Among the many magical understandings of nature I learned in my time with the indigenous Shipibo people of the Amazon Rainforest is the awareness that medicinal and spiritual plants reveal to us in their physical characteristics what they may offer us as medicine and/or spiritual teachers.
For example, the plant Suelda con Suelda is a strong vine that translates as "weld with weld" or join together. This incredible vine is utilized in the jungle to repair fractures; the spirit sews together the bones, like its vine is yarn. The popular Ayurvedic herb, Ashwagandha, thrives in dry, drought prone environments; it handles stress well. And what does Ashwagandha treat in us? Stress and anxiety, of course! So, what do the physical characteristics of Cacao reveal?
Cacao is a tree, which are widely regarded as a symbol of strength. Cacao blesses those who ceremoniously work with the plant the spiritual and mental strength necessary to undergo our healing journey and integrate into our regular reality. The leaves dance upon the crown of Cacao, showcasing its ability to connect us to the spiritual realm and cosmos.
Cacao’s seeds are encapsulated in hard shell, which is often red - the color of our hearts. The shell represents the protective nature that is often over our heart spaces. We must cup open the shell to get to Cacao's medicine, just in the same way that Cacao opens up our hearts. Inside, the beans are covered with a sweet, white coating - like the nature of our loving hearts. Of course, Cacao is incredibly powerful at connecting us to our loving nature. And we consume the plant's seeds, that which goes into Mother Earth and gives life. This reveals Cacao's grounding and life giving tendencies. Those who work with Cacao ceremoniously move deeper into their hearts, are more full of life, grounded & feel a stronger connection to Mother Earth.
Having the knowledge of a plant’s potential while working with it further unlocks its potential. We have the ability to use this knowledge in formulating our intentions for ceremonies, adding the power of our consciousness to that of the Cacao spirit. Furthermore, visualizing the plant's physical appearance assists in deepening our connecting with the plant, which will enhance its healing and spiritual development potential.
Viewing plants in this deeper way brings us further into presence and increases our connection to our ever loving and providing Mother Earth. I'd love to hear what you learn just by simply looking at a plant more deeply!
Alex Simmons is an Cacao Practitioner and husband of Conscious Cacao's founder, Natalie Simmons. Natalie and Alex offer online group, couples, and 1-1 Cacao Ceremonies. Join our mailing list or follow Conscious__Cacao on Instagram to receive notifications of our online group ceremonies. Natalie also offers Akashic Records Readings and distance Reiki. Alex offers spiritual counseling and life coaching with a specialization in the integration of sacred plant medicine experiences and spiritual awakening guidance. You may learn more about their experiences and offerings on the "Offerings" page of this site.
Comments