What is Ceremonial Cacao?
Over the years this sacred medicine has given me many hours of joy, release, community connection and has helped me to trust in the Devine flow of life.
I am forever a student of Cacao and with each cup I learn a little more about her and about myself.
Cacao and its origins
This sacred Central and South American origin medicine was first discovered by the Mayans 5,000 years ago and was used in birthing rituals, rights of passage ceremonies, celebrations and funerals.
Cacao comes from a tree called Theobroma Cacao (Theobroma being a Greek word meaning “Food of the Gods”) and Theobromine, found in cacao is a purine alkaloid that has a similar effect to caffeine, releasing energy slowly into the bloodstream rather than the highs and lows associated with caffeine.
In the Mayan creation story the goddess of the Cacao tree is called IX Cacao and is connected to fertility, abundance, community, safety and nurture. This is why when you connect to the energy of Cacao you will feel her divine feminine embrace and a strong yet soft motherly energy.
The spirit of Cacao found its way to the west, initially in the form of chocolate and more recently as raw ceremonial Cacao paste, powder and Cacao butter, making it easy for you to experience this sacred heart medicine by connecting with sustainable suppliers, attending Cacao ceremonies or creating personal rituals at home.
The Ceremonial Cacao we use today is made by fermenting beans and slightly heating the highest quality ones on a hotplate, hand-peeling them, and then grinding them down on a heated mill (traditionally a stone mill) so the resulting powder congeals into its final paste form. No sugars are added resulting in a raw cacao paste, full of natural healing properties.
It’s important to note that if you have high or low blood pressure, sensitive to plant medicines, pregnant or breastfeeding you may want to consult a doctor before working with Cacao or start with a small dose.
Cacao's medicinal properties
Ceremonial grade Cacao is mineral rich, high in iron, magnesium, and calcium.
It can improve your cardiovascular health and increase "the bliss chemicals" - Serotonin, tryptophan, tyrosine and phenylethylamine.
It has also been known to help...
Alleviate depression
Boost your mood
Support immune function
Enhance cognitive function
Help release trapped emotion
Connect you deeper to yourself
Feel at one with nature
Guide you in life and business
Connect you with community
Continuing your Cacao journey
There are many ways you can continue your Cacao journey with me or by yourself. What I’ve learnt over the years of connecting with this magical medicinal plant medicine is that she’s yearning to be explored in community, she want’s to be seen, felt and tasted in all areas of my life.
A Cacao ceremony is only one way to connect with her energy and there are many more intuitive and organic ways you can communne with her. The the best way to do this is to sit in her energy and ask…What can I do for you? How can I serve you? What do you want to reveal to me? What comes back might just surprise you and feel free to share your findings in comments below.
And if you’re looking to be guided on a healing Shamanic journey with Cacao then click the link below to book in a 121 Zoom session or in person ceremony.