What Is Cacao Ceremony? Cacao Preparation, Rituals, Physical And Metaphysical Benefits

This post may contain affiliate links, which means that we make a small commission when you place orders using our links.

Ceremonial cacao is my favorite daily ritual that helps me nourish both my physical and energetic body.

In this post, you’ll learn everything you need to know about cacao, cacao benefits, cacao ceremony and how to make ceremonial cacao.

What is ceremonial cacao?

In short, ceremonial cacao is ethically grown and produced, pure cacao paste intentionally grown from heirloom strains of cacao. The key concepts here are intentionality and reciprocity – with the communities involved in the production process, the person consuming it, and the Earth herself. My understanding of and vision for the world of ceremonial cacao is a beautiful full circle that nourishes everyone involved, bean to cup.

In this post, I share everything I’ve learned about ceremonial cacao so far.

We cover:

Click on any section below to jump to it.

1. MY FIRST CACAO CEREMONY IN BALI
2. PODCASTS ABOUT CEREMONIAL CACAO AND CACAO CEREMONY
3. HOW TO MAKE CACAO FOR CEREMONY
4. WHERE TO BUY CEREMONIAL CACAO
5. WHAT IS CACAO CEREMONY?
6. WHAT DOES A CACAO CEREMONY INVOLVE?
7. HOW TO CREATE YOUR OWN CACAO CEREMONY
8. CACAO CEREMONY TRAINING – HOW DO YOU BECOME A CACAO CEREMONIALIST?
   
9. WHY DO YOU CRAVE CHOCOLATE?
10. CACAO ON A METAPHYSICAL LEVEL
11. SPIRITUAL BENEFITS OF CACAO
12. CACAO AND CREATIVITY
13. THE PLANT MEDICINE SPIRIT OF CACAO
14. HOW DOES CACAO GROW?
15. WHAT IS RAW CACAO AND WHAT IS CACAO BUTTER?
16. WHAT IS CACAO PASTE AND WHAT IS CEREMONIAL CACAO?
17. CACAO VS COCOA
18. WHAT IS RAW CACAO
19. WHAT ARE CACAO NIBS
20. CACAO NUTRITION
21. CACAO HEALTH BENEFITS
22. IS THERE CAFFEINE IN CACAO?
23. BONUS: CACAO CEREMONY PLAYLIST
24. BONUS: CACAO CEREMONY MEDITATION

MY FIRST CACAO CEREMONY

The first time I experienced cacao ceremony at the Yoga Barn in Bali – it made me feel so free and blissful in my body, that I wondered if there was anything else added to the cacao potion that contributed to what felt like an altered state. When I found out that there wasn’t… I knew that there would be a lot more cacao in my life.

When sourced thoughtfully, prepared ceremonially and enjoyed with intention, cacao is a potent energetic medicine that exists on a different plane than your regular chocolate bar (disclaimer: growing up, my favorite form of chocolate was Bounty).

As the ancient traditions of ceremonial cacao and cacao ceremony are becoming more popular in the urban jungle, more questions about cacao are coming up.

I’ll share my research that includes my personal experience with ceremonial cacao as well as conversations with cacao producers and ceremonialists.

I’ll also share the best ceremonial cacao to buy online, and ceremonial cacao recipes.

HERE’S MORE HELPFUL INFORMATION:

1. Podcast episode about cacao ceremony and Maya cosmo-vision with Florencia Fridman, co-founder of my go-to ceremonial cacao brand Cacao Laboratory (use code BREAKFASTCRIMINALS on cacaolaboratory.com for 15% off).

2. Podcast episode about cacao ceremony and frequency healing with Erin Eber:

3. Podcast episode about ceremonial cacao with “the chocolate shaman” with Keith Wilson:

Bonus: How cacao ceremony changed my life 👇 

 

HOW TO MAKE DRINKING CEREMONIAL CACAO

Can you make ceremonial cacao from powder? Not really. You can make a delicious chocolate drink, but to preserve the integrity and wholeness of the experience, you should use cacao paste (which is a whole food that contains cacao butter before it’s separated from the powder).

HOW TO MAKE CACAO FOR CEREMONY

Traditionally, ceremonial cacao is made by hand with a wooden device called molinillo hot chocolate frother. I’ve experienced it made this way – it’s a beautiful, meditative process.

For convenience, I use this blender for my daily cup of ceremonial cacao.

