More about Ceremonial Grade Cacao…

Since my life changing time in Guatemala I have loved working with, and enjoying daily, this awakening and healing medicine. Read more below…..

What is cacao?

“Cacao has been used in ancient ceremonies by South Americans (the Maya) for thousands of years. It has an active ingredient in it called theobromine — which can be translated to, ‘Food of the Gods’. So it makes sense that cacao was given its sacred status, and enjoyed in communal ceremonies by the Maya with their Gods. The word cacao actually came from the Maya word Ka’kau, and the Maya word Chokola’j — which means to drink chocolate together.

You probably already know that cacao comes from the cacao bean — which is also used to make chocolate. But the cacao plant is seen as a medicinal plant, and has been used for a number of spiritual, medicinal and ceremonial purposes throughout history.” Shani Jay @ Medium.com

It’s different to chocolate!

It has a very distinct taste, quite bitter and not at all like that of processed milky, sugary chocolate.  But with some spices and flavourings this can be quite delicious. 

Milk chocolate usually only contains around 20–40% cacao, with milk and sugar making up the rest of the ingredients.The ceremonial cacao that I use is made from cacao beans, very lightly roasted, and ground to a paste – all fats reserved.

Then to make the elixir you drink in ceremony with me, I add some water! That’s it! There will be spices and flavours there for you to add – I love chilli pepper, cinnamon and a bit of honey!

Sourced from Guatemala

The Cacao I share with you is the Original Ceremonial Grade Cacao sourced from ‘The Chocolate Shaman’ Keith Wilson in Guatemala. “Ceremonial” Cacao is 100% raw chocolate, the beans are blessed by shamans.

Cacao is a superfood, a plant medicine – Theobroma Cacao translates to – the food of the gods! This name is derived from the Greek; from theos, meaning “god”, and broma, meaning “food”. 

We can simplify this and say it is just pure raw chocolate, which it is. But those who have experienced its magic know that it really is more than that 😉  

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What can you expect from a cacao ceremony?

“Shamanic healing is one of the oldest holistic healing practices, which has been used by ancient cultures worldwide for centuries. Cacao ceremonies are actually a type of shamanic healing, but they don’t have hallucinogenic or “out of body” effects, unlike some of the other shamanic experiences. Cacao ceremonies are rooted in helping to rebalance the energies within us, and restore good health. There are so many different ceremonies in existence today. Some will lead you a journey of dance, while others will center on meditation and inner reflection. Many cacao ceremonies will involve a group of people sitting in a sacred circle, taking prayer, and setting intentions to be received. Each person shares what they want to let go of, and what they are calling into their hearts. This often involves opening up to complete strangers in the circle, and creates a safe and intimate space where everyone’s fears, hopes, sufferings, and dreams can be shared. What we often find is that most of us humans have very similar problems and fears, as well as hopes for our lives. This means that the people in the circle act as a mirror for each other.”

“Through opening the heart, cacao enables us to hear our true self, work through blockages and past traumas, dissolve any pent up negative energy, and help us align with who we truly are.

It’s also a wonderful time to give ourselves mental and physical space and peace. You get to switch off, and retreat inwards, helping you to learn more about yourself, and gain clarity on where you are and where you’re headed.” Shani Jay @ Medium.com

Benefits

There is a long list of benefits and enhancements that come from Cacao – for example 40% increase of blood flow to the brain. When you drink cacao you invite it to heighten your extra sensory perception and awakening your consciousness. Let the Cacao Spirit hold your hand while I guide you with meditation and breath work to an altered state – like that of when you are dreaming – but you will be conscious! We will release what no longer serves you and invite your soul gifts in to be integrated.  

Cacao is naturally high in iron, magnesium, and B-complex vitamins  great for cardiovascular health.

Cacao is also renowned for releasing dopamine and endorphins in the body, which soothe symptoms of PMS as well as depression, by boosting our mood.

Cacao contains anandamide, which is known as the ‘bliss’ molecule. This is the same thing produced in your body when you workout and you feel a rush of good energy.

It helps to balance blood sugar levels, and create more blood flow to the brain — helping to strengthen awareness and focus.

Keith Wilson will say that “Cacao can be used to enhance any endeavour:

  • Consciousness / Spirituality – yoga, meditation, healing work, lucid dreaming (low dose), dance and channelling.
  • Workplace productivity – substitute it for your coffee or energy drink – it will surpass the effects of coffee without the coffee frazzle.
  • Creativity and art – paint, dance, write, sing… beauty and music are more alive with cacao.
  • Athletics and physical training – boosts your stamina and your heart rate, greater flow of blood supply to your entire body, muscles and organs.
  • Healthy living – take as a daily food supplement to lift your mood, keep you energised in this busy world, and rebalance your systems.” – Keith Wilson The Chocolate Shaman

For centuries, cacao has been used to heal the mental, physical, and spiritual body.

“For me, personally, I went from a sleep deprived mom of a toddler using coffee and sugar to get me through the day, this in turn made my moods swing like crazy and my focus, memory and attention was lagging. With Cacao daily I no longer crave chocolate (e.g. dairy milk etc.) or sugary confectionery, like cookies and junk food. Literally, if you knew me you would be shocked to hear I no longer eat chocolate and cookies…. Ha! I actually don’t crave it anymore. It is in my house, but I just don’t go for it. And as a person who works a lot with subtle energy – as an empath and Highly Sensitive Person-  for me cacao has massively enhanced my nervous systems strength to still feel/see all that I do, but with greater clarity so I don’t get so knocked by it.” Danielle Donnelly Smyth

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Want to purchase Ceremonial Cacao? Please use this Affiliate link or code 12thspace19uk40

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Precautions:

Please note that anything written about Cacao here is not medical advice or to override that advice of your health practitioner. Please research Ceremonial Cacao and your own medication.

Those on heart medication, anti depressants, anti psychotic medications need to check with your doctor. Low dose of anti depressants are fine, ensure to drink loads of water so you don’t get a migraine.

Pregnant and Breastfeeding: This is fine if you have drank cacao before. As you will know your body and will need to adjust if you feel it is not assisting you. If it is your first time trying Cacao, start with a low dose and see how you feel from there. In Central America Cacao is used by midwives as an anti-morning-sickness remedy and prenatal vitamin boost for prenatal women*. You may need to lower dose in 3rd trimester. Breastfeeding moms can check in with how baby is responding to it.