Cacao Ceremonies
Through the alchemy of ceremonial cacao and mindfulness practice, I hold circles that encourage introspection, inner healing, and spiritual connection. After some recent time spent in Guatemala, learning from Mayan elders and connecting with the cacao plant, I offer this heart-opening medicine to those seeking inner peace, connection and insight.
What is Ceremonial Cacao?
Ceremonial cacao is sourced from specific regions known for producing high-quality cacao beans (the same kind of beans used in chocolate.) These regions include parts of Central and South America, such as Peru, Ecuador, Guatemala, and Mexico. Historically, cacao was used in a ceremonial setting by ancient cultures such as the Aztec and Maya - the Maya believed that the gods discovered cacao in the mountains and gave it to humans. They revered the elixir and its heart-opening properties and would gather together and drink the liquid.
My mentor, Mayan elder Izaias Sajvin Mendoza, shared a Mayan legend that states, “When the people of the world have severed their connection to nature and lost their way, the spirit of cacao will stand up and walk out of the forests to open the hearts and minds of people in distant lands.”
I feel this in my work with the medicine. I feel how the cacao helps us connect to our spirit and the spirit of the land around us. And I am honoured to serve this medicine to people.
The Health Benefits of Cacao
Rich in Antioxidants: Cacao is high in flavonoids, polyphenols, and other antioxidants, which may help neutralize free radicals in the body, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
Heart Health: Some studies suggest that moderate consumption of cacao may have a positive impact on heart health by improving blood flow and lowering blood pressure.
Mood Enhancement: Cacao contains compounds like theobromine and phenylethylamine, which can have mood-enhancing effects. Additionally, it can stimulate the release of endorphins, promoting a sense of pleasure, well-being and connection to place and people.
The Spiritual Benefits of Cacao
Heart Opening: I have felt first-hand how the medicine of cacao works with the heart and has the ability to open the heart chakra, fostering a sense of love, compassion, and connection.
Mindfulness and Presence: In a mindful, ceremonial setting with the cacao, I guide you into a state of stillness, helping you to focus on the present moment, and facilitating relaxation, connection and introspection.
Connection to Nature: Cacao is a plant-based substance and can induce a feeling of a spiritual connection to nature when consuming it. This connection is often emphasised in the ceremonial setting.
As a space holder, I serve cacao inspired by the influence of traditional Mayan and Celtic practices, blended with more modern forms of gathering.
During my ceremonies,
you can expect:
A dedicated central alter space honouring the four directions; Water, Air, Earth, Fire
An acknowledgement of Land and Country
An infusion of cacao with other herbal medicines like Blue Lotus or Mugwort
An honouring and welcoming of ancestors and people from the spiritual realm
A guided meditation or visualisation practice to help participants relax, feel grounded, and open their minds and hearts to the experiences that may unfold during the ceremony
The facilitation of a sharing opportunity where participants can express their thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a supportive and non-judgmental environment
I take a non-dogmatic approach to all my ceremonies and do not follow any one particular faith. Instead, I bring in my beliefs around the interconnectedness of all beings, past and present as well as my clairsentient ability to feel the energies around us. All of my intentions come from a place of love and compassion, wanting people to feel safe, heard and connected.
I currently work with a mixture of ceremonial Cacao sustainably sourced from farmers in Peru and Guatemala.
Read the story of how I started working with Cacao, here.