Don’t have a blender or prefer to make your cacao the slow way? Mix cacao with water in a small pot, and keep stirring/whisking on low heat, making sure it never boils (to not burn the cacao). Note – the cacao tends to settle on the bottom, so whisk it well. Turn off the stove when all cacao chunks are melted and the consistency is creamy.

Here’s what you’ll need to make one serving of delicious ceremonial cacao:

• 4 TBSP ceremonial cacao, chopped into small pieces. I recommend a dedicated cutting board that you use just for cacao. If you’re using ceremonial cacao disks – no need to chop!
• 3/4-1 cup hot, but not boiling water (or you can use herbal teas and infusions instead of plain water. I love using rose tea as my base or Rasa adaptogenic blend for extra energy.)
• An optional sweetener: I usually use a date, 1 teaspoon of monkfruit, coconut sugar, lucuma or raw honey. Traditional sweetener is panela (rapadura unrefined sugar).
• Spices – a pinch of each: Himalayan salt, cayenne pepper or chili pepper, cinnamon.
• Other additions you can play with: heart-opening rose powde, (use discount code BREAKFASTCRIMINALS on the  Anima Mundi Herbals website) 1 teaspoon coconut oil, maca powder, medicinal mushrooms like lion’s mane, reishi or cordyceps.

The ingredients above are just a canvas, from there you can add your favorite superfoods, adaptogens, and even drink it with nut milk if you’re looking for a latte-like drink. I’ve also loved adding a few raw cashews (preferably soaked) into the blend to make my cup of ceremonial cacao creamy.

Directions:

Mix the ingredients with a whisk or in a blender. This certified reconditioned Vitamix is a great deal – it’s my go-to blender. I also love this small blender as a 1-2 serving, portable option to make cacao.

Ceremonial cacao boosters:

Some of my favorite ingredients to pair with ceremonial cacao are maca, medicinal mushrooms like Cordyceps and lion’s mane, mesquite and spices like cinnamon and cardamom.

Try this ceremonial cacao recipe: Heart Opening Rose Elixir

WHERE TO BUY CEREMONIAL CACAO

When buying ceremonial cacao, look for sustainably grown and harvested cacao sourced with intention.

Here are some of my favorite ceremonial cacao brands to buy online:

1. Ora Cacao (formerly Firefly Chocolate)

ABOUT:

Ora Cacao is an ethically traded ceremonial cacao brand founded by Jonas – chocolate maker, engineer and nature lover. Jonas travels to cacao farms in Belize, Guatemala, and Tanzania to bring back amazing cacao from hundreds of small family owned permaculture cacao farms. that comes in disks

CEREMONIAL CACAO PRODUCTS: 

All Ora Cacao comes in disk shape that’s very easy to blend (or eat straight up, which is what I often end up doing). They have both 100% pure ceremonial cacao disks, and ones with added spices.

I have ordered the Ceremonial Cacao Sampler Kit and tried all the flavors, and these are my favorites:

1. Tantric Rose Blossom – the only ingredients are ceremonial cacao and rose blend, no sweetener. It’s smooth and warming. Rose and chocolate make a fantastic heart-opening combo.
2. Vibrant Vitality – this ceremonial cacao with tricolor maca and turmeric is very nutty and earthy, and is one of my all-time favorites. Blend it with hot water, coconut oil and sweetener, and it’s ready!
3. Connected Colombia – the only ingredient is 100% ceremonial cacao with nothing added, yet this is one of the smoothest cacao experiences I’ve ever had. I’m obsessed!

Where to Buy: 10% off with code “breakfastcriminals” on ceremonial-cacao.com.

2. Cacao Laboratory (code BREAKFASTCRIMINALS)

ABOUT:

Cacao Laboratory is a conscious ceremonial cacao brand founded to bridge the gap between the modern culture and the indigenous communities.  It’s founded by Florencia Fridman (natural-born healer, self-empowerment artist and cacao ceremony guide) and Eric Federico Fridman (an impact investment advocate). 

Most of their cacao is made from top-notch Arriba Nacional beans from Ecuador.

I’ve studied cacao ceremony and traveled to Guatemala with Cacao Lab and can attest to intentionality every step of the way. Florencia works closely with the Tzʼutujil in Guatemala to spread the message of cacao medicine around the world. You can get to know Florencia and learn more about cacao in this podcast interview. 

