How to Perform a Cacao Ceremony

As I have grown as a sound practitioner, I’ve enjoyed exploring rituals that can be practiced alongside sound healing to expand the experience and connect with the mind, body and soul in different ways. One of these rituals is a cacao ceremony. The ceremonial use of cacao has a rich history in holistic healing and wellbeing and can be replicated at home or in client sessions fairly easily. If you’re intrigued by cacao and how this ancient practice could benefit you, I’ll give you a proper introduction. 

What is ceremonial cacao in holistic healing?

Before cacao was used to make chocolate, it was used by the ancient cultures of Central and South America for healing, medicine and connection to the spiritual world. Today, we can understand why that is from more than just a feeling. The cacao used in ceremonial practices is pure and minimally processed, especially compared to most chocolate products. In this form, it’s full of nutrients including antioxidants and minerals that nourish our bodies, regulate bodily processes and support mental wellbeing. It works on the physical, mental and spiritual plane which is why it’s still popular today. 

The focus of cacao ceremonies is mostly to open the heart. That’s the feeling people get when they drink cacao. This is because cacao contains a compound called theobromine. Theobromine widens blood vessels and enhances circulation which stimulates the heart. It also releases serotonin and dopamine which make us happy! They untangle difficult emotions, hear their intuition and feel more connected to themselves and the world around them. Of course, the effects are different for everyone and can vary by the day. I recommend trying cacao to see if it’s a practice that aligns with you. 

You can order ceremonial-grade cacao online. It’s important that it is ceremonial grade so the processing is pure and ethical, aligning the intentions with the spirit of cacao ceremonies. Then all you do is chop up or grate the cacao into small pieces and whisk it into warm water or milk. When it’s all blended together, it’s ready to be consumed. As the taste is on the bitter side, some people like to add things to their cacao such as plant-based milk or cinnamon. Keep it natural to maintain the connection to Mother Nature. To really feel the benefits, don’t just drink the cacao. Turn it into a relaxing and reflective ritual. 

Tips for running your own cacao ceremony

There’s room to experiment, adapt and follow your heart when performing cacao ceremonies. It can be complemented by other practices of your choosing to extend and amplify the benefits. Here are some ideas to get you started. 

• Curate your environment - Before sitting down with a cup of cacao, create a warm and inviting space to engage in heart opening. This could mean turning off the main lights and sitting in candlelight. Or cleansing the space with Palo Santo. Or how about setting up an altar with incense, crystals and meaningful objects for you. Set the scene for the ceremony. 

• Set an intention - The goal isn’t to drink the cacao as quickly as possible. The goal is to connect to the spirit of cacao and use it as a vehicle for whatever you need that day. So when your cacao is ready, hold it to your heart and set an intention. Take a few moments to let that intention settle before enjoying your first sip. 

• Be mindful - There’s no rush. After holding it to your heart, bring it up beneath your nose and immerse yourself in the scent too. Take the time to notice the taste of the cacao, the texture in your mouth and how it makes you feel as you gradually consume the cup. Savour every moment.

• Anchor in the intention - As you are drinking the cacao or afterwards, whenever feels right for you, I recommend moving into a complementary practice that anchors the intention and amplifies the benefits of cacao. You could meditate, do breathwork exercises, play singing bowls or anything else that calls to you. 

• Gratitude - As cacao is all about opening the heart, I always like to end with a moment of gratitude. Reflect on the cacao ceremony and express gratitude for that. Reflect on what’s happened in your week so far and express gratitude for that. Reflect on what’s to come in your day and express gratitude for that. 

  
  

Where to get your cacao supplies

As you can see, cacao ceremonies are fairly simple. You only really need two things - the cacao and a mug to hold it in. (If we don’t count the pan for warming the water and the whisk for melting the cacao into the water!)

Be careful about where you source the cacao from. You’re looking for ceremonial-grade or pure cacao. This kind of cacao won’t have anything extra added to it, preserving the connection to Mother Nature, and it will be ethically harvested, preserving the intention behind the processing of the plant for consumption. I can highly recommend ReNurture as a reliable ceremonial cacao supplier, I buy my cacao from here. And if you've read this far, you can use my 5% off code on your next purchase, just enter IKNOWKATE at the checkout :) 

Then we come to the cacao mug. I have recently launched a mug designed specifically for

ceremonial purposes. It’s handmade in Nepal using natural clay, aligning with the intention to stay connected to the power of nature and the history of cacao. The shape and size are ergonomic so you can cup your hands around the mug and feel the essence of cacao. You’ll notice a small dip in the side. This spot is for you to rest your thumb, anchoring the connection, intention and presence. Order your cacao mug from the I Know This Girl shop. 

In a world where we can feel like we need to close ourselves off to stay safe, cacao is one of the ways we can feel comfortable opening our hearts again, rediscovering the passions and wisdom held inside us all. I’d love to hear about how you get on with cacao ceremonies. Connect with me on Instagram to chat. As always, for guidance in purchasing and playing singing bowls alongside a cacao ceremony or in a sound bath, book a discovery call, in-person consultation or workshop. I’m happy to help!