Cacao Ceremony Benefits

Cacao Ceremony benefits & reciprocity

The Cacao rituals I offer are held with clear intention and respect. When shared in this way, it can have unique spiritual and emotional effects. When you tune respectfully into the intention of self-transformation a beautiful, gentle golden alchemy is created. It can open our hearts, create deeper connection with the natural world, our intuition and any unseen guidance.

How do Cacao Ceremonies usually work?

Can anyone attend?

A Cacao ceremony is a traditional ritual that involves the consumption of ceremonial Cacao, a 100% pure Cacao paste that is used for its mood-enhancing and medicinal properties. The ceremony is typically led by a Cacao facilitator or guardian and can involve a variety of practices, including meditation, chanting, movement, and music.

Here is an overview of how a typical cacao ceremony may work:

Preparation: Participants are invited to prepare for the ceremony by setting an intention, quieting their minds, and getting into a receptive state.

Opening: The facilitator may lead a brief opening ceremony to set the tone for the experience and invite participants to let go of any distractions or negativity.

Consumption of Cacao: Participants drink a warm cup of ceremonial Cacao, which is prepared with love and intention. The facilitator may lead a chant or meditation to help participants connect with the cacao and their intention.

Guided practices: The facilitator may lead participants in various practices, such as meditation, movement, or music, to help them connect with their intention and the cacao.

Integration: Participants are given time to reflect on their experience and integrate the insights they have gained. They may share their experiences with the group, if they choose.

Closing: The facilitator may lead a closing ceremony to thank the Cacao and close the ceremony with gratitude.

The goal of the Cacao ceremony is to provide a space for participants to connect with their inner selves and the world around them, and to experience the mood-enhancing and medicinal benefits of the cacao. Each ceremony is unique and can be adapted to meet the needs and preferences of the participants.

Anyone can attend a cacao ceremony, although it is important to keep in mind that not everyone may be a good fit for this type of experience. Some people may be sensitive to caffeine or have allergies or health conditions that make consuming cacao a risk. It is always recommended to consult with a doctor or healthcare professional before attending a cacao ceremony if you have any concerns. Read below for more health information.

In general, cacao ceremonies are open to people of all ages, backgrounds, and spiritual beliefs, and they can be a great opportunity to connect with others, explore new practices, and deepen your connection to yourself and the world around you. However, it is important to choose a reputable and ethical facilitator and to do your research to ensure that the ceremony aligns with your values and expectations.

What do I offer in my Cacao Ceremonies?

Before any ceremony I invite a simple and clear preparation, and during the ritual, we connect through our moving bodies in mindful dance as I always use my beloved embodied practice Movement Medicine™,  we hold sharing circles and we drink Cacao together. At any moment of the ritual you will be encouraged to follow your own body intuition, this may mean you wish to stop movement and rest, or not drink anymore, in any case you decide what is best for you. Every person is different and the invitation is to let go of expectations and trust that your journey was exactly what was needed.

I bring forth into the space our ancestral, wild and sacred selves. With the support at my back of the Venezuelan Amazonian forest and ancestors. We connect deeply to the 4 elements inside of us through movement and music. And always guided by the nourishing spirit of this plant. Cacao loves to be moved and to move bodies, hearts and minds.

The Cacao plant has a distinct spirit and coming into reciprocal communication with it, it’s origin and it’s properties is essential to create a harmonious ceremonial experience. Gratitude, respect and awareness for it’s ancestral history which also includes the wounds of slavery, consumerism and colonisation is crucial to me to connect to the sacredness of this plant and help her and us return golden. Giving back to the people who harvested it with respect and for the nature that protected it is also part of my relationship with Cacao. Making sure I always source it from south or central american indigenous families or cooperatives that grow the Cacao sustainably and ethically. I usually work with Cacao from Venezuela, Peru, Ecuador or Guatemala.

Whether it is your first time with Cacao and you feel the calling, or whether it is already in your life and you want to explore a unique ritual where we invite the wisdom and deeper intuition of our body in movement as we journey through the 4 elements (Earth, Water, Fire Air), I offer online or in presence private Cacao Ceremonies to connect to your unbroken self, shatter any limiting beliefs and reclaim your sovereignty. Look for these here Cacao Ceremonies or in the shop or have a look under events as well for online and in presence group events.

Cacao Benefits

Cacao is a complex food, and for me it is the symbol of the Earth in color, texture and energy. It is considered a superfood and is rich in antioxidants which purify the body and bind free radicals, vitamins and minerals like Magnesium, Chromium and Zinc, neurotransmitters and “feel good” hormones like Anandamide, Oxytocin and Serotonin. It contains also Theobromine and Caffeine that support heart opening as it increases the blood flow and heart function, dilates vessels and relaxes the muscles.

Some of the potential benefits of Cacao include:

Mood improvement: Cacao contains compounds such as tryptophan, phenylethylamine, and anandamide that have been shown to have a positive effect on mood and mental well-being.

Heart health: The flavonoids found in cacao have been shown to improve cardiovascular health by lowering blood pressure, reducing oxidative stress, and improving blood flow.

Cognitive function: The antioxidants and flavonoids in cacao have been shown to improve cognitive function and reduce the risk of age-related cognitive decline.

Stress reduction: Cacao contains compounds that have been shown to reduce the effects of stress and improve relaxation, including magnesium and theobromine.

It’s important to note that these benefits have primarily been studied in the context of consuming moderate amounts of Cacao in its pure, minimally processed form, such as in ceremonial Cacao. More processed forms of chocolate, such as milk chocolate, may contain added sugar and other ingredients that can offset the potential health benefits of Cacao. Additionally, it’s always best to consult with a doctor or healthcare professional before incorporating it into your diet, especially if you have any health conditions or are taking any medications.

Is Cacao safe?
Pure ceremonial Cacao is a subtle yet deep plant medicine, it is completely legal and it is not psychoactive.
It works with our hearts physically, emotionally and spiritually. It may bring increased circulation, heart palpitations and headaches in case of detox. Ceremonial doses of Cacao are not recommended for somebody who is taking antidepressants (Cacao contains MAO inhibitors), has a serious heart condition, has very high blood pressure or suffers epilepsy. Please speak to your doctor if you consider taking ceremonial doses of Cacao in any of these cases. Raw Cacao contains Histamine. Pregnant women should take smaller amounts.