SACRED HEALING ROOTS:
Plants, ceremonies & traditional healing

Physical Event: The Ton of Brix, 414 Coldharbour Ln, SW9 8LF

Sat 26th Apr, 12 – 5pm, London.

12pm: Doors Open, Market open

12.30pm: Introductions to lecture series and participants

1st lecture: 1 – 1.45pm:
Nature’s Sacred Healing Corpus by Dalian Yaw Ogundipe Adofo, MA

Dalian will cover the nature and use of plants in African spiritual contexts and their associated therapeutic uses.

The presentation will explore the African worldview of our sacred connection to, union with and symbiotic relationship with the flora and fauna realm.

It will investigate the nature of ‘sacred plants’ used in spiritual work and unpick the relationship between their known spiritual value and uses with the medicinal and pharmacological properties evidenced in academic research studies.

It highlights the recent increase in plant research to identify bioactive compounds on plants for medicinal purposes and research to face the challenges of the variety of modern ailments.

2nd lecture: 2 – 2.45pm:
Holy Communion with the Ancestors by Darren Le Baron

Darren will explore the sacred plant and fungal sacraments traditionally used across Africa and its diaspora to commune with the ancestors.

For millennia, Africa’s earliest peoples have used these powerful medicines for ancestral communication— it is our original “WiFi technology” to call the family back home.

Today, many communities continue these sacred practices, incorporating plants and fungi in their rites of passage, initiation ceremonies, healing rituals, and spiritual divination.

This presentation examines both African and diasporic cultures through academic research, highlighting the shared symbolism and language that reveal profound cultural connections.

Darren is a knowledgeable and dynamic speaker who is passionate about sharing his research and findings on ethnomycology, ancient African plant medicines and their various applications.

3rd lecture: 3 – 3.45pm:
Iboga and it’s Ancestral Bedrock by Nzambe Divanga

Nzambe Divanga, a Gabonese-born Nganga and deeply respected teacher of the ancient Bwiti tradition of Gabon. As an initiated practitioner with more than two decades of experience in these sacred practices, Nzambe brings profound wisdom gained through this traditional path.

Throughout his journey, he has conducted transformative workshops, educational seminars, and most significantly, traditional ceremonial gatherings across multiple continents, through which he has cultivated a comprehensive understanding in the theoretical foundations, practical applications, and scientific understanding of African initiation culture and its profound methodologies.

During this presentation, Nzambe will delve deep into the multifaceted nature of Iboga as viewed through the authentic lens of Bwiti tradition as its ancestral foundations. He will carefully examine the distinct characteristics and purposes of Iboga in ceremonial contexts, traditional initiation practices, and therapeutic applications, while providing valuable insights into how these different approaches serve unique purposes and create distinct experiences for participants.

Networking & Closing: 3.45 – 4.15pm
Attendees get to explore the market and vendors, network with presenters and others for collaborative opportunities.