The Heavenly Portal of a Cacao Ceremony
A traditional cacao ceremony is a sacred ritual that has been practiced for thousands of years by indigenous cultures in Central and South America and is also modified within different indigenous cultures. Over the years and with the events of colonization, cacao ceremonies have changed and adapted, but the spirit of cacao has remained potent.
Being in a ceremony with cacao revolves around the ceremonial consumption of her powerfully feminine plant spirit as a warm and bitter-tasting beverage. Cacao is a sacred plant medicine well-known for her physical, emotional, healing, and spiritual properties.
Cacao comes from the Theobroma cacao tree, which is native to the tropical regions of the Americas. Shamanic and indigenous traditions believe cacao holds powerful energy that can open the heart and facilitate a deeper connection with oneself, others, and the natural world.
Viewing cacao as a spirit aligns you with the messages, healing, and guidance the medicine has for you. When we open ourselves up this way, we can feel her distinct energy that embodies divine femininity and motherly love. Her beauty, essence, and grounded vitality guide us into the depths of our heart-center, self-love, and divine feminine power. Plus she tastes like heaven!
The History of Cacao
Cacao has been around as a sacrament for thousands of years, but to be specific, the history of traditional cacao ceremonies can be traced back to the ancient civilizations of Mesoamerica, particularly the Mayan and Aztec cultures. Looking through the lens of its origins, we can understand ancient wisdom of the significance of cacao.
Indigenous practices view cacao as a sacred plant medicine associated with fertility, abundance, and vitality. The shape and color of cacao pods and beans were considered symbolic, representing the human heart and blood flow. Cacao was also seen as a bridge between the earthly and divine realms, connecting humans with ancestral spirits and deities.
Ancient cacao ceremonies are sacred and ceremonial practices deeply rooted in indigenous traditions. As her popularity has grown, ceremony variations have emerged in different cultural and spiritual contexts, often adapting to the needs and beliefs of colonization and capitalism. Like any cultural practice, cacao ceremonies can be at risk of appropriation when adopted or adapted without proper understanding, respect, or permission from the originating culture.
What to Expect From a Cacao Ceremony
When we connect to this plant medicine, and any plant medicine for that matter, it’s important to be intentional and in a sacred space. A modern cacao ceremony is often outdoors or in a ritualistic setting and is led by a trained facilitator or experienced shaman who guides participants through the experience. And if you’re unsure if the facilitator or shaman is legitimately trained, we invite you to explore the topic in our blog, “Everybody Wants to be a Shaman,” to understand what it takes to be a credible and safe plant medicine carrier.
One of the most important factors for a cacao ceremony is using ceremonial grade cacao, which is prepared in a special way as a warm cacao beverage, using raw cacao beans (we will talk more about ceremonial cacao than other cacao and chocolate below). Cacao medicine is somewhat bitter and earthy but so velvety and grounding.
Depending on the tradition of the ceremony itself, the cacao medicine can be made with just water and cacao. She can be combined with other natural ingredients like spices, herbs, or sweeteners to enhance her flavor and energetic qualities. Before drinking cacao, participants are invited to set intentions for the ceremony. These intentions can be focused on personal growth, healing, clarity, or any other area of their life they wish to explore or work on.
The Environment of a Cacao Ceremony
The environment of a cacao ceremony is intentionally created to be safe, supportive, and conducive to inner exploration. Although you can experience a solo ceremony, one of cacao’s purposes is to bring us together through community, and is best experienced with a group - creating a sense of love, community, and unity. She also loves to be in the great outdoors, and in locations where movement can be experienced freely.
The Experience of a Cacao Ceremony
Cacao is consumed mindfully to connect to her energy and allow her healing potency to support the individual's journey. Once we connect to cacao, we are led through an awakening of the heart, and the results of your experience can range. Cacao ceremonies are meant to be experienced with deep gratitude, love, and appreciation for this sacred plant medicine.
The intention of cacao ceremonies is all there to support the matters of the heart, and by drinking this plant medicine, we can experience many benefits. The overall experience of working with her, however, almost always involves a heart-opened, energetic flow. Experiencing the beauty and power of cacao can truly be a life-changing experience.
