In 2017, while living in Los Angeles, I attended my first cacao ceremony, and it changed my life forever. Led by Tata Pedro Cruz and his daughter Nana Marina Cruz, spiritual leaders from the Mayan Council of Elders of Tz'utujil, we gathered around a sacred fire on Venice Beach. Their teachings about sacred fire, cacao, and traditional songs opened my heart and mind to the profound power of this sacred plant medicine.
From that moment on, I started drinking ceremonial cacao daily, creating my own morning ritual. The transformation was incredible: my coffee cravings disappeared, my energy levels stabilized, and my hormonal acne vanished. I realized the immense potential of pure, ceremonial cacao, and I wanted to share this discovery with the world.
Join me as I delve into the wonders of ceremonial cacao and explore the best options to enhance your own ceremonies. Whether you're a seasoned ceremonialist or just starting your journey, this guide will help you find the perfect cacao to create a truly magical and connected experience.
Why Ceremony-Grade Cacao Is a Game Changer
Ceremony-grade cacao is the embodiment of tradition, purity, and a vessel for meaningful connection. The process of creating ceremony-grade cacao begins with selecting the finest beans and extends to a meticulous crafting process that honors the cacao's raw integrity. Unlike commercial chocolate preparations that are laden with additives, ceremony-grade cacao speaks to the connoisseur's heart, offering a symphony of complex flavors and potent nutritional benefits.
Engaging in a cacao ceremony is not about casual sipping but about immersing oneself in a profound ritual that promotes healing, community, and spiritual awakening. With its rich cultural roots, partaking in ceremony-grade cacao is an homage to ancient practices and an invitation to explore the depths of one's consciousness.
The Benefits You Didn't Know About
Ceremony-grade cacao is a treasure trove of health benefits that goes beyond its heavenly taste. Packed to the brim with potent antioxidants, it serves as a vigilant guardian against oxidative stress and reduces inflammation within the body. But the gifts of this ceremonial delight don't end there. It is also an abundant source of magnesium - a mineral essential for muscle function, a serene mind, and overall vitality. Remarkably, the unique compounds present in cacao, such as theobromine and phenethylamine, act as natural mood enhancers, significantly lifting one's spirit and promoting a sense of emotional harmony. In essence, the act of consuming ceremony-grade cacao is akin to indulging in a beverage that cares for your well-being, ensuring each cup is a holistic experience of joy and wellness.
Read more about my personal story with cacao and how it changed my life here!
History and Cultural Significance
The allure of cacao extends far beyond its popularity as a modern superfood, reaching back into the annals of Mesoamerican history. In these ancient civilizations, cacao was exalted as the divine 'food of the gods', a title that bespoke its paramount importance in rituals and spiritual life. The Mayans and Aztecs held cacao in high esteem, using it as a sacred medium to commune with the divine, forge social ties, and honor ancestral lineage. Nowadays, imbibing cacao in a ceremonial context allows us to partake in a lineage of sacred traditions, to drink in the wisdom of antiquity, and to engage with an age-old practice that fosters a profound sense of connectivity and reverence for this storied plant.
What is the Best Cacao for Ceremony
Ruk’u’x’Ulew Cacao is produced by an all-indigenous women's collective in Guatemala. This 100% Mayan-owned group crafts artisanal ceremonial cacao with a commitment to preserving their cultural heritage and spiritual traditions. Here’s why their cacao stands out:
Premium Quality: Sourced from Alta Verapaz, Guatemala, and processed in San Marcos La Laguna on the shores of Lake Atitlan.
Traditional Processing: Each bean is fermented, sun-dried, lightly roasted, and peeled by hand, then milled in small batches.
Unique Flavor: Enjoy a traditional chocolate flavor with hints of blackberry, crafted with love and care.
Ethical and Supportive: Every purchase supports Mayan indigenous people through direct trade, helping to preserve their spiritual values and providing them with economic opportunities.
I am proud to be their authorized reseller in Scandinavia, and I can personally vouch for the healing and delicious qualities of their cacao. There's something truly special about sitting around their collective, smelling the roasting cacao, and watching the beans being peeled with love and laughter.
