Have you ever heard of a Cacao ceremony? It is a very old spiritual ritual based on Cacao that has its origin with the Mayans and Aztecs.
They believed in the healing and medicinal properties of the pure bean of the tree Theobroma Cacao. Theobroma translates as "Food of the Gods." But is Cacao equally divine for common mortals like you and me? Of course, it is! Find out why, and much more, in this blog.
Cacao Ceremonies are cultural rituals well-known to Mayan communities as a type of shamanic healing that rebalances our energies and restores good health. The ancient Mayan Goddess of Cacao and the Cacao tree, IxCacao, was beloved for her compassion and viewed as a provider of food, safety, and security for her people.
The Aztecs learned from the Mayans the cultivation and preparation of this divine plant. Once they extracted the drink from the tree’s beans, they called it "Xocolatl", hence the name Chocolate. Its consumption was reserved for only the emperor, nobles, and warriors. Luckily, we are all nobility to the spirit of Cacao and worthy of her healing!
With centuries of energies accumulated towards this tradition and its evolution with spiritual healing practices from across the globe, the modern Cacao Ceremony has profound healing and learning potential. Its ceremonial nature adds an extra dimension to the act of drinking Cacao, elevating this experience beyond the worries of ordinary life and into a sacred space.
A Sacred & Safe Space
Firstly, a sacred and safe space for the healing journey must be created and held. This may include creating an altar with crystals, spiritual relics, incense, oracle cards, candles, flowers or anything sentimental. Even the most simple altar offerings are perfect, as anything presented from the heart to spirit is gladly accepted.
The practitioner, facilitator, or guide plays a critical role in creating a safe space for self-expression. They offer mindfulness practices known to support emotional connection, presence, and community connection. A well-trained facilitator has been working with Cacao extensively on their own self-healing and spiritual development. Cacao Ceremonies are an inclusive practice; if at any time your facilitator or the community makes you feel unsafe, unseen, or unheard, speak up or walk away.
Cacao Ceremonies, a timeless ritual
Cacao is a fantastically diverse plant and is suitable for a wide array of ceremonies. To this day, the Mayans include Cacao in Sacred Fire & Wedding ceremonies. Other approaches may offer guided meditations, sacred songs, sound healing, group mantra chanting, shamanic journeying, pranayama or breathwork, oracle/tarot card readings, journaling, somatic healing and share circles. Cacao is a popular component of ecstatic dances for its ability to place us deeper in our bodies, although the healing potential of this approach, as with all, depends on your’s and your space holders' intent to heal.
All ceremonial contexts offer transformation, as Cacao opens our hearts, encouraging us to listen to our true being, work on our blocks and past traumas, dissolve any accumulated negative energy and help align us with who we really are and our spirits’ desires. We are reconnected with the beauty, sweetness, and love that resides within.
What kind of Cacao is used?
Not simply any 100% Cacao suffices for ceremonial purposes. The Cacao must be grown with respect and love for Mother Earth. This implies no chemicals are used in the trees growing, sustainable farming techniques are utilized, and gratitude is expressed to the Cacao itself and Mother Earth. The farmer and all people involved with producing it must be fairly treated and have a healthy relationship with the plant. The Cacao must have a clean ancestral line free of profit maximization techniques that genetically modify the plant to produce more beans.
A ceremonial dose of Cacao is approximately 40-42 grams of 100% Cacao. Although, one can have equally transformative experiences at lower doses. We always recommend starting at lower doses and gradually increasing, carefully noting your physical, emotional, and mental reactions.
Alex Simmons is an Apprentice Shaman 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.
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