History tends to be written by the victors, and one way to justify the cruelties and injustices of the genocidal project of colonising the Americas was to portray the indigenous people as savages living a terrible way of life Cacao's status as both literal and symbolic food for the gods inspired its western scientific name, ", ". Cacao's heart-opening properties are often attributed to its high levels of theobromine, a mild stimulant that's believed to temporarily boost mood. It's also possible that there were misunderstandings of symbolic practices which were unfamiliar to the invaders (although they spilt plenty of blood themselves): Mayan blood rites of the nobility and priests involved some self-infliected ritual blood-letting; as part of the ritual, their blood ran through a portal representing the physical and spiritual realms. The local shaman, wisdom keeper "tata" is asked to bring blessings to the land, to the tree and to the end consumer YOU!. Shop Pure Ceremonial Grade Cacao Tips for a Successful Cacao Ceremony However, the term was not historically used by the indigenous populations themselves. traces of cacao were found in 5000 year old ceramic vessels in Ecuador. Cacao ceremonies take place throughout the week at BaliSpirit Festival, each varying slightly depending on the facilitator both during the daytime and nighttime program. In addition, a cacao ceremony contributes to our grounding and more appreciation of Mother Earth . This is 100% pure ceremonial-grade cacao that has been grown, harvested, toasted, fermented & packaged by Nana Marina & her team of Guatemayan natives. Welcome to Ritual Cacao, our offerings include Ceremonial Grade Cacao, regular Cacao Ceremonies, and monthly Rituals to help reignite your inspiration and find your creativity. (Learn more about cacao's many compounds & nutrients here.). The indigenous Maya families live in harmony, deep in the Belizean Jungle with the native sacred cacao tree flourishing on their sacred lands. If you are interested in booking a cacao ceremony, be welcome to fill out the form below for more details, and availability. Skip navigation Magazine Sustainability Do you have a question? WHAT IS A TRADITIONAL MAYAN CACAO CEREMONY? Herbal Cacao is proudly supporting these indigenous Maya communities for their sustainable, 100% organic, ceremonial cacao. A Cacao Ceremony is a sacred traditional ritual. There are, however, other sacred rituals which involve cacao (and other traditional elements of Mayan sacred offerings such as fire, corn, flowers and copal incense) - these are known as "kotzij' ". Ceremonial Cacao (known as "The Food of the Gods") is revered as a highly . Cacao ceremonies are practiced in many areas of the world, bringing people together to honor the cacao gods, and celebrate the abundance their communities have received. Upon planting a new cacao tree rituals and celebrations are being held. And in Guatemala reside the most diverze Maya nations: Achi,Akatek,Chuj,Ixil,Jakaltek,Kaqchikel,Kiche,Mam,Poqomam,Poqomchi,Qanjobal,Qeqchi,TzutujilandUspantek, Chorti, Itza. These altered states of consciousness will open you to the potential of your sexual life force energy as a spiritual platform for accessing extraordinary states of reality and Bliss. The art of cultivating Cacao has been protected generation-by-generation among the indigenous tribes for thousands of years. And the plant has truly withstood the test of time. Drink it and eventually become the medicine yourself. Join my inspiring list and I will show you how. (The main Aztec lands were too far north to grow cacao, which needs tropical latitudes & plenty of rain, so they traded for it) The Aztecs (not the Maya) also sometimes conducted sacrificial rituals involving the cutting out of people's hearts, and cacao was served to the "victims" before this act; it's not know whether this was because of cacao's heart-stimulating power or even perhaps to flood them with serotonin-boosters to help them somehow face their ordeal. When done in groups they allow for open communication and connectedness. Harvesting cacao can be done all year round on is just as a celebration like planting the Cacao tree . Cacao ceremonies has been performed for 1000s of years by the indigenous tribes of Central America and Cacao was considered to be the Food of the Gods,an association that gave rise to the scientific name of the cocoa tree,Theobromacacao, from the Greek words Theo (God) and broma (drink). When you buy our Ritual Cacao you are supporting local and indigenous tribes. Kings and priests also consumed cacao (mixed into a frothy bitter chocolate drink with ground maize (cornmeal), chile peppers, vanilla beans & black pepper) as part of their royal and religious ceremonies, although the idea of Mayan cacao ceremonies is really a western modern fantasy! Todays Maya nations in Mexico are: Tzotzil,Tzeltal, Tojolabalis, Chol and Lacandon, Chontal Maya, Yucatec. Please respect your own and other boundaries. In many ancient Maya art, cacao is depicted and you can tell it was of high importance in their culture. This indigenous Cacao ceremony traditionally from Jalisco Mexico is served by Medicine Woman Abuelita Tere Rivas. I am deeply grateful to my teachers Kajib Tzik'in Chuj (Jessica), W'ukub K'at Saq'ik (Jerico) and Yasmira Chen Coc of the Chinimital del Ka'kaw collective, Tata Mario, Tata Juan and Tata Miguel, to Cecilia Mendoza Chiyal, founder of Ruk'u'x Ulew women's, of artisanal cacao producers, and to Solveig Barrios, founder and guide. I am in the process of rewriting this section of my website as I integrate the learning from my most recent cacao trainingI am deeply grateful to my teachers Kajib Tzik'in Chuj (Jessica), W'ukub K'at Saq'ik (Jerico) and Yasmira Chen Coc of the Chinimital del Ka'kaw collective, toTata Mario, Tata Juan and Tata Miguel, to Cecilia Mendoza Chiyal, founder of Ruk'u'x Ulew women'scollectiveof artisanal cacao producers, and to Solveig Barrios, founder and guide of the Mayan Wisdom Project, for the priceless opportunity to listen to and learn from this wonderful group of indigenous Mayan teachers. You have the chance to relax deeply and receive insights, inspiration and creative ideas that can give you a clarity on the next steps of your life and where you can support your overall health. IS THERE ACTUALLY SUCH A THING? The ceremony is an invitation to come back to your essence. A cacao ceremony is perfect for someone wanting to experience and grow through shamanic ritual without the often intense experience associated with Ayahuasca. The sacred land were their cacao tree