Cacao is considered a divine gift of the Gods, and is one of the great teacher plants of the Amazon. Made from the Criollo Bean it makes up less than 5% of the world’s Cacao production. It was once so valuable it was used as currency and was considered of higher value than gold. Cacao was used in ceremony throughout the Ancient Mayan and Aztec worlds for facilitating birth, in rites of passage, activation of sacred sites, and as a divine sacrament.
It is considered a master healing plant, and carries the energy of the divine mother, of pure unconditional love. In modern cacao ceremony we use sacred cacao to connect with the divine within, to open our hearts, and awaken our full potential as divine spirits having a human experience. Mama cacao helps us process those things that are blocking our heart from opening, releasing us from guilt, shame or grief, to expand into joy.
In connecting fully with this beautiful sacrament it can be useful to hold ceremonies in times of transition between seasons, to help us connect with the natural world, and align with the natural energies of the earth to help transmute our personal experiences, and come into communion with Pachamama..
The Cacao itself is processed differently from chocolate or cacoa, it is roasted at a lower temperature and has no additives so it is much more nutrient rich and flavoursome. As a food medicine it is rich in flavanols which help improve circulation to the brain and heart, and lowers blood pressure. It is also full of vitamins and antioxidants, and minerals such as magnesium and potassium which reduces inflammation and pain, iron which oxygenates the blood, and tryptophan which is an amino acid that is turned into serotonin in your body and helps you relax and feel happy.
What happens in a ceremony?
In your personal ceremony we first explore your intention as we brew and stir the cacao together – what are you hoping to achieve by doing the ceremony? What is your story? What are you wanting to say yes to? What is your sacred no? What is no longer serving you and can you now let go of? How can you align more with your highest self?
We then ask the spirit of mama cacao to guide us toward your intention, to help us remember who we truly are, to open heart and mind to all possibilities as we drink together, and the journey begins.
I then use crystal healing bowls and shamanic drum and rattle to accompany a guided shamanic journey to the upper or lower worlds, where you will meet guides, ancestors and deities and seek visions to clarify your intention and aid you in transmuting any blocks, release old trauma or patterns, or to give you their unique medicine.
This is a dreamscape of sound and symbol, of feeling and moving energy, and here we use the language of the subconscious, symbols and archetypes to harvest insight and meaning.
We then take some embodiment practices, and bring some compassionate touch or movement to help release any trapped energy from past trauma, release any old stagnation or emotion, and to allow our bodies to relax, open and receive joy, until the journey feels complete.
Once fully back in the body we ground the intention, and begin to embody the essence of mama cacao, our true self of unconditional love, and we discuss what unfolded during the ceremony, explore meaning and close with some journaling of reflections and inspired actions to take.
What about a group ceremony?
In a private group ceremony, we begin by coming into resonance with each other, and connecting in the space in a circle. We offer a few words of our intention into the circle, and then ask the spirit of mama cacao to guide us toward the group’s intention, as well as to help us remember who we truly are, to open heart and mind to all possibilities as we drink together, and the journey begins. Everyone lies down individually and we also set the intention not to interrupt anyone elses process. To respect one another’s personal journey and only share what you feel to once the ceremony is finished.
I then use crystal healing bowls, koshi windchimes and shamanic drum and rattle to accompany a guided shamanic journey to a theme of your choice or based on the energy of the occasion. For example if it could be for gaining insight, manifesting, healing, meeting spirit guides or unlocking a particular energy centre. Or it could celebrate the seasonal changes or significant astrological events.
We then take some movement in the form of expressive dance, yoga, some compassionate touch or movement to help release any trapped energy from past trauma, release any old stagnation or emotion, and to allow our bodies to relax, open and receive joy, until the journey feels complete.
Once fully back in the body we ground the intention, and begin to embody the essence of mama cacao, giving thanks and gratitude to the group, and to the medicine. The group is then invited to share their experience, and once that is complete we close the ceremony. If the group wants to enjoy the beautiful space and celebrate then once ceremony is finished catering can be arranged for afterwards and is an especially beautiful treat to enjoy on a birthday.
If you would like to enquire about booking a one on one or group ceremony please contact Mel on 0410331990 or book a free enquiry chat here.
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