What is a Cacao Ceremony?

Cacao is a sacred medicine, a humble and powerful plant teacher.

Cacao is a gentle and powerful medicine supporting us in opening our hearts and deepening our connection with mother earth. Raw cacao coming from the Theobroma evergreen tree has many health benefits. Ceremonial grade cacao is made of raw beans and this makes it different from processed cocoa in chocolates made with roasted beans. 

Raw cacao contains a wealth of fiber, zinc, iron, potassium, selenium and antioxidants. Studies have shown that raw cacao can improve mental health by reducing cortisol levels, encouraging feelings of relaxation and lowering blood pressure. It increases the blood flow and the oxygen flow throughout the body. Cacao is also known as an aphrodisiac because it increases serotonin levels in the brain and enhances pleasurable sensations. 

The ceremonial and ritual use of Cacao dates back thousands of years across many Meso-American cultures. From the mountain jungles of Colombia and Peru, all the way to the most well known origin of Cacao in the Mayan Peninsula of Mexico and Guatemala. In Ancient Mayan culture cacao is known as ‘Food of the Gods’. When we drink cacao in ceremony we do this with respect and humility honoring the cultures and traditions from which she arose. 

‘Cacao Ceremony’ is a non-native term used in different countries around the world. In native traditions cacao is shared as a part of water and fire ceremonies but not as a central sacrament. It is common for indigenous communities to prepare and share their traditional cacao drink during celebrations and gatherings. Nowadays cacao ceremonies have become popularized and are mixed with different rituals and spiritual practices. I facilitate ceremonies with cacao as a sacred medicine, a humble and powerful plant teacher.