flourishes contains rich soil, due to their ancient organic sustainable farming practices. It is celebrated as the Food of the Gods and has been used in Shamanic ceremonies for thousands of years. It is also because of natural peoples love of the Earth. We honor the months of Atl Caualo (Central Mexican) and Sac (Yucatec Maya) and focus on welcoming in more insight, and heart-inspired reciprocity. Organic Criollo Ruk'u'x Ulew Ceremonial Cacao produced by small farms in the highlands of Guatemala. I cannot list all the benefits in this article so I will write about them here. Most ceremonies also include at least one. We have giving this magical tree the name Theobroma cacao tree which refers to in latin as Theos: Food & Broma: God = "Food of the gods", And how special it is that the Theobroma cacao trees from the underworld can indeed only grow well in the shade, in biodiversity in the shadow of the bigger trees of the jungle. Cacao has always been associated with the sacred life force - Mayan mythology tells of the first humans - the "men of corn" being given cacao to animate their spirits - "women of cacao"; The ancient Mesoamericans were well aware of cacao's highly nutritious nature, and its power to stimulate and nourish the cardiovascular system, to strengthen the heart, to fortify the blood. Ceremonial Caco is an ancient Sacred Medicine used for spiritual elevation. I am very sensitive and acutely aware of a persons relationship with their body. the lovely Cecilia Mendoza Chiyal (one of my cacao teachers on the Mayan Wisdom Project's cacao training course.). To ensure the highest quality cacao is being produces on their lands, a centralised fermentation center is set -up within their community. Indigenous cultures within Central and South America have long understood that the highest form of plant medicines is a plant's intelligence, and this is an intelligence that can communicate directly with humans and gently teach us once taken into the body. Its the way it was originally consumed. Ceremony is a time to open up ritual space. There are, however, other sacred rituals which involve cacao (and other traditional elements of Mayan sacred offerings such as fire, corn, flowers and copal incense) - these are known as "kotzij' ", meaning "flower" or "offering" - since cacao is regarded as a sacred gift, to be first offered to the earth and other sacred energies, the ancient Elders and ancestors, before being received with thanks as the gift and blessing cacao is. Cacao Ceremonies: What They Are and The Benefits | Rituals Studies show that pure cacao makes us happy, reduces stress and increases focus and creative flow. Simona I felt had a very rare energy when it came to holding ceremony. STORE IS CLOSED UNTIL NOVEMBER 30, 2022. After One Year of the Sacred Cacao Ceremony here is my Review Simona! Cacao was associated with blood: the Aztecs called cacao ". Join us, as we traverse through the various gateways of the heart with the aid of the Cacao spirit, and ancient Mesoamerican Indigenous wisdom. Cacao ceremony, in the Western context, is a relatively new phenomenon, as people seek a new relationship with cacao outside of what the chocolate industry offers. Some things never change, the sacred space that is held while imbibing, can still connect folks to their ancestors, to nature and to themselves. Cacao was ritually given on the last ceremony of ones live, as a blessing for the journey through the underworld believing one could travel in the three worlds, connected them as one. The upper world, the underworld and the middle world. Copyright 2019 Simona Siclari All Rights Reserved, Copyright 2014 Spa Lab Theme All Rights Reserved |, Click Here to REQUEST A RAW CACAO CEREMONY WITH SIMONA NOW, Dileri Sadhana Italy Holistic Practitioner. Cacao ceremony is an intentional community gathering for self reflection, healing, heart activation and spiritual nourishment. So, in conclusion, how do you know if you will like that taste of your ceremonial cacao? What the Whole Foods GMO Transparency Initiative Means for Shoppers and Suppliers, Patatas Bravas With Crispy Salami & Spiced Aioli, 4 Spice Rubs That Will Fearlessly Fend Off Boring Weeknight Dinners, Why Jerky Is Our Secret Burger Ingredient, Why food is a universal stress reliever among all people. The cacao used in these ceremonies is chocolate in its purest form. Cacao ceremonies are a popular ritual in yoga communities and especially Ubud. Theirs is an ancient and living culture and, as you would expect, some traditions have survived, whilst others - such as, for example, the elite classes' blood-letting rites, appear not to have. The story goes that the Cacao tree once only grew in the underworld, Xibalba, which is one of the 3 shamanic worlds of the Maya. Itis made by cold-pressing unroasted cocoa beans from a medicine magical plant, which preserves the beans nutritional content. Its a ritual of and a right of passage to self-love. "According to both archeologists and Mayan spiritual elders, the Cacao Spirit was one of the most powerful deities in ancient Mayan cosmology. Cacao ceremonies are cultural rituals most famously practiced by Mayan communities. Cacao has been used for 1,000s of years by indigenous communities of Central and South America as a medicine for physical and spiritual healing and is becoming popular in yoga communities worldwide because of its powerful ability to assist us yogis in gently opening up our hearts and awakening us to our true nature. This article goes into depth about the ways cacao can benefit your mind, body and spirit. The context of the ceremony supports meditation and creates a rare opportunity to explore and sit with the stories of the heart and to identify areas that are causing you restriction, limitation and pain. Cacao is an anti-depressant and so hopefully when people enjoy the medicinal benefits of this plant it will tap them in to their own sense of well being. Check out what some of Simonasregular participants have to say about it. To say YES to life in its entirety . They have recently grown in popularity in the West and have evolved in the process. The ceremony, performed by Wilson in English, involved little more than a perfunctory toast to the cacao spirit where we raised our mugs, invited her in to play, and thanked her. Cacao has always been associated with the sacred life force - Mayan mythology tells of the first humans - the "men of corn" being given cacao to animate their spirits - "women of cacao"; The ancient Mesoamericans were well aware of cacao's highly nutritious nature, and its power to stimulate and