CEREMONIAL CACAO PRODUCTS: 

1. Plain: 1KG ceremonial cacao paste block with nothing added – buy this if you want plain cacao and will add your own spices. The experience is smooth and powerfully grounding. Format: It comes in what looks like an oversized chocolate bar shape, making you feel like you’re Alice in Wonderland. Make sure you chop it before blending. This cacao is great for making your own sacred ceremonial chocolate.
2. Spiced: Elemental cacao options are Water, Fire, Air and Water, with spices and superfoods like cardamom, maca and damiana already added (no sweetener). Format: Chocolate bars that can be easily broken up into squares and places into a blender – no chopping needed.

Where to Buy: 15% off with code BREAKFASTCRIMINALS on cacaolaboratory.com.

3. Legacy Cacao

The legend goes that the Mayan Priestess of Cacao chose Legacy to spread the native plant medicine to open your heart, maximize your zone of genius, and nourish your body. It’s a fair profit company and they only have one blend: an original recipe with vanilla, panela and spices. You receive your cacao with a beautiful handwoven Mayan cloth bag, and each cacao bag is blessed and marked with the day it was made on according to the Mayan Sacred Calendar.

Tune into the frequency of this brand and its mission in this interview with Legacy Cacao Founder Michelle Sinnette.

Please note: this cacao is already pre-sweetened so you won’t be able to control the level of sweetness. It’s more expensive than most ceremonial cacao and that said, this is the cacao I have the most affinity with for special ceremonies.

Where to buy: legacycacao.com

4. Keith’s Cacao

Keith’s Cacao could be the most potent cacao I’ve experienced – start with a smaller dose! Keith’s ceremonial cacao blocks come pure with nothing added, making it a powerful way of connecting with pure cacao and a flavor playground to add spices and superfoods you’re drawn to.

Keith’s Cacao is said to be the world’s first “ceremonial” cacao founded by Keith, aka “The chocolate shaman.”

This is another great cacao block to use to make your own sacred ceremonial chocolate – especially for a more intense experience.

Where to buy: 5% off with code BREAKFASTCRIMINALS on keithscacao.com

@whereisksenia@cacaoceremony makes me centered & happy! 🙌🏼 I shared where I buy ##ceremonialcacao in another post 🍫 ##chocolate ##cacao ##cacaoceremony ##cacaofruit♬ original sound – Ksenia

WHAT IS CACAO CEREMONY?

Cacao ceremony usually involves a communal gathering with a sacred circle, music and of course, ceremonial cacao. While I notice the strongest effects of cacao in a group ceremony, I also have it daily as part of my morning ritual.

Enjoying ceremonial cacao can help you connect with your heart and be a gentle guide through transformational consciousness shifts.

I’ve tried drinking cacao with and without creating a sacred intentional space, and the difference of the effect is mind-boggling.

WHAT DOES A CACAO CEREMONY INVOLVE? 

There isn’t a rigid formula, but here are some of the elements a cacao ceremony can involve.

Usually, a cacao ceremony is hosted by one or several people trained in preparing cacao and holding sacred space.

If you’ve been invited to a cacao ceremony and have no idea what’s about to happen, here’s what you can expect. Don’t worry, you’ll be guided through every step of the way!

1. Create a sacred space, often with an altar in the middle
2. Sit in a circle and open up the circle by going around and saying your name out loud, sharing an intention or a word you’re calling in
3. Pour the cacao and pass it around the circle
4. Honor and bless the cacao
5. Set an intention for the ceremony
6. Drink the cacao
7. Breathwork, meditation, sound journey, dance, music – from here, it’s up to the person leading the cacao ceremony and whatever tool they prefer to use to amplify and manifest the intentions created by the participants.
8. Close the circle – an important part of the ceremony that invites integration of the deep spaces you may have explored during your cacao journey.

HOW TO CREATE YOUR OWN CACAO CEREMONY

While usually a cacao ceremony lasts at least an hour, you can make it more accessible and fit it into your schedule by taking a sacred 15-minute pause out of your day and doing something like this:

1. Prepare ceremonial cacao
2. Clear the space with sage or palo santo
3. Hold the cacao, connect to the feeling of gratitude, and set your intention
4. Drink the cacao
5. Journal, meditate, listen to sacred songs, dance or have a heart-to-heart conversation with your friend or lover, if you’re doing a ceremony with them.

If you don’t have time for all 5 steps, just do one and set an intention before drinking the cacao by asking yourself, “How do I want to feel? What am I ready to call into my life?”

CACAO CEREMONY TRAINING – HOW DO YOU BECOME A CACAO CEREMONIALIST?

