Mother Cacao

A gift of nature that allows us to connect to ourselves, our spirit, and our heart centre. Mother Cacao is a beautiful teacher, enabling us to travel into ourselves and opening our hearts to see what we need in this moment. This powerful medicine has been used for childbirth, spiritual and social purposes for millennia by pre-Hispanic cultures along the Yucatán, including the Maya and Atztec cultures, and as far back as Olmeca civilization. It was used in spiritual ceremonies and is found in Central and South America. The ancient Mayans and Aztecs thought that cacao was a gift from the gods. In fact, its botanical name even means "Food of the Gods." This article will help you to deepen your understanding of this sacred plant, its traditions and the health benefits of consuming cacao.

How ceremonial Cacao is made

Ceremonial cacao is special because it's made in a traditional way that's been handed down through generations, unlike the mass-produced cocoa you find in most chocolate products. It's a craft, meaning people take great care and use specific methods to make it, with a focus on preserving the natural qualities of the cacao. This makes ceremonial cacao not just a product, but a part of cultural heritage and ritual.

The cacao seeds are used to make cacao. Originally, the beans were carefully selected and harvested by farmers, who practice sustainable farming methods to preserve both the purity of the beans and the soil. Once harvested, the Cacao beans undergo a natural fermentation process, which enhances their flavour. In the traditional use, the beans were chosen by the individuals who wanted to work with the spirit of Cacao. With intention, the beans are roasted, so the skin breaks and can be peeled off by hand. Next, the beans are ground to a paste. Originally, the native people used a grinding stone that is heated by fire. To prepare ceremonial cacao, the cacao paste is mixed with hot water. The mixture has to be stirred constantly until the cacao is fully melted and smooth, making it ready to drink. This process helps to create a rich and creamy texture, enhancing the experience of consuming the cacao.

Health benefits of Cacao

Cacao has amazing health properties, Flavonoids and resveratrol in cacao can lower blood pressure, regulate cholesterol, and improve blood flow, promoting better cardiovascular health. It is one of the richest foods with magnesium, which supports muscle and heart health, and relaxes the muscles, joints, and nervous system. Other compounds of cacao are theobromine (which is translated as Food of the Gods), caffeine, and epicatechins, which help boost the brain's production of serotonin and increase mental alertness, cognitive function, and physical energy. Cacao is rich in antioxidants, which are molecules that fight free radicals (Free radicals are compounds that can cause harm if their levels become too high in your body) and is therefore crucial for your immune system and supports your skin health and recovery.

Cacao in Ceremony

The sacredness of this plant can be celebrated in gatherings, where individuals come together and sit in a circle to drink cacao. The ceremonial ambiance is crucial, as it allows participants to feel safe to share their experiences and insights, being vulnerable in front of others takes bravery. To cleanse the energy of the space it's suggested to burn herbs, oils, or traditional ingredients, allowing scent and smoke to root the collective energy.

Cacao is a heart-opening medicine, which enables us to see what we need to work on. The ceremony starts by preparing the cacao with intention and in a meditative state we can connect with the spirit of the plant, pray to it, and show our gratitude and respect for the traditions that have preceded it. Participants form a spiritual bond beyond their selves by gathering in a circle, a symbol of oneness and equality. In the heart of each cacao ceremony lies a transformative experience, a journey that allows you to connect deeply with yourself, your heart, and the spirit of the plant. The cup from which you drink the cacao is more than just a container for a drink; it’s a pathway to the soul, a gateway to the heart, and a link to the natural world.

Traditionally, a sacred fire is lit, which is the communication channel between the physical realm and the spirit world. If having a fire isn’t an option, you can light candles to symbolize the energy of the fire. Having an altar with offerings such as flowers, fruits, crystals, copal, candles, and representations of energies we feel connected to can support the concentration and focus of the ceremony.

With your first sip you set an intention, connect to the spirit and the energies of nature. It helps you to prepare yourself for the journey and makes you aware of your energy and your heart's desires. With each mindful sip, you acknowledge the elements and pray to them. You can whisper your prayers into the cacao.

A beautiful part of the ceremonies is breathing together, creating peace, and connecting the energies, beyond the limitations of our body. It's a magical tool to share your experience and insights that came through during your experience and hold space for people who are willing to share and open themselves up to the community.

Benefits of sharing cacao in ceremony

Ceremonial cacao is a powerful pathway to our highest self and connects us to our emotions and physical bodies. During our journey, we can eliminate emotional blockages and align our body, mind, and spirit. Gathering together in a circle creates a lot of energy, it is a powerful container that can intensify the experience, yet it is so wonderful to be in this sacred space and allow the medicine to work with you. During our journey, we express our gratitude to Pachamama, to our home and sacred mother, and to our ancestors. Like all plant medicines, cacao is a teacher and reveals aspects of ourselves, which are normally hidden from our conscious mind. We live in a fast world with many distractions around us, through the peaceful atmosphere given in a ceremony we can center ourselves and focus on our heart's longings, which are the callings from our soul, the gentle voice that is guiding us towards our purpose. This enables us to tap into our creative flow, feeling empowered in our beautiful bodies to move as we will.

To summarise, the top benefits of cacao include:

• Improves mood

• Heart opener

• Supports body detoxification

• Anti-inflammatory

• Supports gut health

• Improves immune function

• Enhances creativity and sensuality

• Boosts memory and concentration

Experience the magic of cacao for yourself!

Ready to start your own journey in harnessing the healing, loving energy of cacao? Check your local area for cacao ceremony offerings, such as Facebook events or websites like Eventbrite. We host our own cacao ceremonies at The LoveLight Temple in Margate, Redliffe QLD. Our FlowMotion workshops start in a sacred circle with ceremonial cacao in ritual, infused with meditation and intention setting. We then move into a somatic dance experience, guided by our bodies' own rhythms as we move through a sound journey with a live DJ set. If you're near us, come join in! We currently offer this event once a month as well as Art on the Dancefloor.

Cacao Ceremony at home

You can purchase organic cacao online. We use Ubud Raw from Bali

There is so much to learn and experience about this sacred plant medicine, and we hope we have inspired you in taking the next step on your journey. Embrace this heart opening, grounding and delicious nectar as you move towards a happier, healthier you.

Thank you for taking your time to read this article. We'd love to here about your own experiences with cacao, drop us a message on our website or connect with us on instagram or facebook.

Sending you love and gratitude for your being,

Co-Creators