nourish the cardiovascular system, to strengthen the heart, to fortify the blood. This gently opens your heart and brings new opportunities for personal and relationship growth. Mama Cacao speaks to the emotional body and the inner child. That being said- In modern terms, cacao ceremony can vary depending on the facilitator, but its usually a gathering with other like-hearted people who come together to . . It gives us the setting and much needed time to look deeply within so that we may remember what is really important. Learn more about Ruk'u'x Ulew and their cacao here. 100% Organic Ceremonial Cacao. It was alsoso valuable to be used as currency. It was such a gift to be in Sacred Cacao Ceremony with Simona. This is only a suggestion for how to hold your own morning cacao ritual. What kind of person would you like to be? I blown away when I was in my Trip by the Cacao Spirit that was running through my blood. Herbal Cacao is proudly supporting these indigenous Maya communities for their sustainable, 100% organic, ceremonial cacao. It was also so valuable to be used as currency. Once you are finished you will be ready to enjoy your delicious morning beverage. So even if its pure cacao in a ceremonial setting that you are consuming, it should still be complex, rich, dark and acceptably bitter. Raw cacao containsnearly four times the antioxidant content of regular processed dark chocolate, 20 times more than blueberries, and 119 times more than bananas. No touch is involved during the dance, unless there has been a mutual agreement between the parts about it. Ancient texts have been destroyed. It was definitely an unforgettable experience and Best of everything, a beginning of a wonderful friendship! An Indigenous myth from these areas tells us that whenever the balance between humans and nature becomes threatened, cacao comes from the rainforest to open peoples hearts and return the planet to a state of harmony. Here the sacred cacao beans are going through a unique 3 stages of sun-drying, creating a magical high vibration cacao bean that not only is unique in its flavour profile, but also highly nutritious. With any luck, consumers all over the world, will reach for a beverage of chocolate instead of a bar. As a plant, cacao's roots have recently been traced back to the Amazon jungle in South America; the greatest genetic diversity of cacao trees is found in the Amazon, which points to this as being the original birthplace of cacao; and in 2018. Simona has the ability to make people feel comfortable, in a space of honesty, openness and in a non judgmental environment. It also gives its name to the cardiac-stimulating compound. Cacao's status as both literal and symbolic food for the gods inspired its western scientific name, "theobroma cacao" - in ancient Greek, "theo" = god and "broma"= food"; "cacao" came from the Mayan word "ka'kau". I am so grateful that my first cacao ceremony was with Simona and would highly recommend anyone who hasnt tried it, to experience it with Simona. Because the cultures who have cultivated Cacao have varying methods . This was the first cacao I ever consumed in ceremony; it's also the cacao I was initiated with during my apprenticeship training - this cacao will always hold a special place in my heart, and buying it supports indigenous families, allowing them to have a livelihood working for an ethical, sustainable industry, rather than the cocaine, oil or . It is Earth after all that provides all the chemicals in all our favorite foods and beverages. In the USA, I thinkSoul Lift Cacaoare your best source.). Thousands of years ago, indigenous people near the Amazon living in sacred harmony with nature, cultivated cacao plants growing wild in the jungles. This is largely because of the chemicals in cacao. However the traditions were never lost in South America. These traditional Mayan "cacao ceremonies" take place over several days, in the cacao forests, and involve the entire community: they celebrate the planting, first flowering and harvesting of pods from the theobroma cacao trees. Visit our web site for more information and bookings. It was followed by a lot of talking by Wilson, who boasted proudly about working with executives and stock traders to improve his product's performance. During the Classic period, Maya communities cultivated cacao trees in their gardens and people from all social groups were allowed to drink cacao for certain occasions such as weddings; cacao was also strongly associated with childbirth, and newborns. Arriving in Guatemala some 20 years ago, former geologist and adventurer Keith Wilson was led to Cacao by the Deva -or Spirit- behind this entheogenic plant medicine. (and if you are not in the UK, you can find other international sources via their site. What is true is that cacao has always been one of several sacred elements present in Mayan rituals and ceremonies - along with corn/maize, fire, copal (a tree resin incense), and flowers. Cacao is our sacred sacrament. You can use my "CACAOFOX" code when buying from their website :). The Maya Empire excelled at agriculture, pottery, hieroglyph writing, calendar-making and mathematics, and left behind an astonishing amount of impressive architecture and symbolic artwork. indigenous collective - three of the teachers on the Mayan cacao training I undertook are members of this collective. There is no specific varietal or origin or treatment process that makes any cacao ceremonial. At Sacred Earth Cacao, we believe in living intentionally and with gratitude. Authoritative recent studies by TheDepartment of Nutrition at University of California,Harvard,Tulane University, theBritish Lung Foundation and theJournal of Nutrition list numerous benefits: This is a very safe and intimate space and thepeople that attend always surprise themselves at how they are able to open up to others, especially when they start to realise we are all a mirror for each other,with similarfears, sufferings, hopes and dreams. Cacao Laboratory is a conscious ceremonial cacao brand founded to bridge the gap between the modern culture and the indigenous communities. Take a couple deep breaths as you smell your delicious cup of chocolaty goodness and then practice gratitude by thanking the Cacao for the uplifting effects that it has. Its molecule has unique components such as. Besides cacao and corn their ancient farm lands flourish in biodiversity of many different herbal plants creating the perfect surrounding for Cacao to flourish all year long. Its great to drink with others and allow them to connect as well. It offers a moment to