On the 17th February the year of the Fire Horse begins!
Horses symbolise many things for us, the fire horse in particular brings the energy of Freedom, Passion, Transformation and the Heart!
As we move out of the year of the snake and have shedded what no longer serves us the horse hits the ground running, no time for hesitation, now is the time to move towards what you feel authentically aligned to.
Join us for a special day retreat where we will celebrate and honour the horse and all they represent, whilst also bringing our own personal intentions to the day to be with as you immerse yourself amongst the herd and nature.
We will spend time with the herd learning about them and some of the herds' key behaviours before an opportunity to 'be' amongst them.
Joining us on this special retreat and to mark the arrival of the fire horse is Maria Christofi, the founder of “The Sound Apothecary" and practitioner of sound therapy, Traditional Chinese & shamanic Medicine, to bring the element of ceremony and sound vibration to the experience starting with an opening ceremony to honour the Chinese Lunar new year of the fire horse and our time with the herd with purifying smudging, Chinese herbal infused tea and drumming.
Our Chinese herbal infusion will be prepared by María with Chinese Red dates (Hong Xao), ginger and cinnamon.
Antioxidant rich Chinese red dates (Hong Zao)are potent blood and immunity boosters. Chinese medical sages wrote about how the heart and mind must be rooted in healthy blood and "where the blood flows, memory follows" signifying the importance of nourished and well circulating blood for a focused mind to bring what we imagine into the physical.
Stoking the internal fire in winter with intentional focus on nourishment is a powerful ritual in the cultivation of readiness for when the wheel of the year turns at the Spring Equinox.
After we have spent time with the herd and had a warming light lunch in our cosy barn heated by a wood burner, María will take you on an immersive sound journey to ground and further explore your intentions and reflect on the time spent with the herd.
We will begin with a warming infusion of Mugwort ( Artemisia Vulgaris) one of the 9 sacred Celtic herbs with a rich history in British folklore for both its magical and medicinal properties. In medieval folk medicine it was considered a magical herb for ritual , purification and to enhance dreams. It was also taken medicinally as a digestive or menstrual tonic and prescribed by midwives to ease the transition of childbirth.
Mugwort is still prescribed in herbal Medicine to dispel cold and damp from the body, it is also known for its effect on dream intensity and recall making it a powerful herb for dream work and creative practice.
The name Artemisia orginates from Artemis - the ancient greek moon goddess who protected women and the animals of the wild, casting her magic over childbirth and cycles of nature.
The energy of Mugwort is warming with an earthy mineralised taste. A variety which grows in China is burned in Traditional Chinese Medicine close to the skin to warm and boost circulation and in western herbal medicine it's prescribed for its medicinal effect on the nervous, reproductive and digestive systems.
As a herb connected to dream enhancement, Mugwort is a supportive ally to any meditative or ceremonial practice and a wonderful plant ally for sound journeying.
Our journey will explore the therapeutic effects of drum, crystal bowls and monochord composed to entrain the mind into the theta brainwave, encouraging deep rest, down regulation of the nervous system and an altered state of consciousness.
A hand made blend of incense including mugwort will be burned to purify the space & stimulate the brains olfactory nerve and limbic system, which are associated with creativity, emotions and memory.
Mugwort Contraindications
Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
SSRI medication.
A diagnosis of bipolar, schizophrenia or psychosis. Severe allergies.
Any other significant presenting medical condition or symptom.
Please get in touch if any of these apply, an alternative infusion wth a more neutral plant such as Rose can be provided but this needs to be arranged in advance. Please note: you are also welcome to attend and drink the sound without Mugwort :)
Contraindications with sound
The following conditions are contraindicated, feel free to touch base with any questions 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 Bio
Maria Christofi Bio
The Sound Apothecary is a place to retreat to for deep listening. The name was chosen by the founder, Maria Christofi to represent the therapeutic power of sound.
A graduate of the British Academy of Sound, Maria has a special interest in the cross section of art and healing, incorporating sound with plant medicine and ritual rooted in mythological and Shamanic wisdom.
As a highly experienced practitioner of 30 years, Maria maintains a private practice including Classical Acupuncture, Daoist healing, Traditional Chinese nutrition & Sound Therapy, integrating ancient shamanic wisdom with modern functional medicine. Clinical experience includes a 5 year residency as lead acupunctirst of Professor Winston's fertility clinic in London's Hammersmith hospital, as well as placements in rehab and palliative care
& private practices in Neal's Yard Therapy rooms and Triyoga.
Maria contributes to publications such as the annual Ignota Diary and her article "Alchemy
of Sound" features in the Air edition of the Wild Alchemy Journal.
Emma Ross Bio
Please visit meet the team page for more information about Emma
Cost £150
Further info:
light vegan lunch served (soup and sourdough loaf)
Full waterproof and warm gear is needed when spending time with the herd outside including wellies/waterproof boots. We recommend wearing waterproof trousers, layering up and bring a hat and glooves. Please expect mud.
For the sound bath please bring comfortable clothing for lying down in. A mat, blanket and pillow for warmth and comfort are essential.
Please email us to enquire and book