Benefits of Cacao
Some of the main benefits of consuming cacao include:
Opens and heals the heart
Enhances creativity and focus
Reduces anxiety and depression
Expands consciousness
Fosters connection to self and others
Promotes gratitude, love, and compassion
As the ceremony unfolds, various elements may be incorporated to deepen the experience with cacao, such as meditation, breathwork, chanting, music, and movement. Participants may be encouraged to self-reflect, explore their emotions, release what no longer serves them, and embrace openness and receptivity. The power of ceremony allows this plant medicine to flow through you and guides you to your right to experience love and joy within and around you.
Transforming Our Lives and Bodies with Cacao
Because cacao works with our hearts, the experience of being with her in ceremony is a huge, heart-opening, and transformative experience. It can facilitate inner healing, emotional release, and spiritual insight. Participants may experience a range of sensations and emotions, which are seen as part of the transformative process.
The Ending of a Cacao Ceremony
At the end of a cacao ceremony, participants are encouraged to share their experiences and insights if they feel comfortable doing so. This sharing can foster community, support, and integration of the experiences and connections made with mama cacao.
This ceremony aspect is the most beautiful part because we connect through a heart-centered space. Making genuine and authentic connections. She reminds us that love starts with us, and when we connect to that part of self, we radiate and attract more love from around us.
Ceremonial Cacao vs. Other Cacao and Chocolate
As mentioned previously, ensuring you receive the right cacao for your ceremony is necessary to receive the benefits. And while there are many tips on a ceremonial cacao recipe, what matters more is the intention, preparation, and reverence poured into this plant medicine.
At a more grounded level, ceremonial cacao refers to a specific grade of raw and minimally processed cacao that holds sacred energetic properties, distinct from commercial chocolate, making it an integral component of transformative cacao ceremonies. It is also good to note that cacao used for ceremonies needs to be measured properly.
There is a range of cacao doses you can choose from, and it varies based on your previous connections and experiences with cacao. Consuming too little cacao will reduce the chances of receiving or feeling her benefits. Too strong a dose can leave you overly stimulated and create an unpleasant experience. Here are a few key differences regarding ceremonial cacao compared to other cacao and chocolates.
Raw and minimally processed: Ceremonial cacao is typically made from raw cacao beans that have been minimally processed. It is often stone-ground to preserve the natural nutrients and flavors of the cacao. On the other hand, commercial chocolate undergoes various processing steps, including roasting, refining the cacao, and adding additional ingredients like sugar and dairy, which interferes with the spirit, healing, and magic that cacao originally carried. This also includes many cacao powders you may find at your local grocery store.
Authentic and pure: Ceremonial cacao is usually consumed in its pure form without adding sweeteners or other ingredients. This gives a more direct experience of the cacao's natural flavors and energetic properties. On the other hand, commercial cacao and chocolate often contain additional ingredients such as sugar, milk, and flavorings, which can alter the taste and energetic effects.
Higher cacao content: Ceremonial cacao typically has a higher cacao content than regular chocolate. While the exact percentage may vary, ceremonial-grade cacao often contains 100% pure cacao or a high percentage of cacao solids. Alternatively, commercial chocolate and even cacao powder may have a lower cacao content and higher amounts of sugar and other additives.
Energetic and spiritual properties: Ceremonial cacao is known for its energetic and spiritual properties. It is often sourced from specific regions or grown with specific intentions, emphasizing its ceremonial significance. Ceremonial cacao is associated with heart-opening, introspection, and connection to one's inner self and the natural world. In contrast, regular chocolate is primarily consumed for its taste and as a treat, without the same emphasis on its energetic or spiritual qualities.
While ceremonial-grade cacao has unique qualities and uses, all cacao and chocolate come from the same source—the cacao tree. The differences lie in their preparation, intention, purpose, and the context in which they are consumed.
Cacao butter, derived from the cacao bean, is not only a culinary delight but also holds sacred properties in indigenous traditions. With its grounding and velvety texture, cacao butter serves as a potent ingredient, known for its ability to nourish the skin and enhance spiritual connections during ceremonial practices.
Cacao butter, obtained from the Theobroma cacao tree, has long been revered for its energetic qualities that open the heart and foster a deeper bond with oneself and the natural world. This divine ingredient embodies the essence of femininity and motherly love, guiding individuals to tap into their heart-centered power and experience the profound effects of self-love and inner healing.
Cacao nibs are also a popular way to consume cacao, as these can be thrown into or on top of smoothies and smoothie bowls alike.
