all you want to know about cacao ceremonies
cacao ceremony
if you’ve spent any time in a yoga community, you may have heard about cacao ceremonies. cacao has been used for centuries as part of emotional and spiritual healing. but what is it exactly?
a cacao ceremony is a gathering, where the facilitator guides you and the other participants through a journey of meditation, intention setting, and drinking ceremonial cacao in a mindful way. every ceremony is different. sometimes the ceremony may include music, dance or other movement and expression.
cacao ceremonies trace their origins to indigenous traditions in central and south america. in these regions, cacao has long been used for its medicinal and ceremonial properties. shamans and healers have even used cacao as a tool for gaining spiritual insights.
ceremonial cacao
what’s the difference between ceremonial cacao and chocolate from the supermarket? for ceremonial cacao, the processing is kept as minimal and pure as possible. the main intention is to leave the cacao in its most natural state, retaining all the precious nutrients and energies that cacao may offer, nothing added nor removed. i often get asked which cacao brand i’m using or where to buy it. i can recommend the swiss online shop from sumak kawsay (my favorite is ruk’u’x ulew from guatemala). I usally prepare my cacao with water, plant based milk, different spices like cinnamon and ginger, and a bit of coconut sugar. mhmmm!
the benefits
heart opening: cacao contains theobromine and phenethylamine that promote feelings of love, compassion, and connection - for yourself and everyone around you. drinking ceremonial cacao may fill your heart with gratitude.
emotional release: a cacao ceremony is a safe space to express your emotions and release. the gentle psychoactive effects of cacao, combined with practices like meditation, breathwork, and sharing circles, can help you to process and release stored emotions, trauma, and blockages.
mood booster: cacao contains natural compounds serotonin and dopamine, which are associated with feelings of pleasure and well-being. ceremonial cacao may help uplift mood, increase energy, and make you feel happy and joyful.
self discovery: cacao opens doors and creates space for deep inner exploration. if you are struggling with difficult decisions and unresolved conflicts in life, this can be incredibly healing and empowering. you may see more clearly into your thought patterns, emotions, and subconscious beliefs.
community: cacao ceremonies often bring together like-minded people in a supportive and nurturing community setting. sharing the experience of drinking cacao can create a sense of belonging and connection.
healthy: cacao is one of the highest food sources of antioxidants, which help to protect the body from oxidative stress and damage from free radicals. It’s also rich in magnesium, iron, fiber.
my journey
i’ve experienced my first ceremony in guatemala and was so fascinated about the effects. it felt powerful and gentle, uplifting and grounding all together. my heart was filled with so much light and gratitude and I was curious to learn more about it. since my time in guatemala I love cacao even more – especially during winter it warms my heart! cacao is a gift from mother nature, and it truly connects me deeper with my nature, my heart space, the essence of who i am. to share the heart opening spirit of cacao and create space for others to experience it makes me feel very grateful. i love to host ceremonies around the full moon or new moon and combine it with guided journaling and meditations to dive even deeper into a transformative journey.
preparation for your ceremony
do you feel called to join a cacao ceremony? here´s a few things to prepare before:
cacao is safe to drink. however if you’re pregnant, have any heart disease/condition, take anti depressants - please contact the facilitator before
cacao contains caffeine, so please do not drink coffee or any other stimulants at least 3 hours before the ceremony
do not eat for at least 3 hours prior to the ceremony. this is so that the cacao can be quickly and easily absorbed and enables you to go deeper into your journey
drink plenty of water both before and after the ceremony to stay hydrated
dress in comfortable clothing
bring your journal and a pen
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may you all experience the healing and heart opening spirit of cacao ❤