Cacao
What Is Cacao…?
In simple terms, it is the fruit from the Cacao tree. This fruit contains up to around 50 beans, these beans are gently roasted & used in the production of Ceremonial Cacao & chocolate as we know it. Over thousands of years, since ancient civilisations, Cacao has been used in rituals and ceremonies as a tool for journeying deep inside the self, and allowing spirit to move through and guide us.
Cacao is known as 'The Food for the Shift’…
‘An Indigenous myth tells us whenever the balance between humans and nature becomes threatened, Cacao comes from the rainforest to open people's hearts and return us all to harmony.’
How is Ceremonial Cacao Different…?
Ceremonial Cacao differs from other cacao & forms of chocolate because of the way it is processed. It contains the whole bean (apart from the skin), meaning it has not been de-fatted or overly heat treated, so it retains all the nutrients.
It is planted & cultivated with intention for ceremony.
It has many mystical & spiritual qualities, but it also has a whole heap of amazing physical benefits too! Around 300 Biochemical reactions that take place within the body when, we consume cacao in its raw & natural form.
Where do I get mine from…?
I source my Cacao from Cacao Lab. After working with lots of different cacaos from around the world, & feelings into the people behind that cacao that was being brought to me, this is the one that resonated the most & for many reasons…
Energetically, it felt beautiful & tasted wonderful.
The energy of all the work that has gone into working ethically, respectfully & sustainably alongside the farmers & communities is really felt within this Cacao.
The respect payed to the process, people & sacred traditions of these ancient lands is really important to Cacao Lab & makes this much more than just a drink.
These beans are cultivated to organic standards, in an unpolluted, natural environment, in mineral rich volcanic soil in high elevation in Ecuador. They really are special.
Cacao is one of the most nutritionally dense superfoods and provides many benefits both spiritual & physical.
It contains more antioxidants than any other food on the planet.
It stimulates the production of the neurotransmitters dopamine, serotonin and anandamide - the ‘bliss chemical’ - leading to feelings of euphoria.
It relaxes the muscles and balances the nervous system whilst focusing the mind and activating the heart.
It aids meditation beautifully.
What is a Cacao Ceremony…?
So these really can vary from person to person, but here’s how mine go…
After a deep-dive immersion lasting several months, with input from leaders in the field of medicine-music, history & archaeology, organic farming & biodiversity, we learnt about bean to cup process & agroforestry. There was wisdom from indigenous spiritual community elders & teachers from Central and South America.
It was through these teachings that I was blessed to be given one of the most well rounded, heart led immersions into the world of Cacao.
As a result of these teachings & through my own intuition & existing practices, my ceremonies have become a wonderful blend of all these things.
Each ceremony we connect deeply with the elements & energies in deep reverence & respect for this ancient, sacred tradition, its background, history & indigenous cultures.
With this supportive and heart centred plant medicine, you are invited to journey, connect & share time held in sacred space so your deepest truths can be explored.
In my ceremonies, I offer an eclectic mix. Sometimes we use our voice through chanting, mudra, mantra & meditation, to still our minds & bodies. At times, we might journal & reflect to gain clarity & focus. Often we pause to enjoy the soothing & restorative power of a sound meditation whilst body & mind are bathed in cleansing vibrations.
No previous experience necessary - just an open mind & a willingness to connect with yourself.
Whether you are old or new to Ceremony you are most welcome.
When we pause in ceremony & ritual, we give ourselves the gentle attention, listening and nourishment we so often crave. We connect deeply to the language of our hearts and to the silent well of wisdom within.