It is also important to note that in honor of cacao’s spirit, the lands she comes from, and the indigenous people who protect her, our collective duty is to ensure that ceremonial cacao is protected and ethically and sustainably sourced. Some ways of doing this are ensuring the companies you buy your cacao from are fair-trade and are giving back to the indigenous communities. You can also directly support the communities. Lastly, we can protect sacred plant medicines and indigenous traditions by supporting charities as well, which you can find in our blog, “A Few of Our Favorite Reciprocal Charities”.
Honoring Cacao and Indigenous Practices
Protecting cacao also means honoring cacao ceremonies and indigenous practices. Cacao ceremonies may be misrepresented or simplified, distorting their cultural and spiritual significance. Elements of the ceremony, such as rituals, chants, or traditional practices, may be altered or omitted, leading to a shallow understanding or a misrepresentation of the original cultural context. When we move in this way, we as a society create space for a lack of cultural awareness, cultural appropriation, and commercialization, which can completely disregard indigenous knowledge and rights.
Through a lack of awareness, cultural appropriation occurs when the cultural origins, traditions, or contributions of the indigenous communities who have preserved and practiced cacao ceremonies are disregarded or ignored. Acknowledging and respecting the indigenous cultures that have historically used cacao ceremonially is important.
And when we commercialize sacred medicine ceremonies like cacao ceremonies, they become commercial ventures without considering their cultural roots. When ceremonies are marketed solely for profit or used as a trend without recognizing their sacred significance, it can undermine the integrity and spiritual nature of the practice.
Avoid Appropriation and Promote Cultural Respect
To avoid appropriation and promote cultural respect, it is important to approach cacao ceremonies with cultural sensitivity and mindfulness. As plant medicine people, it is important for us to learn and educate ourselves about the cultural origins and practices of cacao. Knowing the significance, history, and how the ceremonies were practiced are good places to start.
Approach cacao ceremonies with reverence, respect, and gratitude for the indigenous cultures and communities that have preserved and shared this sacred practice. Honor their contributions by acknowledging and respecting the cultural origins and spiritual significance of the ceremony.
If you are inspired to adapt or integrate elements of cacao ceremonies into your own practice, do so mindfully and with cultural sensitivity. Seek permission, give credit where it is due, and avoid appropriating or misrepresenting the traditions. By engaging in cacao ceremonies with cultural awareness, respect, and a commitment to honoring the practice's origins, we can contribute to its preservation and ensure that it is celebrated in a culturally sensitive manner.
Participating in a Cacao Ceremony
If you wish to participate in or facilitate a cacao ceremony, seek guidance from experienced practitioners or indigenous communities who deeply understand the practice. Collaborate with individuals or groups who can provide cultural insight and ensure respectful representation. Participating in a traditional cacao ceremony can be a profound and personal experience, offering an opportunity for self-discovery, healing, and spiritual growth.
However, we highly recommended approaching these ceremonies with respect, reverence, and guidance from experienced facilitators who understand the cultural significance and spiritual depth of the practice.
If you feel called to sit with cacao and with a loving community, we invite you to join us for a virtual cacao ceremony. Led by Cacao Medicine Carrier Neil Kirwan, who has a delightfully deep and reverent connection to cacao’s spirit. The virtual ceremony will be intentionally guided, “as we sip on our elixirs, we will be led through various exercises centered around ancestral communication, shadow work, heart connection, and community bonding.” We hope to see you there!
About the Author
Natalhie Ruiz is an integration coach, medicine carrier, and curandera born in Denver, Colorado, and of Peruvian indigenous descent. Her ancestry carries a lineage of curanderas from the Wari/Quechua people of the Peruvian Andes. Her work for us at the Plant Medicine People is managing all marketing and content creation. She has a strong background and personal experience with sacred plant medicines. Her knowledge and expertise in plant medicine have grown over the last 5 years, and she has had the privilege to have studied under the Cocama lineage. She has a deep relationship with Grandmother Ayahuasca, Rapéh/Mapacho, and Psilocybin. She has sat in isolated and dieta sauves with Cacao, Bobinsana, Ajo Sacha, and Damiana. She is looking forward to continuing her journey of learning and communing with other master plants. She is a dedicated advocate of plant medicine and protecting indigenous culture and traditions.