go inward and connect to what really matters to us. Ceremony is a time to open up ritual space. There are still so many extremely poor communities were this is still not the case. Cacao beans or seeds come from the fruit of the cacao tree and have a distinctly bitter flavor. Cacao is now considered as a superfood and there are contemporaryIndigenous peopleswho use cacao to facilitate a type of collective Lucid Dream where all journey together in another dimension. While the ancient Mayans and Aztecs of Southern Mexico and Guatemala are best known, there are contemporary Indigenous cultures in Central and South America who continue cacao use in Shamanic Ceremony, preferring it to locally available psychedelics. In fact, the "tradition' of Cacao Ceremonies began with the man behind Keith's Cacao, the Chocolate Shaman himself. Cacao ceremonies are a modern-day version of these ancient shamanic rituals. They devoted their whole life in serving of keeping these ancient traditions alive. Studies have found that by adding dairy this actually blocks the absorption of antioxidants in chocolate. Cacao ceremonies is a type of shamanic healing and is one of the oldest holistic healing practices used by many indigenous cultures. Todays Maya nations in Belize are; Yucatec, Q'eqchi, andMopan. What is a cacao ceremony? It is crucial for us as mindful consumers to know that our cacao or chocolate truly support the people, as we are all indigenous to earth and have tasks along our paths to co-create in harmony. Check alsoSLOW JAMand INTIMATE COMMUNICATIONor go back toTHE ART OF INTIMACY. My more recent studies with indigenous Mayan cacao specialists & spiritual guides have confirmed that "cacao ceremonies" are a very recent, western invention - the closest thing to any kind of authentic "Mayan cacao ceremonies" are actually sacred agricultural celebrations (I think wassailing would be the closest equivalent in British culture). The ritual aims to help us achieve clarity and self-determination, to release existing blockages and to create inner harmony. Cacao invites us to come back to a natural state of feeling (rather than over-thinking). $ 21.00. In the ancient Mesoamerican civilisations of the Olmec, Maya and, later, the Aztec peoples, cacao was sacred and precious; cacao consumption was more widely enjoyed, more regularly, at all levels of Mayan society during the "classical" era; centuries later, their northern successors the Mexica, more commonly known now as the Aztecs) limited cacao to only the most elite levels of society. This is a modernized Cacao ceremonial experience rooted in Indigenous practices handed down with reverence and permission from Naomi's teachers in Central America. The way westerners are sharing cacao in ceremony is a contemporary fusion practice, whether inspired by accounts of Mayan traditions, traditional Amazonian plant medicine ceremonies, or the eclectic new age approach of those inspired by Keith Wilson at Lake Atitlan. During the ceremony we drink raw organic cacao paste, we share of what we want to let go and what we are calling in, we create an intention, we hold space and we explore and expand through sound, movement, breath and tantric meditation. [Enrich Your Heart with Grounding Power of Cacao]: Cacao is an ancient plant superfood enjoyed as a soul-lifting elixir in spiritual ceremonies for thousands of years. Fermenting and moderately heating cacao are both typical practices by indigenous people. The cost of this cacao is more than other varieties but this reflects partly the huge amount of work which goes into the farming and production of this cacao, and also the many charitable projects which sales of this cacao contribute to, in Mayan communities throughout GuatemalaYou can buy this cacao via theMayan Wisdom Project's online shop. Herbal Cacao sources a very particular high vibrational cacao bean from 2 different Maya nations which are together a community of around 350 small holder Indigenous Maya families out of southern Belize; The Mopan & Q'echi. Here are three sources I can highly recommend: (Ruk'u'x Ulew and Forever Cacao are easily sourced in the UK, Ka'kaw Chinimital is significantly more costly to get shipped here, but I still wanted to mention this cacao!). When done alone, you connect deeply to yourself and harness your inner power. When ingested, it helps to release 'feel good' hormones and endorphins, including theobromine, dopamine, and anandamide. It is rich in antioxidants and contains over 300 nutrients includingmagnesium, large amounts of iron, omega-6, vitamin C, chromium, trace elements, sulphur, zinc & copper to name just a few. Cacao Ceremony. Founded by the Olmec culture, it has a long tradition among the Mayas and Incas. Cacao's Chemicals. Some also find that as their focus holding ability improves, their overall success in life increases and a greater sense of contentment and satisfaction follows. Our Mayan Cacao is 100% Mayan owned, sourced directly from Ruk'u'x'Ulew, an Indigenous Women's Collective in Guatemala. Daily ceremonial cacao and the making the BEST local chocolate in Hawaii. Though cacao has been used by indigenous cultures for ages, the practice of gathering to have a ceremony or spiritual event centered around cacao is a modern western practice. Cacao is a beautiful plant medicine that nourishes the heart. Up to 90% of the all Mayan traditions were lost to the Spanish Conquistadors. Cacao fights Covid-19 and cancer. Our Ceremonial Cacao Is Created for Ceremony From variety selection, to fermentation & roasting, our ceremonial cacao is produced to optimize its quality & potency. Warm, wholesome, unconditionally loving, grounded, earthy, centred and joyful. Manari Ushigua has been a key figure in the indigenous movement of Ecuador since 1999, raising awareness about the threat to his homeland. From Ceremonial Cacao & Cacao Ceremonies, to crystals, candels and Reiki healing. It also gives its name to the cardiac-stimulating compoundtheobromine, the main alkaloid found in cacao. The ancient practice. For many years, I shared ceremonial-grade heirloom Criollo cacao from. The indigenous Maya treat their sacred, organic cacao with so much attention, Love and care, Infusing every single harvest with love and blessings to ensure a premium, high quality, 100% organic product. For their hard work, their love and their attention to detail they get paid more then three times above the average market value for their spacial beans. Cacao seeds (aka Cocoa beans) come from the fruit of Theobroma Cacao (latin for 'Food of the Gods') a tree native to Central America. At