Before you serve cacao to others, the first step is to get intimate with the cacao medicine yourself. To really sit with it, and listen to the whispers. If you’re meant to serve it to others and become a cacao ceremonialist, you will know. Ask cacao to lead you to what the next steps are for you. In my experience, the best way to deepen your relationship with cacao is to intentionally sit with it, ask questions, write in a journal, and start offering cacao to friends.

Ceremonial Cacao | Ksenia Brief by Sophie Sahara

WHY DO YOU CRAVE CHOCOLATE? 

Cacao contains anandamide, a neurotransmitter produced in the brain that binds to the THC receptors. It’s also known as the “bliss molecule” (named after “ananda”, the Sanskrit word for “bliss.”) Anandamide is considered an endocannabinoid — a substance produced in the body that binds to cannabinoid receptors.

It’s only so natural that we crave chocolate when we’re feeling stress or imbalance physically and emotionally.

Fun fact: pure chocolate produces a similar endocannabinoid receptor-stimulating effect on your body as CBD oil. We talked more about this on Ksenia Brief Podcast episode 127 with “the chocolate shaman“.

CACAO ON A METAPHYSICAL LEVEL

Used for at least 5,000 thousand years by a number of communities around the world, on a metaphysical level cacao serves as a tool for connecting to the energetic space of your heart, as well as to people around you.

SPIRITUAL BENEFITS OF CACAO

I love making a cup of nourishing cacao before my meditation or during group gatherings. It’s a powerful tool to go deeper in your inner work, whether it’s journaling, visualization, or shamanic journeying. In my experience, cacao ceremony can also assist in energetic healing and receiving clarity in the areas of love, purpose, intuitive abilities, career and personal growth.

CACAO AND CREATIVITY

When I have an intentionally prepared cup of cacao at a ceremony, something happens: I feel softer, more present and loving, and my creativity goes through the roof. I find that having a cup of cacao is especially powerful before creative writing, working on projects that ignite your soul, and making art.

THE PLANT MEDICINE SPIRIT OF CACAO

Some traditions (including the indigenous cacao keepers) believe that every plant, psychedelic or not, has a spirit. In the earlier days, humans lived in harmony with the natural world and saw plants as intelligent, alive beings and healers in their own light. On the simplest level, this is why we use supplements, herbs, superfoods and adaptogens – as a way to reconnect with this primal wisdom that’s becoming more and more readily available.

Once you’ve experienced a group cacao ceremony, it’s impossible to think that cacao doesn’t have a spirit. It shows up differently for everyone, but generally, it’s known as a playful, gentle medicine that connects you to your own deep-rooted wisdom within.

Keep reading to dive deeper into all things ceremonial cacao

HOW DOES CACAO GROW?

Cacao beans grow in pods on trees of the Theobroma cacao species in tropical environments, within 15 to 20 degrees latitude from the equator. During harvest, the pods are opened, the seeds are kept, and the empty pods are discarded. The seeds are then fermented, during which the cacao beans lose their purple hue and become mostly brown in color.

According to fairtrade.org.uk, 90% of the world’s cocoa is grown on small family farms by about 6 million farmers who earn their living from growing and selling cocoa beans.

WHAT IS RAW CACAO AND WHAT IS CACAO BUTTER?

Known as the “food of the gods”, cacao (kə-ˈkau̇) is the seed found in the fruit of the Theobroma cacao tree, which is native to the Amazon Basin. The bean was first discovered by the Mayans and has remained a staple in many cultures ever since.

Raw cacao is made by cold-pressing unroasted cacao beans. The process keeps the living enzymes in the cacao and removes the fat (cacao butter). Rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, cacao can be considered a “superfood.”

WHAT IS CACAO PASTE AND WHAT IS CEREMONIAL CACAO? 

Cacao paste is manufactured from a single ingredient – cacao beans. They are fermented, lightly roasted or sun-dried, then ground down into the ceremonial paste that becomes solid at cooler temperatures. 

Nothing is taken out or added during this process, which leaves the ceremonial cacao pure.

Technically speaking, cacao paste and ceremonial cacao are made of the same ingredients. It’s the thoughtfulness and tradition in growing and processing, and the intention in drinking ceremonial cacao that differentiates it from cacao paste. 

Unlike other cacao beans, ceremonial cacao is specifically produced from native cacao strains. These strains are found growing on its own in the wild without the help of humans. The compounds found in these seeds are essential for ceremonial use.

