A cacao ceremony is a community event that brings people together to connect with their heart, ask themselves the deeper questions, and set an intention for their wildest dreams. It can be smooth and soft, accompanied by sound healing and a ritual to drink the ceremonial grade cacao, or wild and fantastic like an ecstatic dance.
There are no limits in how a cacao ceremony can be held – from guided meditations, to shamanic journeys, dance and movement, yin yoga, mantra chanting, authentic relating, journaling for the moon – everything is possible! I personally love to combine authentic relating, embodiment and shamanic journeys in a cacao ceremony. Occasionally I add moon journalling, tantra meditations and other modalities into the mix – depends on the group and the setting, but these three are my core tools now.
Raw Cacao powerfully supports the inner journey, the connection to your Authentic Self and therefore your heart. The beauty of it is that cacao does not have negative side effects (such as stronger plants), but is slightly psychoactive, brings the body into balance through a mood-enhancing Cannabinoid called „Anandamid“ and makes the connection to your feelings and therefore your truth more easy.
1) What are the Health Benefits of Raw Cacao?
Raw Cacao has a lot of health benefits. Among them are:
• Reduces irritable bowel syndrome & digestive issues
• Improves blood flow to brain and heart
• Aids in preventing blood clots
• Reduces risk of diabetes and increases insulin sensitivity
• Reduces heart disease risk
• Reduces stress and body inflammation
• Can lower depression
• Alleviates symptoms of PMS
2) What are the Emotional Benefits of a Cacao Ceremony?
Next to the physical health benefits of cacao, there are several emotional benefits as well.
• Opens the heart
• Enhances creativity
• Mental clarity
• Inner peace
• Healing, letting go of past issues
• Feelings of Joy
• More open to connection with others
3) What are the Spiritual Benefits of a Cacao Ceremony?
And, of course, cacao has spiritual benefits too! That’s why cacao ceremonies have existed since the ancient Mayan and Aztek times.
• Helps to access meditative states more easily
• Connection with your Higher Self
• Re-balancing the inner masculine & feminine
• Deepens the yoga practice
• Being in flow with life
What are Counter Indications for Ceremonial Grade Cacao?
Due to increased blood flow and a slightly psychoactive effect on the brain, raw Cacao is not good for people with high blood pressure, who are pregnant, or who are using prescription drugs. It can lead to early child birth for women who are pregnant, or to psychological counter-effects when taking mental health drugs.
What’s the History of Cacao Ceremonies?
Cacao Ceremonies have existed since ancient Mayan times before Christ, as a means to connect with spirit. Since cacao is a heart-opener, it is also a Soul-opener, as the Soul (spiritually speaking) is connected to the heart chakra.
Cacao has a rich history in Mesoamerican indigenous cultures. Traces found of its use date back to over 4000 years ago. While the plant has been used throughout the whole continent, it was in Mexico where cacao gained its name, where the first trees have grown and where is was first used in rituals. Deities were worshiped for bringing cacao to the world and it was used in rituals, ceremonies, feasts and festivals.
The plant gained a divine status in different cultures like the Olmecs (dating back to 1500 – 400 BC), Izapan, Maya, Toltecs, Aztecs and Incas. As a godly and highly prized drink it was mainly consumed by the elite in rituals and as medicine. They would even offer cacao to their sacrifices to cleanse them spiritually. In nearly all Mayan codices (ancient scriptures) like the Dresden Codex and the Madrid Codex, the cacao plant appears next to Mayan Gods and emperors.
Cacao in Latin & Middle America’s Ancient Past – Usage:
• A sacred drink to connect with the divine
• Used for ceremonies, rituals and offerings
• Mythological origin of the creation of people
• Shared amongst tribes, elite meetings and served to guests
• Currency, dried cacao beans where used as money in the Aztec empire
What’s a Cacao Ceremony Recipe for your Home?
Before you start preparing your ceremonial cacao, cleanse the space with sage, palo santo, or incense. Make sure your kitchen is bright and clear (and not cluttered). Keep all of your ingredients at hand. Provide yourself a soulful, spiritual playlist to accompany you while you are preparing and cooking the cacao. You can listen to JUST DANCE LOVE „Spiritual“ on Spotify.
Or chant spiritual songs, while preparing your drink. Keep your intentions high for “why” you are preparing this cacao, and think positive thoughts to be impregnated into it.
Ceremonial Cacao: Basic Recipe
• 35-45gr raw cacao (nibs, drops or cacao block)
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon or pieces of cinnamon
• chili and pepper according to your needs
• 1 cup of water OR 1/2 cup water, 1/2 cup coconut or almond milk
Additional Ingredients
• 1/4 teaspoon cardamon powder or ground seeds
• 3 drops of orange essential oil (sacral chakra, creativity, sensuality)
• 1/2 teaspoon of maca powder (activating)
• 1/4 teaspoon of curcuma powder (calming the stomach)
• 5 cashew nuts (soak in water and then grind them with the cacao)
Ceremonial Cacao Preparation
Blend everything in a blender at low speed first, then gradually increase the speed until you get a thick smooth paste / liquid. Cacao nibs and cashew nuts can be soaked in water before grinding to make them softer. Add more water or plant based milk to the mix if needed, to make the texture smoother. Think positive thoughts while blending and preparing it, and play ceremonial music.
Once blended, heat your cacao on low heat and continuously stir the cacao. The drink can burn quickly, if left unattended! You can also directly heat the cacao in a pot, if you don’t need to grind any ingredients.
Enjoy!
What to dive deeper into the Magic of Cacao Ceremonies? Attend our next Cacao Ceremony Training!