Smile Cacao we have sourced the smoothest, ceremonial grade cacao with a rich flavour profile from the Criollo bean . RUK'U'X ULEW ("Heart of the Earth") - Mayan cacao from Guatemala: this is a richly intense & delicious, vibrant small-batch hand-roasted artesanal cacao produced by an indigenous women's collective in San Marcos La Laguna, founded bythe lovely Cecilia Mendoza Chiyal (one of my cacao teachers on the Mayan Wisdom Project's cacao training course.). This family-business was the first to ship ceremonial cacao to Europe; you canlearn more about their work here. Thousands of years ago, indigenous people near the Amazon living in sacred harmony with nature, cultivated cacao plants growing wild in the jungles. More broadly, it's worth noting that Maya culture is not homogenous - there are over 30 languages and different communities have their own traditions: some communities have entirely lost their cacao traditions, whilst others have been able to carefully preserve them over not just hundreds but thousands of years. Ritualize your consumption and you are on your way to grasping cacao ceremonies. the true protectors of our lands, our Mother Earth. For example corn / mais is also a sacred crop to the indigenous Maya and cared for with much love. Store Locator Toggle device navigation We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Keeping the ancient wisdom of chocolate drinking ritual in tact, Erik brings a modern day practicality into the centering . With nothing to prove and everything to give. You can unsubscribe at any time. Many indigenous teachers and cacao producers now express delight that there is growing interest in cacao and a great appetite to learn more about the power of what they have always known is a sacred and wonderful healing medicine, although of course there are concerns about how this medicine is being shared by those who are not directly part of the ancestral tradition. Cacao ceremonies are a type of shamanic healing - which is one of the oldest holistic healing practices used by indigenous cultures all over the world. . Virtual Cacao Ceremony {Multiple Dates} $40.00. During the Ceremonythe cacao activates within the body and the heart, allowing a truly transformative and ecstatic process to unfold. Explore letting go of the mind and moving into realms of higher consciousness. This blood was "itz" - cosmic sap, believed to contain "ch'ul", the soul or spirit, which spoke to and nourished the gods and animated and invigorated the world. It was. If it doesnt taste good, you wont take it. The modern Maya people in contemporary times continue to cultivate, consume and revere cacao as a sacred plant; some Mayan communities have retained the ancient traditions and wisdom relating to cacao's spiritual and healing powers, and in places such as Guatemala, there is now much work being done by indigenous groups such as Chinimital del Ka'kaw to restore the ancestral teachings to those Mayan communities who lost their connection to cacao after the brutality of the Spanish invasion and colonisation process which all but outlawed cacao, often replacing cacao with coffee plantations and forbidding people from any form of nature-worship, which the Spanish perceived as satanic! The indigenous Maya treat their sacred, organic cacao with so much attention, Love and care, Infusing every single harvest with love and blessings to ensure a premium, high quality, 100% organic product. Come on in and view our offerings. We've got everything your heart desires. Otherwise it will be available at weddings, graduations and other celebrations where ritual is embraced. Then the Spanish added sugar and chocolate was created. Taking just a minute to do this can bring a lot of peace and clarity into your life. Up until the 18th century they were using cacao as a sort of currency. Ruk'u'x Ulew Cacao. . Ceremonial Cacao is RAW and unprocessed, and considered a TEACHING PLANT and a SACRED MASTER PLANT MEDICINE. My Mayan teachers, experts in the history, culture and traditions as well as cultivation of cacao, are very clear that really, there is no such thing as a "Mayan cacao ceremony" in the way that these events are often now presented. A Cacao Ceremony represents a moment of opening the heart, a moment of connection to your intuition. The benefits of ceremonial cacao are amazing. To honour and respect their ancient traditions Herbal Cacao is giving back part of the profit to support and protect ancient Maya knowledge. Cacao is the central point of this ceremony as it is said to carry a spirit that can help guide your meditative state and open your heart to those around you. A ceremonial dose is around 1 - 2 oz of cacao, mixed with water into a drink. This doesn't mean they had the same relationship with cacao as the Mesoamericans, culturally - but it shows that the tree itself has its origins there, so it's likely that indigenous peoples of South America consumed cacao in some form at least! Sacred Cacao was ignored in the 60s resurgence of medicine-plants because it does not act like a psychedelic it does not take you on its trip, but facilitates your own. Commercial processed chocolate developed during the last 200 years is made with roasted cocoa, sugar, milk, and other ingredients that eliminates these compounds from real cacaoby 99% to 80%. It facilitates emotional release and doing the inner work for healing. The Mayans and many other ancient Meso-American civilizations like the Olmecs, Aztecs and Toltecs, saw our reality in 3 different worlds, which were all connected to each other. The combination of drinking Raw Cacao Paste and experiencing Tantric Breath, Sound, Movement and Meditation is an explosive, heart-opening mix,raising the vibrational frequency within all the cells of your body and opening the doors to dimensions of Pleasure, Bliss, Sensuality and Peace that enable us to move into a new sense of our Erotic Energy Body. But it is not addictive so its likely to stay a sugar free health drink. These types of healing ceremonies work with rebalancing energies in the body to regain health. unfortunately there is a dark side to the cacao industry were this is not the case. This was a sacred, respectful exchange, nothing like the sensationalised, depictions of cruel and painful enforced human sacrifice. Take a moment to give gratitude to the land where the cacao is grown and to the indigenous people and culture who have made this gift of cacao available to us. Most people I speak to about Ceremonial Cacao are intrigued and drawn to the idea, but are unsure about the difference between the raw