CACAO VS COCOA

Cocoa powder is raw cacao that’s been roasted at high temperatures. Roasting and processing raw cacao changes the molecular structure of the cacao bean, reducing the enzyme content (bye bye antioxidants and flavanols) and lowering the overall nutritional value by up to 90%.

Regular cocoa is what’s usually used in chocolate you can buy at grocery stores and pharmacies. There’s a lot of confusion around cacao and cocoa.  “Cocoa” sometimes refers to the powder used to make hot chocolate that contains added sugar, fat and processed powdered milk. Pay close attention when buying cacao – look at the label to make sure there are no uninvited guests in the ingredient list. If you want a more nutritious, clean choice – raw cacao powder or ceremonial cacao is the way to go!

WHAT IS RAW CACAO

Raw foods are not heated to above 42 degrees, which means that in case of raw cacao, the beans are sun-dried instead of roasting. Raw cacao retains maximum nutritional value and flavor. That said, traditionally ceremonial cacao is always roasted, never raw. 

WHAT ARE CACAO NIBS

Cacao nibs are fermented and roasted bits of cacao beans. Cacao nibs add a perfect crunchy addition to smoothie bowls, smoothies, baking and oatmeal. And if you’re into that, they’re also paleo and keto-friendly!

CACAO NUTRITION

A single cacao bean contains 54% fat (that’s the cacao butter), 31% carbohydrates (mainly fibre with a tiny amount of sugars), 11% protein (including arginine, glutamine and leucine), 3% polyphenols (flavonols and proanthocyanins) and less than 1% trace minerals including magnesium, iron, copper and phosphorus. [realfoods.co.uk]

CACAO HEALTH BENEFITS

Ever heard of research that proves that chocolate is good for you? It’s talking about either raw, unprocessed cacao or nutrient-rich dark chocolate. 

Organic, raw cacao is a superfood containing a variety of unique phytonutrients such as sulfur, magnesium and phenylethylamine. It’s a great source of monounsaturated fat, cholesterol-free saturated fat, vitamins, minerals, fiber, natural carbohydrates and protein.

People in my weekly cacao ceremony group have reported that drinking cacao at least 3 times a week helps them manage ADD, ADHD, and one person even reported that it helped them lower their anti-depressant medication dosage. *Disclaimer: this is not medical advice. Please consult your doctor for further questions.

Cacao is rich in:

• Plant-based iron: 7.3mg per 100g.
• Antioxidants: up to 40 times more antioxidants than blueberries.
• Magnesium: a nutrient that’s important for many processes in the body, including regulating muscle and nerve function, blood sugar levels, and blood pressure. It can also sharpen your brain while relaxing your body.
• Calcium: more than in cow’s milk.

IS THERE CAFFEINE IN CACAO? 

Theobromine is a chemical that has a similar structure to caffeine, but the difference is that instead of being a nervous system stimulant like coffee, theobromine dilates the cardiovascular system that results in opening up the blood vessels and a sense of alertness and relaxation at the same time.

The two stimulants are related but are very different chemicals with different properties, effects and origins. Cacao is a poor source of caffeine, and in fact is a wonderful substitute for your morning latte if you want to reduce your caffeine intake.

However, experience has shown me that having potent ceremonial cacao past 7pm might keep you awake for hours – be aware and start by having ceremonial cacao earlier in the day. It makes a wonderful morning elixir. Keep reading to find out how I prepare my ceremonial cacao. 

CACAO CEREMONY PLAYLIST

This is some of my go-to cacao ceremony medicine music on Spotify and YouTube featuring Mose, Danit and Ayla Schafer. Pour a cup of cacao, and enjoy!

CACAO CEREMONY MEDITATION

Read Next:

Ceremonial Cacao Recipe – Heart Opening Rose Elixir

The Best Ceremonial Cacao to Buy Online

Sacred Ceremonial Chocolate Recipe

I would love to see and hear how you use cacao in your life! If you have any questions or comments on this post, please leave them below or connect with @ksenia.brief on Instagram!

 

Sources: 

• https://draxe.com/cacao-nibs/https://satorijourneys.com/sacredcacao/#av_section_2
• https://www.realfoods.co.uk/article/cacao-and-cocoa-your-questions-answered
• https://www.flykakao.com/blogs/news/what-makes-cacao-ceremonial-grade
• https://www.foodmatters.com/article/raw-cacao-vs-cocoa-whats-the-difference
• https://goldabar.com/blogs/news/raw-cacao-powerful-antioxidant-and-superfood