We know that cacao ceremonies are centuries old, dating back to the Mayans and Aztecs. They have recently grown in popularity in the West and have evolved in the process. Well continue to make the same mistakes over and over again; well be in a vicious cycle of theft and appropriation. Many people share the belief that plants like cacao should not be incorporated into Western spiritual practices, especially when these practices are led by practitioners who have little or no connection to the indigenous heritage of the plants. Part of our ceremonies is connection through the heart space, says Stryffeler. July 19, 2013 Me & the Chocolate: An Experience at a Cacao Ceremony. Granny always prepared a special cacao drink to have in the afternoon, to drink after school, says Dr. Rocio Alarcn. These intentions are something they want to manifest or let go off. Some ceremonies will also have participants go around and take turns sharing their intention, desire, something theyre grateful for, or a lesson theyve learned. For the past three decades, shes dedicated her life to preserving the rich biodiversity and cultural heritage of the Ecuadorian Amazon. Both have also been shown to not only make the cacao taste less bitter and more complex, but also change the beans nutritional profile to be equally as good for you. And we dont talk about it. Neither was I prepared for the sensations and experience that followed.Held and served in the container of sacred ritual around a fire, with prayers offered, songs sung, and stories told, this was chocolate like Id never had before. Everything You Need To Know About Cacao Ceremonies Michi from AHERZ Chocolate. Stryffeler shares a similar sentiment. The general consensus, however, is most people feel their heart softening and opening during a cacao ceremony. Get on the list and enjoy 10% off your first order! Additionally, because of the MAOIs in cacao, there has been some concern with higher dosages of cacao with SSRI type anti-depressants, and suggestions that tryptophan, a form of MAOI that is a precursor to serotonin, could be a contraindication. Chocolate has always seemed a bit healing for meand my cacao-ceremony experience has only proven, for me at least, that's a fact. Secure your supply with DoubleBlind! None of my go-to self-improvement tools have helped me shake the jadedness clouding my usually optimistic spirit, and my emotional walls have started impacting every area of my life. So, what is collagen? There are no dairy or sugar additives, making it completely different to the cup of cocoa you might be used to. "The more you breathe, the more clear the mind and the body become." Imagine a freshly juiced orange versus frozen orange juice from concentrate with added stuff and youll get the picture.When prepared for a sacred purpose, ceremony-grade cacao maintains its full range of nutrients as well as the potency of the plants heart-opening wisdom and healing properties. My physical discomfort only got worse from there, despite the fact that Bojrquez kept coming over and holding her hands above my midsection in an attempt to help move the energy. That might You might have heard the term vegetarian collagen or vegan collagen which might be confusing because well, collagen c Cacao Calm Plant-Based Collagen Support Drink Blend + ashwagandha, Matcha Beauty Plant-Based Collagen Support Drink Blend, Vanilla Beauty Plant-Based Collagen Support Creamer Drink Blend, What Can Damage Your Collagen Production and How to Support it, How Ashwagandha and Amla Berry Can Potentially Help With Hair Loss. Cacao is considered a powerful anti-inflammatory, and contains powerful anti-oxidants, flavanols which lower blood pressure and fight cell damage and micronutrients known as polyphenols. Depending on the shaman or ceremony leader, and the needs of the group, a ceremony can include dance, light music, or simple meditation amongst other things. What is Ceremonial Cacao? (Holding a Cacao Ceremony) - Dame Cacao Try drinking it before meditation, or have a cup at the start of your day as a coffee alternative. Feel free to bring a journal if you enjoy writing your thoughts and insights. When prepared for a sacred purpose, ceremony-grade cacao maintains its full range of nutrients as well as the potency of the plants heart-opening wisdom and healing properties. And more to the point, are cacao ceremonies even real? Cacao is classified as generally recognised as safe by the FDA, and its effects are modest, even in the higher dosages that would be consumed in a ceremony. There's certainly an element of appropriation in many if not most pop culture practices, but as long as they use high quality, ethically-sourced cacao (def NOT H****ey's anything) that actually demonstrates an element of respect for the cacao farmers and the tradition during the practice, that seems to me like the path of least harm moving forward. Its high in essential minerals such as magnesium, potassium, and calcium, as well as antioxidants. Whether its claiming physical bodies and bringing them from Africa to this country and claiming them as theirs and saying that we own you, or whether its the land, taking over the land [that belonged to] natives that were already here and renaming it and claiming it as if it were theirs., Theres this painful, deep-seated legacy of theft, she says. If you have a serious heart condition, or are pregnant or breast-feeding, you will either need to use a much