Many people hear a calling to connect with the Cacao Spirit, more so in recent times. This calling is described as curiosity, a longing for more connection, a whisper in the heart or a strong voice to reconnect with Mother Nature. Cacao is more than the chocolate that is created from it, the cacao spirit is an intelligence that we cannot perceive with the mind. We feel it with the heart, the intuition and through feelings. This spiritual connection with cacao is experienced through a cacao ceremony.
The Cacao Spirit is a keeper of ancient, sacred wisdom. The spiritual is often described as a soul medicine, a medicine of Peace and as a Rainbow Medicine. Most indigenous peoples regard the Cacao Spirit as a feminine force and associate her powers with the emotional body, the voice and a way to communicate with Spirit. Ceremonial Cacao at The Retreat holds the vibrations of kindness, unconditional love, and joy, allowing a loving connection with yourself and others. Cacao’s energy is healing, motherly and very gentle. Cacao speaks to the heart.
The spirit of Cacao is unique in her alchemy and works through feeling and the intuition, differently with everyone. Sometimes she envelopes you, opens your heart and leads you into peaceful landscapes in meditation. Occasionally she is a teacher and guide bringing clarity. At other times she is a friend who tells you when it’s time to let go, to surrender, or to fly away. Her energy can be healing, soothing, connecting, deepening, releasing or creative. But Cacao always teaches you about balance, living a more heart-centered life and the universal laws of Nature.
Plant vibration is subtle. To align with and feel its vibration you need peace, quiet and space to breathe, to slow down a busy mind. You will be more receptive to all plant spirit medicine and its connection when you are relaxed. At The Retreat we create a space of peace, good vibes and meditation, our ceremonies are tranquil and allow a deep connection to cacao, in the shamanic tradition.
A Cacao Ceremony is a sacred ancient ritual to honour the elements and spirits of Nature. Creating a harmonious interwoven web with all living beings and also to express gratitude for Life itself. A Ceremony is a way of the heart and reflects humanity’s sacred connection and relationship with the land and the (un)seen worlds. It’s a beautiful heart opening experience and each ceremony that you attend deepens your connection to the spirit of cacao and is another chapter on your journey with her.
On a non spiritual level Cacao is deeply nourishing for our physical bodies.
It is loaded with beneficial antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, trace elements, and neurotransmitters, to the point that the line between food and medicine becomes blurred. Raw cacao has the highest concentration of antioxidants known in any food, 40 times that of blueberries. The small beans are packed with magnesium, chromium, manganese, calcium (more than cows’ milk!), zinc, copper, iron (the highest source), and potassium, as well as vitamins C, E, B2, B1, B5, B3 and B9, omega-6 fatty acids, and more. Cacao also potentiates the effects of other superfoods such as medicinal mushrooms and spirulina.
Cacao triggers the release of dopamine, soothing symptoms of PMS, fatigue, and depression. It is the only plant that contains anandamide ( a cannabinoid that affects the nervous system ) which is known as the ‘bliss chemical’ as it is linked to feelings of joy. It also contains the ‘happiness hormone’ serotonin, as well as mood-enhancing tryptophan , essential for serotonin’s production in the body. Enhancing the euphoria even more, cacao contains Phenylethylamine (PEA), known as the ‘love molecule’, and Oxytocin, the ‘bonding hormone’. It significantly increases blood flow to the brain and heart, creating heightened mental agility, awareness, and focus. It’s also an aphrodisiac and energy-enhancer, helps to stimulate the liver, and detoxify our physical (and emotional) bodies. Cacao is effective for lowering high blood pressure, and has been used to treat high cholesterol, heart disease, chronic fatigue syndrome, bladder and kidney disorders, asthma, diarrhea, low weight, poor digestion, and many other conditions.
What is Ceremonial Grade Cacao?
Ceremonial Grade is Cacao from an heirloom bean ( untouched for hundreds of years, a traditional plant ). Often a Criollo variety, sourced directly from a single origin or small area of a Country. Harvested by Indigenous Communities from their own ancient ‘gardens’ where it just grows wild as it has for thousands of years. A symbiotic relationship between the plants and the people that grow them is essential. When it’s wild it holds the intention of the Planet / Gaia to be grown, instead of Cacao which is farmed intensively for large corporations. The beans are minimally processed to produce pure Cacao and as it’s made from the whole (de-husked) beans, all the original fats & goodness are retained which makes a creamy, rich and nourishing drink.
There are many ways to enjoy cacao in ceremony. Some cacaoistas choose meditation, other choose ecstatic dance, some choose to include yoga or movement. However it is enjoyed, cacao is always a magical experience. Always be sure that the person hosting your ceremony has a full understanding of Cacao and it’s power. There are contra indications, it’s not suitable for everyone. You should always feel able to ask any questions of your cacaoista, they should be trained in the art of wisdom keeping for their plant medicine and be able to guide you safely and well..
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