A few days ago, I joined a cacao ceremony in my hometown. I never done this type of ritual and I was very curious of what I could learn. You sit in circle, drink the elixir and have a powerful profound and fun experience. Here is what I learned…
Cacao is not cocoa. Raw cacao is made by cold-pressing un-roasted cacao beans. The process keeps the living enzymes in the cacao and removes the fat (cacao butter). Cocoa looks the same but it’s not. Cocoa powder is raw cacao that’s been roasted at high temperatures.
Know it’s history. The Ancient Mayans and Aztecs used Chocolate for Spiritual and Ceremonial purposes. In its purest form (unlike much of the chocolate available in the mainstream), it is a powerful assistant for ‘inner work’, creative guidance and so much more. It is is gaining a lot of popularity now, because of all the shifts on the planet and people recognize its power.
Drink with intension. Look at your cup and put an intention to your experience. Whatever you put it will manifest to your body, to your day or upcoming days.
Health benefits. As the number-one superfood on the planet, cacao has been reported to clear the nervous system, boost serotonin, release “the bliss molecule” anandamide, activate the brain, and oxygenate the body more than any live food source on the planet. The Spirit of Cacao was one of the most revered of the ancient Mayan Deities. They called Cacao ‘The water that runs through the heart’ and ‘Food of the Gods’.
- Cacao packs in more calcium than cow’s milk.
- It’s densely packed with iron, magnesium and antioxidants.
- Consuming cacao can help with issues such as depression, stress, blood pressure and heart health.
- Cacao is also renowned for releasing dopamine and endorphins in the body, which soothe symptoms of PMS, by boosting our mood.
- It helps to balance blood sugar levels, and create more blood flow to the brain — helping to strengthen awareness and focus.
- It’s also naturally packed with caffeine, which acts as a burst of energy, and is said to enhance creativity, as well as deep meditation.
Everyone experience is different. During Chocolate Ceremonies, people connect with deep feelings of bliss, love and joy –everyone on their own flow. Some people journey through a variety of emotions which are stuck – these may have caused illness, repetitive patterns, conflict, confusion, lack of abundance, love and basic lack of joy and fulfillment in their lives. Some gain deep realizations about their purpose, the meaning of life and the direction their soul is calling them to take. There’s often wondrous ‘aha’ moments on why certain things have been a perceived ‘problem’ and how, in fact, now they can see that it’s their greatest gift. With this knowledge, the journey forward is more empowered without the old ‘story’ but with a renewed awareness of the gifts they’ve been granted, even through the story! This fresh start empowers them to step into their power in a way they’ve never before experienced.
My experience. I was energetic and smily. I was fully aware of my feelings and the experience of the people in the community. The ceremony was beautiful. We touch topics of self love, awareness, listening to your gut, leaving old stories behind, to have fun, to help others and to release what doesn’t serve us. All of the topics where deeply moving and made me realize how lucky I was to be there, so present and so alive.
I bought a bag for myself. This cacao comes from Guatemala. Truly rich and special from a tribe who honor this trees. Everyday I take a cup in the morning and set my intension. I have notice I have a deep calling, a big vision coming my way and a bigger awareness. Can’t wait to see what else will happen during this beautiful experience!
I recommend 100% Learning to open our hearts is the most important thing we can do as human beings. This allows us to open wide to our true potential, be vulnerable, and embrace who our authentic selves. It is through discovering who we really are, that we can reach our highest potential, and create the most beautiful life for ourselves, and those around us. The more we connect to love and awareness in ourselves, the more we can make more loving and conscious choices for the greater good. If you’d like to learn more about cacao ceremonies, there are many workshops and teachings that take place all around the world today. Pick one that speaks to your soul, and calls you to it, and go with an open mind and heart.
If you are buying cacao…Before buying always check that you are buying unsweetened powder instead of cocoa mixes with sugar. A higher fat percentage is better too, as it adds flavor and is more satisfying so you’ll consume fewer calories overall. Also keep an eye out for fair trade labels, so you know the workers who harvested the cacao were paid fairly.
Want to learn more?
If you want to share your experience or have any questions, feel free to write me! 🙂
xoxo, Cristina