lower dose than normal, or skip the cacao ceremony altogether. Interested in having a psychedelic experience, but don't know where to start? Whether drinking with strangers or with friends you know well, a palpable sense of connectedness permeates the space. A Cacao Ceremony gives us sacred space and time for ourselves in a chaotic and stressful world. In some cultures traditions you must spent years, sometimes more than a decade, learning from the elders in your community and doing the grunt work in order to know every element of the ceremony. What happens at a Cacao Ceremony described by Toronto Star Contributor Raw cacao can be considered a true whole food because it hasnt been defatted, keeping all the beneficial nutrients the bean contains. [] Its in our home. The main event, of course, is drinking the cacao, but it is done in a special way, not like you would drink your morning cup of coffee. The possibilities are endless. Most Western and contemporary consumers know cacao by its more popular name: chocolate. However, anyone on antidepressants, particularly MAOIs and some SSRIs, will want to talk to their doctor before trying it. But it will awaken you, enliven you, and guide you deeper into the emotional and energetic center of your being. Thank you for the thoughtful question! Cacao is also used as an offering to God in some Mayan traditions, especially in relation to agriculture and the protection of the land. To prepare cacao for use, farmers harvest ripe cacao pods from adult trees. This is most likely why they are so popular with New Agers in Canada, Australia, London and New York; and in Ubud, Bali's holistic and cultural centre. The important difference: nothing is removed from the beans final product, which makes it entirely unlike the cocoa powder you buy at the store. Locke and Stryffeler draw upon their training in restorative yoga, breathwork, and other alternative healing techniques to create an all-inclusive space for people who want to engage with a community holding space for spiritual practice. For us, cacao is not a ceremony, its our daily way to have contact with the plant [] All this is a part of that culture, of that legacy. But in the end the cacao spirit is about love anyways and guess these are more human/society problems. The small business offers four direct-trade origins at the moment, and seem to source their cacao from Uncommon Cacao, one of whos co-founders (Emily Stone) I interviewed here. It invites you to work with forgiveness and acceptance, and opens your creativity one of the reasons it is very popular with artists of all types. My plea to my white brothers, sisters, and my gender-conforming family is to recognize your role in cultural appropriation to recognize your white privilege and to denounce it, continues George. Natural, unsweetened cacao is bitter, despite the rich delicious scent. Imagine a freshly juiced orange versus frozen orange juice from concentrate with added. editorial process and fact-checking here. Curious about cacao ceremonies? But what is ceremonial cacao, and how is it used in a cacao ceremony? But, indigenous people are people of color are. Whether in a relaxed setting by the ocean, in a cacao retreat around a fire, celebrated with dance or connective practices, or entirely in silence, a sacred space is created for all to be nourished and nurtured. In this article, well explore the origins and benefits of a cacao ceremony, how to make ceremonial cacao, as well as the connection to ancient cultures and modern chocolate. Its seeds are used to make chocolate, which not only contains a host of minerals, fatty acids, and energizing caffeine, but also the feel-good chemical theobromine. Call us: Its part of our culture., But, that was in the highlands, she continues. 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What is special about ceremonial cacao and why it's becoming so popular?https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWVy6NzVlh8\u0026list=PLFaXh8ZO-aQzikCBR-_-FUGr5f9uP6tz4\u0026index=4\u0026t=0sGet 5% discount on one of our favorite cacaohttps://bit.ly/3vsPNlfUse our code \"NEWEARTHLINGS\"If you have any questions about cacao ceremonies or the benefits of raw cacao feel free to ask in the comments below and we will answer all of your questions.We offer Cacao Ceremonies around the world so check out where the next event is taking place:https://www.facebook.com/RamAlsamann #cacaoceremony #ceremonialcacaoRESOURCES:Join our online workshops:https://ramalsaman.com/conscious-manifestor-group-session/Book a free introduction session with one of us: Ram: https://ramalsaman.com/services/Miia: http://journeywithmiia.com/services/Add us on social media:Instagram: Ram: https://www.instagram.com/ramalsaman/Miia: https://www.instagram.com/journey_with_miia/Facebook:Ram: https://www.facebook.com/RamAlsamannMiia: https://www.facebook.com/JourneyWithMiia/Our Websites: Miia: http://journeywithmiia.comRam: https://www.RamAlsaman.comMeditation and inspirational video to help you be more presence with yourself and others at Miia's new YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSfNHJi1ohZI0ODmSF6JT3QWhat we used to make this video:The Intro song by our friends Andreas \u0026 Linda:https://youtu.be/VwWHQ7hR0-cPhotos and videos from our life and events we organized or from envato:https://1.envato.market/gEW9XCamera: USA:https://amzn.to/2U5XTgtDe: https://amzn.to/3eD8OrKLens: USA: https://amzn.to/3lkUmXyDe: