creativity, emotions and memory.

If you enjoy candlelight, singing bowls, drum journeying and incense this one is for you....

Our venue will the Stade Hall in Hastings Old Town, not far from the sea.

Mistletoe Plant Medicine info

Derived from the Celtic word meaning "all heal", Mistletoe has been taken medicinally for a variety of physical ailments for centuries. It's extracts are prepared in modern herbal medicine to preserve its antioxidant and anti viral properties.

From the family of plants known as nervines, Mistletoe can have a sedating and calming effect on the nervous system, boosting the uptake of oxytocin in the brain so it is a plant which can assist both the body and spirit.

Mistletoe Contraindications

Not to be taken during pregnancy /breastfeeding or on SSRI medication. Chamomile or rose tea can be provided instead so please contact beforehand to arrange.

The following conditions are contraindicated for this deep sound work, please touch base with any questions and to notify regarding 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

What to bring

An eye mask is recommended and warm layers, body temperature drops once in deep relaxation mode.

Please bring mats and blankets so you can be cosy and warm. 🌛

A bottle of water.

A journal if you'd like to make note of any insights which may come up.

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 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.

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