Cacao

Cacao is a sacred plant medicine that is revered by indigenous cultures for its heart centred healing properties. This ceremonial drink offers a gentle, sustainable form of energy which enhances mental clarity, opens the heart, and deepens your connection with your inner self and the world around you.

Regularly drinking cacao is a practice that promotes mindfulness, presence, and well-being. The rich, natural compounds in the cacao support mental health, balance your emotions, and provide a steady stream of energy that can carry you through the day.

Preparing Cacao

Firstly you want to choose a cacao that speaks to you - one that is pure, ceremonial grade, perhaps from a small farm that is well supported through their cacao production and that prepares the cacao with respect and ceremony. The least refined form the better to connect with the plant’s medicine.

For a ceremonial drink you want somewhere between 35 and 50g of cacao - start small and work up is my advice. The more toxins in the body, the more bitter the cacao tastes. So be gentle with yourself and know that this drink is helping you to release toxins and is nurturing your body.

To prepare your drink, chop up your cacao in to small pieces and add to a pan with a cupful of water. Stirring while you heat, take the liquid to just about boiling and then transfer to your cup. You might want to add some maple or agave syrup to sweeten - and I like a pinch of cayenne pepper to add a bit of heat and to support the cleansing of my internal systems.

Your Cacao Ceremony

Find somewhere quiet where you wont be disturbed - perhaps out in nature - perhaps somewhere that you have set up as a sacred space with an altar - wherever is your temple. Prepare your space beforehand so that it is ready for you.

Hold your intention for the ceremony or meditation or day within your mind as you stir your cacao - sending this energy into the drink.

Then welcome the cacao and its medicine, its teaching into your body, as you drink. Be mindful of the cacao being absorbed by your body and where and how you feel the medicine working.

After this you might want to meditate, journey or do something creative - or you might want to sit connecting with the nature around you - whatever you are drawn to do is right for you.

Perhaps it is something that you include into your morning rituals - the way that you start each day, in a mindful, intentional way, giving care and love to yourself.

When you are finished with your time, be sure to clear up and wash up your dishes, completing your ceremony mindfully. Enjoy!

Message me if you would like some recommendations on where to buy your cacao and how to get involved in cacao ceremonies.