https://amzn.to/2U501VWMic:USA: https://amzn.to/32mLd9KDE: https://amzn.to/3k966uQ George studies psychedelic therapy as a potential treatment for racial trauma. This heart connective journey can bring a sense of deep love both for the Self as well as the whole. You can still integrate Cacao into your regular life. All cacao comes from Theobroma cacao, an evergreen tree native to South America, and domesticated for thousands of years in Central America. I was hoping to return home from The Cape with my heart healed, and rainbows and glitter shooting out of my chest, but I now know that I have some work to do first. So I wondered: How can I expect to find a partner who puts me first if I never put myself first? hbspt.cta._relativeUrls=true;hbspt.cta.load(7681171, 'fcc716f6-6883-40bf-bce4-b27e5385e04c', {"useNewLoader":"true","region":"na1"}); Tags: Cacao Ceremony is a journey held with loving intention in which you can awaken the sacred connection between you and cacao, unlock your inner wisdom, intuition and guidance. Indigenous peoples traded the plant heavily prior to Spanish colonization, which means that cacao has made its way as far north as modern-day New Mexico and as far south as Peru. To be truly ceremonial grade, cacao does NOT need to be raw, heirloom, and plain. Even in the United States or in other countries, adding extra things [like cacao ceremonies] is part of the needs of that culture, says Alarcn. It contains a blend of spices and super foods and is suitable for vegans. To recreate the experience on your own as part of your daily practice, start by purchasing ceremonial-grade cacao from a reputable source. So, if cacao is used by a variety of different cultures, what exactly happens during a cacao ceremony, anyway? So, that spirituality piece is really crucial to all of this work. And that work includes using plant medicines to heal from racial trauma and the colonial history that still influences who has access to these plants and the stories that are told about them. Cacao has chosen to make this huge appearance popping up all over the world, becoming super popular, super trendy., And I think shes chosen us now because she sees that right now is the time that humanity is turning to the plants. People bring the cacao [into their lives] and add extra qualities to the cacao; that is how the plant engages with people. Drinking the ceremonial cacao is an energetic, spiritual experience that is said to help you connect with your heart and help nourish and ground you. This was confusing to me, since I figured I would feel some kind of love explosion coming from my heart center. The American government, with the help of the newly formed CIA, backed the regime of Carlos Castillo Armas, the same regime that triggered Guatemalas 36-year civil war, resulting in a genocide against the countrys Mayan communities. That would be us diving into our own medicines, finding what fits us and resonates with us. September 12, 2017 Facebook Twitter Cacao ceremonies are a popular ritual in yoga communities and especially Ubud. Guide: How To Have A Cacao Ceremony - Embue Cacao Youre in small groups with other people. A cacao ceremony is a heart-opening ritual that involves drinking hot, ceremonial-grade cacao. After the Cacao ceremony has concluded, make sure to drink lots of water and be gentle with yourself. In the article, Kirsch admits she let her perceptions flow out of her mind. Their current offerings include 8 different types of ceremonial cacao, 4 single origins and 4 enhanced flavors. Its also a plant that Alarcn calls a Master Plant. As a Master Plant, cacao has one unique feature: Its ubiquitous. I Tried a Heart-Opening Ancient Cacao Ceremony | Well+Good Ceremonies can last a few hours, but they can also be done on your own and incorporated . Our process of working with cacao is interwoven with embodiment, creative expression, and many other healing modalities that guide us in navigating our own losses, pain, and suffering. And the plants history is deep-rootedcacao is also a part of some Mayan and Aztec creation stories. So, as Mayan activist Rigoberta Menchu explains best in her testimonial biography, every part of our culture comes from the Earth. This is why cacao ceremonies have been used for emotional and energetic healing for centuries, and perhaps why today it has become a highly-sought medicine in spiritual communities. The drink is made from raw cacao. Sharing experiences What type of cacao to use in a cacao ceremony? This store requires javascript to be enabled for some features to work correctly. You can expect that your facilitator has been working with Cacao for some time and is in mentorship with someone more deeply connected to it than themselves. Its made a huge appearance.. Cacao is a heart opener and helps to create feelings of pleasure and emotional intimacy. Get creative or head over to our recipe page for some quick and easy Cacao recipes. Categories Blog Updates, Chocolate Writing, Food. Most chocolatiers buy cacao, roast it, and transform it into cocoa butter. Why wasn't I experiencing the sensation that I so desperately wanted? Used in Shamanic ceremony, cacao medicine is first and foremost a path to the heart. We will also show you how to prepare ceremonial cacao at home using our favorite ceremonial cacao recipe. This is not processed chocolate, it was pure chocolate, and this is how all the grannies and all the mothers [prepared cacao] when we arrived from school to give us the energy to keep doing homework. At least, this was how women around Quito and the rural area used the plant, she articulates. Cacao Ceremonies - What, Why and How? | BaliSpirit Festival Unlike many plants used in medicinal journeying, cacao wont skyrocket you out of your body or create hallucinogenic experiences. About 10 minutes in, my hands and forearms started tingling, and about halfway through the ceremony, I began to feel a highly uncomfortable, swirling, pins-and-needles feeling around my solar plexus. 