The Magic of Cacao
Cacao has a magic attraction to people around the world. Well established cocoa products are getting overshadowed by the wholesome raw cacao gaining popularity.
Having had my first contact with cacao in Mexico in 2018 I have personalised my work with this ancient ritual medicine in 2023 and elevated it though my global experience to a 5-Element-Cacao-Bar. In this work I encounter many people having their first contact with ceremonial cacao and the questions and wonders are similar. So here I want to put the magic of ceremonial cacao into perspective, explaining its effects on different levels from molecular biology to spirituality and help anyone connect to the world of plant medicine.
Where does cacao come from?
First recorded use of cacao in ceremonial settings date back to the ancient civilisations of Mesoamerica. The Maya and Aztecs used a drink prepared form the cacao bean in various rituals to connect to the spirits of the cacao, and the elements which would bring them closer to the gods and goddesses.
Nowadays we can explain some of the experiences with cacao in a molecular biological language. The high content of flavan-3-oils (natural antioxidants) has been found to lowers the blood pressure by relaxing the muscles of the blood vessels. Simultaneously the flavanols increase blood flow to the brain, because they are able to cross the blood- brain barrier and are there part of the production of neurons and other molecules, cacao has been found to increase brain function[1]. Through this it brings relaxation of the body and mental alertness in unity.
Due to its many health benefits as well as awakening properties, many people also enjoy the drink as a substitute for coffee. Though it contains less caffeine than coffee the combination with serotonin and tryptophan found in properly processed and prepared raw cacao gives a pleasant boost[2] of energy. Every person I have shared cacao with has reported feeling the energising effect for several hours after drinking. Though at this point, I want to put attention on conscious use of this valuable resource. Excessive consume will always damage the individual, the whole of creation and the energy and history of the exploited medicine.
In the Maya and Aztec cultures cacao has long been used to induce an aware but relaxed state, that allows to connect with the energies of the heart and the spirits around. This was done by using it as a medicine as well as a prestigious ceremonial drink. Both cultures connect the cacao plant and drink to gods and consider it a kind of connection between the human and spiritual world. The Aztek believe it had been given to humans by Quetzalcōātl (the important feathered snake deity associated with life, creation and wisdom) himself and transmits his knowledge through the drink.
Personal Experiences
I very much remember one certain cacao ceremony that helped me set course for months to come by deepening my intention in the heart energy and manifesting loving connections with the support of all spirits. That particular evening, I had just one intention, for my heart to open and let loving connection with others in and out. I wanted to be there, fully present, vulnerable, and open to all the love around. That night and, through connections I made there, for several months thereafter I lived a life in a high state of loving connection to myself and the people around me that was unique in my experience. Also, in my work with small groups holding space for cacao and movement rituals and the work with the cacao bar I have collected many impressions on how cacao supports peoples ability to open the heart and connect in pure love. In a private ritual prior to a shibari session I made the deepening experience how cacao was able to support the heart-to-heart connection, diminishing fears and nervosity, centring the individuals into the moment and love they had decided to share. The view became clear that there is only beauty in the vulnerability and care, and no caution is necessary when you can trust that the heart is open to give and receive what truly is. Similar effects where clearly visible in ceremonies prior ecstatic dance sessions, the power to connect a group of strangers into a tribe that only wishes comfort and prosperity to each other I have not seen in any other practice. The deep individual journey in total unity and acceptance with the next person creates a sacred space for exploration beyond the physical world.
Is Cacao Legal and Safe?
Being a globally used ingredient for sweets and with no contradictions found till this date, ceremonial cacao is perfectly safe to consume for any healthy adult. Considering the above-mentioned effects on the body, individuals suffering from unstable conditions in the heart or cardiovascular system may be called to caution or guidance from a medical professional.
Generally, the drink is also found to be save for children, due to the caffeine content though, special caution to the timing and amount should be practiced. Consuming cacao in times where sleep is desired soon may not be the best idea for anyone. Healthy and aware adults can drink cacao any time they would like to connect to the mentioned effects and journey.
With all these spiritual effects and alteration of mindset and energy exchange, people do wonder if cacao is a legal substance to consume in this form or potentially psychedelic? Often regulations seem to try to cut down such effects through vastly available plants and substances. Yet cacao does not contain any psychoactive substances and is free from any controlled, criminalised components making it totally legal in all countries these days. The magical effect seems to be beyond the physical realm, connecting enjoyers to the spirit world and higher states of consciousness as much as they are ready to perceive but not altering the brain or its functions in strong chemical reactions triggering hallucinations.
How to prepare and drink ceremonial cacao?
Now, to prepare ceremonial cacao for yourself or a group, key is first of all to deepen your research, understanding the origins and significance of this ancient ritual drink. I believe that it is best to work with cacao that has been grown on the land where you consume it, or as close as possible, to receive local wisdom of the land most intensely. Preparation depends on the depth of ritual you want to engage in, consecration of the place of preparation with prayers, crystals or smudging also helps to put yourself in the conscious state of preparing a sacred drink. Furthermore, you can deepen your connection to yourself and the surrounding energies with meditation, breathwork, music or movement before and during preparation as well as during the consumption designing your very own ceremony depending on your intention.
To maintain the health benefits and spiritual properties of ceremonial cacao I would recommend to add as little to the raw cacao mass (which should be minimally processed and consciously farmed and traded to begin with) as possible. Depending on the strain of cacao and farming conditions a little sweetener may be added and potentially a single herb or plant to direct the powers further into a desired direction. Everything that is added to the cacao should be carefully chosen since all energies will become part of the drink and therefore energy you take with it, as little factorial processed as possible, local, fair farmed and traded ingredients are the best to make your cacao into a beautifully powerful, loving drink. Carefully melt the finely chopped cacao mass in water, but do not heat it up unnecessarily, since many of the healing components are sensitive to heat and can be lost. Depending on your desired intensity you may add more parts of water while stirring.
Also, the cup you will drink the cacao can add energy to the experience, use your favourite cup of clay, maybe handmade on a beautiful day. Then you are ready to connect with the food of the gods one last time before taking it in, inhale the flavourful steam, feel the heat of the cup close to your heart, connect to your intention or wish for the ritual and slowly sip the rich sacred liquid feeling it fill your body and spirit.
