Wild Power Alchemy | Ceremonial Cacao

Ceremonial Cacao

Ceremonial Cacao is no ordinary cacao! It is the highest grade, the highest vibration and the most energy-intense cacao on the planet.

Cacao is a heart-opening plant medicine and is one of the many tools available that can help us tune into who we really are. She supports us in softening our hearts so we can move from fear to love and connect with our inner wisdom.

Drinking Cacao in its purest form allows a deeper connection to ourselves our intuition knowing and inner guidance, which leaves you loved up (with yourself), empowered and in your heart.

Cacao is legendary and is known as the food of the gods! So, what is all the hype?

This divine elixir is not only legendary, but it’s also one of the healthiest foods in the world.

Cacao is native to the rainforests of Central and South America and has a rich history in Mesoamerican native cultures. The ancient tribes of Mesoamerica believed in the healing and medicinal properties of this plant and honoured cacao as a sacred and powerful food and medicine for thousands of years. Cacao was not only used as a sacred drink to connect with the divine in ceremonies, rituals and offerings but as an energy booster and to treat a range of ailments.

Cacao is very different from the chocolate we know it today. The Mayan word xocolatl which means ‘bitter water’, is where the word chocolate comes from. Back then, xocolatl was consumed as a bitter beverage of roasted and ground cocoa beans, mixed with water and spices, rather than the sweet treat we know today.

Cacao is a fruit which grows on Theobroma Cacao tree. The fruits are called Cacao pods, which contains the cacao bean, that are the basis of chocolate. Cacao is packed full of nutritional goodness that naturally boosts the immune system and gives an energetic lift to help us get through the day. Here are some of the vitamins, minerals, important antioxidants and amino acids that are jam-packed into Cacao.

Iron: Energises the body, boosts the immune system and helps with concentration.

Theobromine: Energises the body, enhances mood and lowers blood pressure at the same time.

Magnesium: Cacao has a high source of magnesium, which keeps the heart and brain healthy and gives you clarity and focus.

Zinc: Promotes a healthy nervous and immune system.

Phosphorus: This mineral is perfect for healthy bones and teeth.

Antioxidants: Cacao ranks pretty high on the list of all foods in terms of antioxidant content. Antioxidants are vital for improving our overall general health as they improve blood flow and protect us from ageing as well as improving cognition and mental health.

And then there are the reasons why we love chocolate!

Phenylethylamine: The love chemical, found naturally in the body, which gives you the happy-excited feeling like you are falling in love.

Anandamide: The bliss molecule that is responsible for producing feelings of happiness and it also works as a natural antidepressant.

Cacao is also said to aid weight loss as it helps to maintain and regulate glucose and sugar production as well as improves digestion and makes the skin glow!

What’s not to love about this divine elixir of the gods?

Cacao Ceremony

Each ceremony has a different well-being theme and responds to what is arising in the present moment. My ceremonies vary, depending on the season or what is coming up collectively for us. I weave the magic of Mama Cacao with drumming, fire, movement and the Goddess.

We drink 42g of ethically sourced ceremonial Cacao in ceremony, this dosage allows us to feel relaxed and blissful, although others may experience this at a lower dosage. I make my Cacao with water, agave nectar, cinnamon and vanilla. There are times I may spice her up a little with the teeniest pinch of cayenne. Each time you drink Cacao it is a different experience; she is a powerful teacher that gives us what we need. She is a teacher that is skilled at reconnecting us to our hearts and guiding us to our inner truth. Because of the nature of the Cacao, we may experience an expanded state of consciousness and awareness, whilst we begin to deepen our connection to ourselves and to those around us.

How to prepare

Try not to eat for 3-4 hours prior to the ceremony.
Avoid caffeine and dairy cow products 24 hours before the ceremony (they do not mix well with Cacao)
Keep well hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
It is highly recommended to avoid alcohol the day before.

This will support the body in receiving cacao as a powerful plant medicine.

Important:

Drinking Ceremonial Cacao is generally safe for most people; but as a responsible Cacao Practitioner, who honours the sacredness of plant medicines, it is important that I share the following contraindications.

Please check the below before booking a Cacao Ceremony:

Cacao is a stimulant similar to coffee, its main ingredient is theobromine which is an alkaloid similar to caffeine.
Cacao can increase heart rate and impact blood pressure; therefore, if you are taking any heart medications or have any heart defects, it is recommended you consult your GP before drinking Cacao.
Cacao is a natural mood booster and is contra-indicated with anti-depressants and antipsychotics, especially MAOIs and some SSRIs. If you are on anti-depressants, a full ceremonial dose of Cacao could overload your body with serotonin. Consulting your own GP before attending is recommended.
Cacao may not be appropriate for anyone who is epileptic, as consumption of cacao stimulates the brain and research suggests that there is a possible connection between caffeine and cocoa consumption which can increase seizures, so it is best to be cautious if you have a history of epilepsy.
Whilst it is safe to have Cacao if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is not recommended in a high ceremonial dose.

If any of these apply to you or you wish to know more or have any questions, please do reach out before booking a ceremony.

If you would still like to join a cacao ceremony, I can prepare a lower dose or arrange an alternative.

Plant Medicines are Sacred

Plant Medicines are sacred, and it is very important to honour and respect the power of the plant spirit. I believe that when we work with Cacao or any plant medicine, we should embody the ethics and impeccability that it demands and be held in space by a trained practitioner, who will support you in meeting the plant medicine with the deep reverence and respect her loving medicine deserves.

Aftercare

Drink lots of water after the Ceremony and be kind to yourself.
The effects of the journey can last for a few days, as the energy starts to integrate into your system.
Insights may still filter through over the coming weeks and answers to questions may come from unlikely places. I encourage you to journal and record your thoughts as they come up… it’s easy to forget!
Take some time out in nature (if you can) and walk barefoot on the grass to connect the earth's energy and remember to release any negative feelings out through the soles of the feet.
Hugging trees is also a really powerful way to root your energy.