4 Mistakes That Are Causing You to Waste Money on Skin-Care Serums, According to an Esthetician, These Are the Best Anti-Chafing Denim ShortsAccording to Some Very Happy Reviewers. Whether you're looking to tap into your creativity, find clarity and direction, or simply connect with a community of like-minded individuals, our cacao ceremony is the perfect opportunity to do so. The monopoly held by the United Fruit Company was threatened in the 1950s by Guatemalas second democratically-elected president, Jacobo Arbenz, who redistributed the corporations unused lands to landless farmers. In a cacao ceremony, we work with this plant medicine to support our healing & growth. Topics: Together, all of Locke and Stryffelers guests embark on a spiritual journey that blends sound healing, restorative yoga, breathwork, touch, and plant medicine. A cacao ceremony is a heart-opening ritual that involves drinking hot, ceremonial-grade cacao. What happens in a Cacao Ceremony? Lifestyle Healthy Mind I Tried a Heart-Opening Ancient Cacao Ceremony and Learned an Unexpected Lesson About Love Erin Magner November 4, 2019 Photo: Getty Images/RenPhoto I first learned about. This combination creates a strong, somewhat bitter flavor, nothing like the hot chocolate of your youth. Cacao of the Highest Standard. There wasnt even just one single varietal of cacao there at the time, but many varietals, depending on the region. Pure cacao is processed with low heat and maintains its nutritional benefits. Ceremonial cacao is not a drug, and while it wont produce strong psychoactive effects like cannabis would, it can help you feel more focused and present in the moment. Tantra Resting as a Group The drink used in our ceremony is made from 100% raw ceremonial grade cacao. So I think they're great, and have been enjoying functional mushroom chocolate bars for awhile; for me they help me feel calm, and I think it would only have a similar effect with a cup of cacao. We received that message from our ancestors. Raw cacao means the unroasted beans are cold pressed and never reaches a temperature over 42C degrees during the process. 2023Well+Good LLC. Some of the added benefits can include: deeper self-connection with an elevated mood. For centuries, cacao has been one of the regions most important agricultural crops, taking a close second to corn (maize). A cacao ceremony is meant to be a space for mindful reflection, and connecting to ones own heart. Cacao in the ancient Americas was used in virtually any ceremony of importance. No cacao ceremony is the same, it is either in a group, or you can hold a cacao ceremony on your own, in your own home. Neither was I prepared for the sensations and experience that followed. The plant spirit of cacao is powerful, but gentle and nurturing. Spirituality and science should coexist, says George. Of course, in the coastal region or in the Amazon, there are different ways to prepare the cacao. Modern Cacao ceremonies are not religiousbut can feel spiritual, much like a yoga or breathwork class. The toasty flavor of their cacaos taste just like the stovetop-roasted beans I enjoyed while making chocolate in Ecuador. Instead, the main attraction is something far more subtle: cacao. Its uncomfortable. Sign up now and get a 10% off your first order. If youre working with cacao in a sacred space, youre going to be in your heart. No, ceremonial cacao cannot get you high because cacao is not psychoactive, not in the hallucinogenic sense that cannabis or psilocybin can be. And in the years to follow I learned why: This cacao was both food of the Divine, and a medicine. But each wore the soft expression of openness. During fermentation, the beans transform from white to brown. If youre looking to live a more thoughtful and reflective life, cacao may be one of the tools you choose to help you in that mindful journey. Thanks for this article, it pretty much sums up all the (critical) points imho. Each person experiences different metaphysical and physical benefits. As many as nine people sprawled upon yoga mats overtake the living room, adorned with blankets and pillows. So that's how I found myself in a suite at The Cape, watching the sun set over the sea and sitting in a circle with three other women and our guide, psychologist and yoga instructor Ofelia Bojrquez of Baja Wellness. What Happens In A Cacao Ceremony & How to Prepare Ceremonial Cacao I had just passed the two-year anniversary of a breakup from a serious relationship, having left the situation feeling confident I would meet someone better suited for me. Facilitators are sometimes called guides because throughout the ceremony, they will lead you through an experience that includes mindfulness practices known to support emotional connection, presence, and community connection. Cacao Ceremonies : a powerful spiritual experience
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