Can You Perform Your Own Cacao Ceremony?
If you have recently become involved with holistic treatments and therapies, you might have heard about cacao ceremonies. Maybe you have even taken part in one and are interested in finding out if you can do your own?
For those who don’t know too much about cacao ceremonies, they are a sort of healing ritual, during which cacao is consumed. Cacao is said to “open” the heart while also having mood-boosting properties that make it hugely popular in the world of alternative health. It has been used for thousands of years by cultures including the Aztecs and Mayans for a variety of purposes, such as creative guidance and inner awakening. What is cacao though?
Is Cacao Like Chocolate?
Although cacao is the unprocessed seed from which both chocolate and cocoa are made, the cacao used in these ceremonies tastes completely different. Many people are mistaken and think that they are about to sip some hot chocolate during a cacao ceremony, but the good folk at Maloca Sound tell us that these individuals get a bit of a shock when they first try it.
Ritual cacao is quite bitter and is usually made from a mix of ground cacao beans, cacao butter, and water (although recipes vary). During a ceremony, participants will sit in a circle and sing or listen to music together. They will also consume the cacao, which is said to boost the mood, improve clarity, and help with intention setting.
Can You Do Your Own Ceremony?
If you are interested in having your own cacao ceremony, you might be wondering what you will need. The first thing to do is to brew your own ritual cacao. You will find plenty of recipes online. As an example, here is one we found at Bali Spirit Festival:
Ingredients
- 1-2 ounces of raw cacao
- Half a cup of water
- Optional sweetener such as honey, coconut sugar, or agave
- Pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder.
Method
Chop the raw cacao into small pieces before adding it to almost-boiled water. Stir the cacao into the hot water and add a pinch of chili powder or cayenne pepper. When the cacao has melted into the water, you can add your chosen sweetener or leave as is.
You can choose to have the cacao ceremony alone or with a group of people. Some people like to include a cacao ritual into their morning routine because it helps to start the day off in a positive light. Others will host a cacao ceremony once a week in their home with friends.
In whichever way you do it, a cacao ceremony involves more than just drinking the ritual cacao. You will need to prepare a special sacred place where everyone will feel safe. This might be a specific room in your home, or it could be a private outdoor space where you can connect with nature. To remove negative energy, you can burn some sacred herbs.
Playing some music or chanting will help to increase vibration in the space, and you can also light candles if you wish. Before you drink the cacao, you should give gratitude and then set your intention.
If you want to host cacao ceremonies for yourself and other people, you can find out more information about how to do it online. You may even be able to get trained on the art of facilitating cacao ceremonies.
Conclusion
A cacao ceremony involves the consumption of ritual cacao, which is known for its spiritual and healing properties. While it is possible to attend cacao ceremonies at a local yoga studio, you can always hold your own for yourself and your friends.