cacao powder found at your local health food store and . According to the Maya, cacao was gifted to the humans by their feather serpent God "Kukulkan",- the light bringer of the ancient indigenous peoples. Copyright 2020 Peace Love Cacao. In fact you can read about how some are using it as a drug here. During the Cacao ceremony, you will experience a greater sense of balance, harmony, and connection with yourself, your community, and our Sacred Earth. We also ensure that the community has time to focus on other crops on their land besides just selling cacao. Forever Cacao, a lovely & small but very efficient, reliable ethical company in Wales who buy direct from the Ashaninka indigenous communities in the Rio Ene region of the Amazon in Peru. In the Cacao ceremony we were invited to drink the Cacao in 2 stages with about 20 . It gives us the setting and much needed time to look deeply within so that we may remember what is really important. It was so valued that even after another 2,000 years, the beans were traded and used as currency. Cacao was and still is very sacred to the Maya. Cacao for medicinal use is basically the same thing as ceremonial use. Cacao is themost pharmacologically complex food in nature. Her energy can be very gentle, very (grand)motherly, tender, and loving. Cacao empowers the human heart. It happened in an Opened Space with a Fantastic view of Kuala Lumpur. To say the least this is not cared for with the same blessings as in the ancient sacred lands. Buying ethical, fairly traded organic cacao varieties from indigenous peoples is not only a more authentic source of ceremonial cacao, but also, importantly a way to support communities who continue to face genocide, the theft and destruction of their land, and - for Amazonian communities - pressure to work for the cocaine, logging and oil industries. Ceremonial grade cacao is typically sourced from Central and South America, where the beans are grown by local tribes, prepared by hand and harvested with love. The history of cacao and her ancient & continuing connection to the indigenous peoples of Mesoamerica is a huge and fascinating topic! This is truly authentic sacred, ceremonial cacao. This was the first cacao I ever consumed in ceremony; it's also the cacao I was initiated with during my apprenticeship training - this cacao will always hold a special place in my heart, and buying it supports indigenous families, allowing them to have a livelihood working for an ethical, sustainable industry, rather than the cocaine, oil or logging industries many in the Amazon rainforest are forced to work for in order to survive. Assisting with bringing cacao back to the indigenous communities of Guatemala, including education on how to use it to tackle malnutrition, reclaim their indigenous traditions, and . Cacao Ceremony Cacao is our sacred sacrament. The indigenous Maya communities are not only the protectors of the ancient Maya Cosmo Vision, but also their famous environmental practices, that allow for rich soil to grow sacred crops. Young mothers, women and grandmothers all come to-gather, in the home of Cecilia, to hand peel and roast the ethically grown cacao beans and share stories about their children . You will also activate your higher chakras and glands and have insights on how to direct your Life Force Sexual Energy upward and inward. Keith and his Guatemalan compadre Tat Isaias (Tat meaning Shaman) work alongside the local indigenous community to provide the highest grade cacao possible, grown in the purest conditions and harvested and prepared with love. What would you like to let go of and leave behind? It's possible that both the tree and the sacred traditions travelled north from the Amazon several thousand years ago. . $ 35.00. I met Simona just one week before this Event and I felt to simply organize this sacred ritual with a small intimate community. By paying the Indigenous Maya community above market value we allow them to invest back into their community and allow their children for full time education . I will never give away, trade or sell your email address. Modern Cacao ceremonies are not religious. People drink cacao in a ceremony sort of like if a bar was a church and all they served was chocolate. In many ways, cacao was used in ceremonies as offering to the . . 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. You could combine cacao with your morning yoga or meditation practice as a form of ceremony or mix it with any other embodiment practices that you do. Love podcasts or audiobooks? Cacao Ceremonies as we know them today are a very new thing. According to both archeologists and Mayan spiritual elders, the Cacao Spirit was one of the most powerful deities in ancient Mayan cosmology. The Maya in particular revered cacao, the sacred sister plant to maize (corn) in their mythology. It's founded by Florencia Fridman (natural-born healer, self-empowerment artist and cacao ceremony guide) and Eric Federico Fridman (an impact investment advocate). Learn on the go with our new app. The cocoa ceremony is a shamanic ritual. While the ancient Mayans and Aztecs of Southern Mexico and Guatemala are best known, there are contemporary Indigenous cultures in Central and South America who continue cacao use in shamanic ceremony, preferring it to locally available psychedelics. You can read about a personal ceremonial cacao experience here. Listen What is a Cacao Ceremony? In fact, there are three occasions where Maya communities in some areas of Guatemala do hold what could truly be called "cacao ceremonies": these are nothing like what is being offered in the west, they are ancient agricultural celebrations which honour the trees and mother earth - the closest equivalent in eg Britain would be wassailing. A enormous amount of ancient knowledge got lost and only a little remainder has been orally passed down from generation upon generation. Any pesticides or chemical fertilizers will destroy the energetic vibration this special bean withholds. Post: Arrange a quiet, gentle evening for after the event as symptoms of physical and emotional detoxification can arise unique to each individual. I have chosen to focus mostly on the Maya people as they are the ones whose connection is the oldest, deepest and still strong today - communities particularly in Guatemala are also beginning to share some of their ancient ancestral wisdom with those of us from other cultures who are feeling called to learn more as we connect with this ancient sacred plant, and do so with respect for not only the medicine but the original keepers of this