What is Ceremonial Cacao and What Does It Do? Your Cacao FAQ
Cacao ceremonies are becoming more and more popular around the world. It can open your heart chakra, release a variety of feel-good chemicals in the brain without impairing you. Here’s a quick guide for what ceremonial cacao is, where it comes from, what it does, and what it’s used for.
What is ceremonial cacao?
Ceremonial Cacao is a drink made from the cacao bean, the same bean that chocolate is made from! It’s been used for thousands of years for ceremonies and is known for its feel-good effects. Typically the cacao bean is prepared and made into a powder, block, or “nibs”, which is then turned into a drink.
What does ceremonial cacao taste like?
Ceremonial Cacao is usually served hot and tastes similar to hot chocolate, but is usually less sweet than hot chocolate. It can be made with a variety of ingredients. Depending on who makes it, your cup of cacao may include water, milk, or plant milk, honey, vanilla, and spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cayenne pepper.
How will cacao make me feel?
Cacao can provide different feelings for different people. It’s similar to coffee in that it gives you a boost of energy, however, cacao does not contain any caffeine, so you shouldn’t get the jittery feeling that caffeine usually creates. Cacao releases a variety of feel-good chemicals in the brain including Serotonin. Cacao is likely to leave you feeling uplifted, inspired, creative, loving, and energized. It will not impair you, as the effects are mild and non-hallucinogenic.
Where does ceremonial cacao come from?
Cacao has a very rich history, dating back to 4000 years ago, when Mesoamerican cultures likes the Mayans and Aztecs used it for ceremonies, festivals, and even as currency!
These days, cacao is made and prepared all over the world. Ceremonial cacao, however, will typically be blessed by a shaman and prepared with intention.
What is a cacao ceremony?
A cacao ceremony can involve many different things depending on who is leading the ceremony. Cacao is a deeply intentional experience —from the place it is grown, to the person preparing your cacao drink, to the person drinking the cacao, everyone touching this sacred plant should have heartfelt intentions that this cacao will have healing, loving effects. Usually in a cacao ceremony, you will begin by setting an intention and then drinking your cacao. Ceremonies may also include meditations, music, journaling, and even dancing! This can be done alone or in a group setting.
There is a reason that cacao ceremonies have continued for thousands of years. They can open your heart chakra, make you feel more connected to nature and to others, and strengthen your connection to Source. If you’re near St. Pete, Florida, and you’d like to be a part of one of my cacao ceremonies, click here! If you’re not near St. Pete, look for a cacao ceremony near you, or you can even do one at home!