LavaLove Cacao is the creation of Izaias and Izabel, lovers, parents, and healers who have dedicated their lives to spreading the knowledge and benefits of ceremonial cacao. Here’s what makes LavaLove Cacao exceptional:
Organic and Sustainable: Harvested on the Pacific coast of Guatemala, LavaLove's cacao is the result of a careful selection from various local farmers who preserve their Criollo cacao trees and grow them organically, without chemical fertilizers.
Potent and Flavorful: Known for its soft, floral aroma and powerful earthy flavors, LavaLove's cacao is both potent and delicious.
Ceremonial Integrity: Treated as a sacred food and medicine, LavaLove Cacao is produced with respect for the environment, including eco-friendly roasting, grinding, and biodegradable packaging.
Joining Izaias and Izabel in a cacao ceremony is an experience I wish everyone could have. Their dedication to this sacred heart medicine is evident in every aspect of their work, from the cultivation of the cacao to the spiritual guidance they offer.
How to Prepare Your Ceremonial Cacao for Maximum Impact
Step-by-Step Preparation Guide
To concoct the perfect ceremonial cacao, attention to detail is key. Begin by gently heating the water to just shy of boiling point: ideal temperatures hover around 175°F (80°C). Carefully pour this hot water over your chosen form of cacao, be it a solid block or finely ground powder, and allow it to meld and soften for a short period. With a meditative pace, stir the mixture, observing as the cacao transforms into a luscious, chocolate liquid. Personalize your brew with spices, sweeteners, or perhaps a dash of your favorite plant-based milk to taste. When satisfied, pour your concoction into a cherished mug and take a moment to honor the journey from bean to beverage, a tribute to the artisanal creation of your ceremonial cup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Preparing ceremonial cacao is an art form that requires mindfulness to avoid certain faux pas. Keep in mind that boiling water can be detrimental to the delicate compounds within cacao, so maintaining proper water temperature is critical. Vigorous whisking plays an essential role as well, ensuring a smooth and homogeneous drink that enhances the full-bodied creaminess and intricate flavor nuances. The essence of a cacao ceremony is to slow down and savor each step; it's not meant to be a brisk caffeinated escape but a leisurely ritual of enjoyment. So, take the time to engage fully with the process, allowing the spirit of the cacao to infuse your experience with its richness and intention.
Personal Rituals: Making the Most of Your Cacao Ceremony
Setting the Right Atmosphere
Crafting the right atmosphere is pivotal for an authentic cacao ceremony experience. Choose a setting that encourages contemplation and a deep sense of connection perhaps dimming the lights, lighting a few strategically placed candles, or even burning soothing incense to engage all the senses. Create a comfortable enclave with plush pillows and soft blankets, ensuring a space of warmth and tranquility. The addition of gentle, ambient music can enhance the atmosphere, inviting a state of calmness as you sip your ceremonial caddy. These thoughtful touches set the scene for a cacao experience that transcends the ordinary and ushers in an aura of peace and introspection.
Intention Setting and Mindfulness Tips
Before embarking on the sacred journey of a cacao ceremony, take a meditative pause to crystallize your intentions. Reflect on the aspirations you wish to manifest - it could be a quest for inner clarity, emotional release, or simply the embrace of tranquility. With this purpose firmly in your heart, approach the preparation and consumption of your cacao with a full presence of mind. Cherish the aroma, the velvety texture, and the subtle dance of flavors with each sip, allowing the act of drinking to be a fully immersive and mindful practice. Fusing your ceremonial ritual with these contemplative elements imbues it with intentionality and transforms it into a potent vehicle for personal transformation and inner alchemy.
Read a full guide on how to do a cacao ceremony like a pro here!
Questions and Answers - Find the best cacao for ceremony
What kind of cacao do you use for ceremony?
Ceremonial cacao is often derived from heirloom strains of cacao beans, such as Criollo or Trinitario, which are less hybridized than other varieties. These beans are typically sourced from regions with rich cultural traditions of cacao use, including parts of Central and South America. The beans are minimally processed to preserve their natural compounds and are usually kept in their purest form, without any additives such as sugar or milk. This ensures that the cacao retains its natural flavor profile, bioactive compounds, and energetic qualities, which are essential for ceremonial use.
