Cacao

Cacao (Kuh-Kaw): At its core, a cacao ceremony is a type of ceremony in which a cacao beverage is consumed to elevate the spiritual ritual(s) being practiced. Though there are many cultures that we know of that partake of Cacao for ceremonial use, the most ancient that we can date back would be the Olmec civilization that flourished around 1500 B.C. The practice was later adopted by the Maya and Aztec Indigenous Peoples and since then has continued to be passed down. Like any other ceremonial and healing medicine, it is important to use the medicine correctly and in alignment with pure intentions with the purpose of the ceremony. The ancestors and elders also teach about the importance of how to prepare Cacao with clean water (no milk or alternative), preparing in prayer and song in calling in the assistance of the ancestors and spirits to serve the highest best for the people drinking the medicine, knowing what NOT to mix with the medicine as it will “dilute” or “taint” the purity of the connection, and how to best support the process of each person and assist with opening their hearts for their healing and ability to be open for their own learning through the experience. 

The Maya civilization was widespread through areas of Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras. An annual festival took place to honor the god of cacao, Ek Chuah. During the ceremony they sacrificed animals, offered cacao, and exchanged gifts. The Maya believed the cacao was the food of the gods and a sacred gift from them. The Mayans and Aztecs associated chocolate to be the sacred blood of our Mother (Earth) which was then seen to be as a sacred association to human blood. This is how they would connect human and Earth in a sacred aspect. Ceremonial cacao refers to a much higher quality cacao that is used for its health benefits and conscious-altering psychoactive elements that cannot be bought in your local supermarket or even health food store. It is of  purest, organic form  and what most people consider to be “bitter” due to most people being so used to all the additives and processed sugars. Mesoamerica did not add sweeteners and/or artificial sugars. Nor did they prepare this medicine with milk or an alternative to milk like almond, oat, coconut, etc. Though it wasn’t uncommon to add chili pepper, herbs, flowers, nuts, seeds and  leaves that were native to the same land as the cacao that had been harvested.

No longer are these ceremonies used in connecting to the ancient Gods and partaking in sacrificial practices, we welcome the cacao beverage and its meditative properties as a way to relax the body and clear your mind for self-reflection and spiritual awakening. A cacao ceremony today is a way to let go of the past and focus on one’s hopes, dreams, and wishes. It’s easy to see why so many are under the impression that this is a psychedelic because of its effects on the body; but its effects are far from a drug-induced “high” feeling. Outside of the metaphysical and spiritual uses of this medicine, there are many positive healing attributes to the physical body that have been scientifically proven. For example, the release of neurotransmitters like serotonin, tryptophan, tyrosine, and phenylethylamine that are responsible for giving you the cozy feelings of wellbeing and happiness can get activated. As well as help alleviate depression. Cacao helps open the heart and gets those neurotransmitters to communicate to the nervous system. Both your parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems can experience elevated states of wellbeing. 

Raw, organic cacao will give you more than 40x the natural antioxidants than blueberries! It has an astounding ORAC score of 98,000 per 100g VS blueberries at a mere 2,400. ORAC scores measure the ability of antioxidants to absorb free radicals (that come from pollution and toxins in our environment), which cause call and tissue damage and can lead to disease such as cancers and psoriasis, and even acne and wound healing. The omega-6 fatty acids found in organic cacao make all this possible in rejuvenation and natural collagen production. 

While having one of the highest plant-based sources of magnesium, the most deficient mineral in the Western world. Magnesium is important for a healthy heart, and helps turn glucose into energy. Enabling your brain to work with laser-sharp clarity and focus.

And among many other great qualities, at no surprise is this a natural aphrodisiac to stimulate your mind, spirit, emotional well-being, and body. In fact, so stimulating for your physical body that it is a great medicine for your sexual organs in increasing healthy libido and blood flow/circulation. 

All-in-all, this sacred gift from the Gods has been used generationally and shared by medicine men and women for people to access deep spiritual connection and healing, rejuvenation, repairing connections within sacred unions, depression, and MUCH MORE!