medicine.). meaning "flower" or "offering" - since cacao is regarded as a sacred gift, to be first offered to the earth and other sacred energies, the ancient Elders and ancestors, before being received with thanks as the gift and blessing cacao is. Beside this its extremely important that cacao is produced in biodiversity sacred lands that is 100% organic. They have been suppressed ever since the Spanish invasion to not practise their sacred ceremonies including cacao ceremonies. It was forbidden for the people to eat or come near the fruits of this sacred tree. Cacao was associated with blood: the Aztecs called cacao "xocoatl" (pronounced "shoh-koh-at" - a likely source for the European words for "chocolate")- the literal meaning of this is "heart-blood" - "yollotl" - heart and "eztli" - blood). Cacao and ceremony come hand in hand. Ceremonies can be done either alone or in groups. Unfortunately the western societyinterpretedtheir sacred practises aswitchcraft and banned them from being practised. Serotonin is responsible for happiness in general. You can find true ceremonial grade cacao farmed and prepared by indigenous mayan collectives (ethically, of course) in Guatemala here at Soul Lift Cacao. Cacao, like tobacco, quickly became a favorite amongst Europeans after colonization. The most important thing however, whichever era you live in, is taste. Plus, it tastes great! A cacao ceremony is when cacao (preferably ceremonial grade) is consumed with mindfulness and intention. We pay a fair price for their cacao, enabling them to be more economically independent . Cacao did not actually grown in the lands of the Mexica, it's a tropical tree, so the Mexica/Aztecs established trade routes down to the southern Mayan lands (although they were no longer a powerful imperial civilisation, the Maya peoples were still very much present during the brief period of Mexica/Aztec dominance. Sadly most of the great stone cities of the Maya were abandoned by A.D. 900, and after the Spanish inquisition they fought with their lives to keep their culture alive. ANCIENT & INDIGENOUS ROOTS OF CEREMONIAL CACAO. It is a moment in which we honor this wonderful spirit, Mother Cacao. . When we hugged I could feel the openness, aliveness and love pouring through Simonas body which allowed mine to melt, relax and be open to receive. In return for the offering of blood, the gods sent maize - the most sacred food to the Maya, central to both their creation stories and their way of life. This may seem like a simple thing but it is an immensely powerful thing to radiate that quality of energy with your body and being, especially when holding such intimate ceremonies. Chemically, the veins and lungs open more, up to 30%. Cacao has been gaining popularity as a super food in the wellness scene over the last few years, and rightly so! Cacao gently touches your heart and guides you into an inner journey deep into the emotional center of our body - our heart (Anahata) chakra. Ruk'u'x'Ulew means 'Heart of the Earth' in the native language of Kaqchikel. Buying ethical, fairly traded organic cacao varieties from indigenous peoples is not only a more authentic source of ceremonial cacao, but also, importantly a way to support communities who continue to face genocide, the theft and destruction of their land, and - for Amazonian communities - pressure to work for the cocaine, logging and oil industries. Westerners often associate Mesoamericans with sensational stories of blood rituals and human sacrifice (an association not helped by grossly historically inaccurate depictions such as the movie Apocalypto!). Our professional production system ensures consistent quality you can trust. Ashaninka tribe of Peruvian region is where my current ceremonial cacao comes from. If you are in the UK, I recommendTiciyotl Medicinal Arts on etsyas a good source. A cacao ceremony is a journey held with loving intention in which the spirit of cacao can guide you to open your heart, connect with your inner truth in the rediscovery of the oneness of all beings. The best way seems to be to learn from indigenous teachers, to work with cacao sourced from ethical, indigenous cacao farmers and producers, and to always acknowledge these sources and not give ourselves titles we are not entitled to! Its best understood through personal experience. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. What kinds of things and energies are you wanting to attract into your life? Cacao healing ceremonies work with rebalancing energies of chakras in . There is no relationship between modern cacao ceremony and ancient cacao ceremony, besides the desire to engage in sacred relationship with the cacao plant. the The cacao tree was guarded by 2 of the 9 Lords of the Night. I loved how Simona facilitated the whole Ritual and how she brought all of Us to another space with her magical voice, softness and deepness. This ceremonial cacao is like no other, with our scientific studies showing it to be ultra potent in levels of biogenic amines like tryptamine and phenylethylamine (PEA) for feelings of intense satisfaction, embodiment and spiritual awakening. The best way I can describe it is a Grandmother type energy. You do not need a partner to attend. All rights reserved. PEA (phenylethylamine) creates a euphoric feeling of pleasure and joy. Recent scientific evidence confirms the Maya have been cultivating cacao for about 5200 years. You may feel a deep connection to the world around you. It is prepared from the cacao bean, the seed of the cacao fruit. Cacao's primary use in such ceremonies was & is as an offering - to the fire and to the earth - but ritual beverages including cacao were also consumed during some practices, and there are certain agricultural celebrations relating to cacao's stages of planting, flowering, and harvesting, in which cacao drinks are consumed by all in the community - this is a tradition which survives to the present day in some Mayan communities. Cacao is the raw, unprocessed chocolate Superfood on everyones lips. Starting your own morning cacao ritual can help you to integrate intention, gratitude and an appreciation for ceremonial space into your life. We recommend taking just a couple minutes before you drink your morning cup to put a little blessing on it. At its core, a cacao ceremony is any sort of ceremony in which a cacao beverage is consumed to elevate the spiritual ritual (s) being practiced. It is gentle but potent in creating an uplifting state of being. 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Our 100% organic ceremonial cacao is made by fermenting and sun drying the beans. Having the cacao as your guide, this spirit enlightens your being with divine playfullness and a simplicity regarding life as it is. When studied in their context, there are profound reasons for such practices: David Carrasco explores this challenging topic in his interesting book "Religions of Mesoamerica". What is most important is that you do whatever works for you to take a peaceful moment for yourself before you drink your cacao. Smile Cacao is here to . She took it into the mid-world and she was pregnant, pregnant with the reincarnation of the hero twins HUNAH PU and IX BALANQUE, who became the Sun and the Moon. This price is going even further then just Fair-Trade prices. The cost of this cacao is more than other varieties but this reflects partly the huge amount of work which goes into the farming and production of this cacao, and also the many charitable projects which sales of this cacao contribute to, in Mayan communities throughout GuatemalaYou can buy this cacao via the, Learn more about cacao's many compounds & nutrients here. Nowadays its hard to find all ancient practices, as most communities are losing their ancient sacred knowledge about plant medicine, spirituality and the cosmos. . There are over 420 families that provide the sacred cacao from their lands and 45 of them are run by women! "Maya" is a modern collective term for the indigenous peoples of these regions. Because of this, they had to trade with communities in the south, and so in Aztec society, cacao became more of a luxury drink, reserved for members of the elite: rulers, priests, decorated warriors and honoured merchants were the only ones allowed to drink cacao , and the only ones who could afford it - everyone else used cacao for money as it was so valuable. Cacao and ceremony come hand in hand. Benefits of Cacao: Theobroma cacao is a sacred plant used for spiritual, medicinal and ceremonial purposes in indigenous cultures of South America. Usually a relaxed, tranquil experience, the cacao ceremony is used to open the heart spiritually through the intense raw cacao beverage, paving the way to self-love and healing. Unfortunately a lot of ancient knowledge got lost throughout the years, as these ancient practises were only orally transmuted from generation upon generation and were seen as witchcraft by the conquistadores. However, unlike other shamanic experiences, drinking cacao will not make you hallucinate or give . I can also recommend the cacao cultivated and produced in the most traditional way, free of all industrial processing & plastics, working with cacao harvested from ancient cacao forests. Tobacco & cacao ceremony w/ Manari Ushigua and Marta Salcedo in Barcelona, Spain (July 14, 2022). Their communities values are strong and they all help each other out when needed. Singing, dancing, healing and celebrating 'together', as one big family. While processed chocolate may taste delicious, thebenefits of cacao are only found in the raw form. 95 % of the world cacao production is from West Africa. Different approaches will speak to different people. Shop Nana Marina's Cacao Here. He spat in it and there lay the cocoa beans from the sacred tree. It is NOT the exact recreation of Indigenous ceremonial teachings. However there are still a few that practise these ancient sacred ritual, that have been passed down orally from generation, upon generation. Here are three sources I can highly recommend: (Ruk'u'x Ulew and Forever Cacao are easily sourced in the UK, Ka'kaw Chinimital is significantly more costly to get shipped here, but I still wanted to mention this cacao!). Simona works with Organic Raw Cacao Paste (not Powder). Well, that night was a magical spiritual blast! Centuries after the classical Maya civilisation, the Aztecs gained control over more of Mesoamerica, and cacao became an important part of their culture too, although it did not grow in their lands. Cacao Source has a beautiful mission that includes rebuilding the rain forests, bringing opportunities and abundance to the indigenous mayan people of Guatemala, helping Guatemalan farmers to integrate sustainable organic practices and spreading the love of cacao and all the . For the Maya, cacao was also associated with cycles of birth and death; with the feminine, with darkness, with water and caves and night. Want to be the most irresistible version of yourself? You can do whatever practice works for you. There is a reported correlation between chocolate consumption by different nations and the number of Nobel laureates in their populations. Cacao has been used by indigenous people for centuries and has many health benefits. We are able to take a step back from our daily concerns and look at the big picture. Support Nana Marina: If you'd like to support an Indigenous Elder that dedicates her life to sharing the history and practices of Ceremonial Cacao within the Tz'utujil heritage (direct . Cranio sacral and Cacao ceremony. Cacao is a heart opener and helps to . 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. This is truly authentic sacred, ceremonial cacao. You can drink our ceremonial chocolate bar here and connect to your body, mind and soul. The Mopan and Q'echi inherited and practise certain environmental and health practises from the ancient Maya Civilizations. Anyone can facilitate a cacao ceremony. Product is not available in this quantity. This is pure Raw Cacao and is dissolvable in hot liquid. Osloweg 4 - Unit 29 9723BL Groningen, NL, DISCLAIMER: Herbal Cacao makes no claims about diagnosis, treatment, cures or disease prevention, the contents of this site Read full disclaimer. A cacao ceremony wont have sugar. At Sacred Earth Cacao, we believe in living intentionally and with gratitude. The beans of the cacao tree are used to make cocoa powder, chocolate, and other products. Most brands stress the rootedness of this practice in ancient Mayan wisdom yet the cacao ceremonies marketed across Europe and North America have never been practiced in Mayan territories.. Sacred to the Mayan and Aztec cultures, cacao was used extensively in ceremony, it's healing properties so highly valued that the seeds where even used as currency. Cacao is used as a rite of passage and celebratory ritual that heals and opens the heart. The cacao tree could be an immensely powerful tool in rebuilding the rainforests that have been destroyed. sacred cacao ceremony The Indigenous Maya tribes have tried for decades to keep their ancient traditions / rituals and ceremonies alive. Cacao is an ancient medicine used over 3500 years ago by the Mayan, