It was six months ago when I sat in a Yoga Studio in Norwich ready for a cacao ceremony. I couldn't help but notice the three young hosts hurriedly melting a few bars of Cadburys Bournville in the kitchen downstairs as I arrived, swearing as the hot liquid dripped on the floor. The 'ceremony' that followed was so terrible it was almost funny - basically passing melted chocolate around and then saying 'so lets share' as if we had been given a magical truth serum directly from the Gods.
This is not cacao. This is 'kaka' as the Italians say.
Cacao has become another 'fad'. Often used to make one yoga/spiritual teacher stand out from another and the ceremonial cacao industry seems to be thriving because of it. Of course it's great to introduce indigenous ceremony and ancient magic to people, indeed my life is based on that, but it needs to be done right to honour its roots and to ensure it works with those using it.
The secrets of cacao medicine take a lifetime. It is also not a secret that the ceremonial cacao industry is thriving. Sure you can learn what it is and how to make it from a Youtube video but learning how to hold space for others while using this sacred medicine is a lifetime journey. You need a strong basis and understanding of cacao, by uncovering its secrets through authenticity and honor for its millenary tradition. You need to open the doors to cacao's true journey gradually, not burst in on it - whether you'd like to use this medicine for yourself or help those around you in the future.
My connections with Mexico have been something I have honoured and nurtured over the years and I have been lucky enough to find some great teachers when it comes to using cacao in ceremony. The word “cacao” comes from the Mayan words“Ka'kau” meaning “heart blood,” and “Chokola'j” meaning “to drink together.” This blood connection comes from the belief that the Mayan gods bled onto the cacao pods, and cacao was considered one of the ingredients used to create humanity. Indeed the active ingredient Theobromine translates to 'food of the gods'
I'll break down my understanding for you and how I learned about this ancient substance.
Fire ceremony - Before even touching the cacao a fire is built and we ask for blessings from the Mayan elders to start our journey and help open our mind, body and spirit.
The history - Cacao comes from a profound millenary tradition. I learned the role in Mayan traditions over time
Traditional Farming - Learning how cacao is planted, blessed, cultured and cared for is important. Knowing its roots and who has raised it is fundamental as the intentionality starts from the initial seeding. I visited a cacao farmer to do this.
Cacao production - It might sound boring but knowing how a sacred plant is handled actually deepens your respect for it and those involved in the process.
Health Benefits - As well as the spiritual uses of cacao it can really help our physical health. It's imperative to learn how it affects all our bodies.
Invocation - During a ceremony we always invoke the spirit of the plant and that of the Mayan elders - this is an incredibly powerful part and fundamental it is done correctly.
Music - Music is used to raise the vibration of cacao so it is great to learn which instruments to use and how to use the correctly.
You might notice we still haven't learned how to make the drink at this point - this is how it should be!
8. Making the drink - Learning how to prepare the cacao - this is a beautiful part of the course. I recognised I had to be in a clear state, clean of all negativity and with firm intention. It was beautiful speaking to the elders and mother cacao as this is made in a calm environment, honouring the history, the producers and the liquid itself.
9. The ceremony practise - Bringing everything together I make sure I give those who attend a ceremony enough to understand but ultimately honour the drink. It's not about what Mother Cacao can do for you but about your gratitude for spending time in her company. The ceremony should make people overcome with joy and love for this incredible substance, make them feel comfortable enough to open up all their bodies and the heart to share and enjoy a sacred safe space.
I know cacao ceremonies are still enjoyable whether rushed or not as who doesn't like drinking melted chocolate?! However, once you've attended a deep ceremony and tasted cacao that is active and blessed, you will notice incredible things start to happen.
"Agradezco al Espíritu del Cacao, las fuerzas de la Naturaleza y la Fuente. Gracias por su amor y guía".
(I thank the Spirit of Cacao, the forces of Nature and Source.Thank you for your love and guidance)