What is the highest quality cacao?
The highest quality cacao is generally considered to be those beans that come from traditional, heirloom varieties like Criollo, Trinitario, or Nacional. These types of cacao are often more aromatic and have a more complex flavor profile compared to the more commonly found Forastero beans. High-quality cacao is usually grown in specific regions known for their ideal growing conditions, such as Guatemala. Additionally, the fermentation, drying, and roasting processes are meticulously controlled to enhance the cacao's natural properties. Organic and fair-trade certifications are also markers of high-quality cacao, ensuring ethical sourcing and environmental sustainability.
What is the difference between cacao and ceremonial cacao?
The primary difference between standard cacao and ceremonial cacao lies in their processing and intended use. Standard cacao is typically processed with the aim of mass production and may include additives like sugar, milk, or preservatives. It often undergoes high-temperature roasting and extensive fermentation, which can degrade some of its natural compounds. Ceremonial cacao, on the other hand, is minimally processed to preserve its natural compounds, such as theobromine, antioxidants, and essential minerals. It is kept pure without additives and is specifically prepared for use in rituals and ceremonies, often holding cultural and spiritual significance.
What is sacred cacao for ceremony?
Sacred cacao for ceremony is cacao that has been prepared and used with a particular reverence and intention. It is often blessed or consecrated during its preparation, imbuing it with spiritual significance. Sacred cacao ceremonies can be traced back to ancient Mesoamerican cultures, where cacao was considered a gift from the gods and used in various rituals and offerings. In modern times, sacred cacao is used in ceremonies to facilitate meditation, emotional release, and spiritual connection. The cacao is consumed in a mindful and ceremonial manner, often accompanied by practices like chanting, meditation, and community sharing.
How is ceremonial cacao prepared?
Ceremonial cacao is prepared through a process that emphasizes minimal processing to retain its natural properties. The cacao beans are typically fermented, sun-dried, and lightly roasted at low temperatures. After roasting, the beans are peeled and ground into a fine paste, often using traditional stone mills. This paste is then shaped into blocks or discs, which can be grated and mixed with hot water to create a rich, frothy beverage. No additives like sugar or milk are used in the preparation, keeping the cacao in its pure form for ceremonial use.
Find my favorite recipes here!
Can anyone participate in a cacao ceremony?
Yes, anyone can participate in a cacao ceremony, although it is often beneficial to do so under the guidance of an experienced facilitator or shaman. These ceremonies are generally open to people from all walks of life and do not require prior experience with cacao or spiritual practices. The key is to approach the ceremony with reverence, an open heart, and a willingness to engage in the practices, such as meditation, chanting, or sharing, that are part of the ritual. Some people may have specific health conditions or sensitivities to cacao, so it’s advisable to check with a healthcare provider if you have any concerns.
What are the benefits of drinking ceremonial cacao?
Drinking ceremonial cacao can offer a range of benefits, both physical and spiritual. Physically, cacao is rich in antioxidants, magnesium, iron, and other essential minerals. It also contains theobromine, a natural compound that can enhance mood, increase focus, and provide sustained energy. Spiritually, ceremonial cacao is believed to open the heart, facilitate emotional release, and deepen meditation and spiritual practice. It can help foster a sense of community and connection when shared in a group setting. Additionally, many people find that ceremonial cacao helps them to access a state of inner clarity and creative inspiration.
What is the history of cacao ceremonies?
Cacao ceremonies have a rich history that dates back to ancient Mesoamerican cultures such as the Mayans and Aztecs. Cacao was considered a sacred plant, often referred to as 'food of the gods' and used in various rituals, offerings, and medicinal practices. It was consumed by priests, shamans, and nobility during sacred ceremonies and feasts. The cacao was prepared as a bitter beverage, sometimes mixed with spices, and was believed to have powerful heart-opening and mind-expanding properties. In modern times, these traditional practices are being revived and adapted, blending ancient wisdom with contemporary spiritual practices.
Learn all about the fascinating history of cacao ceremonies in this post.
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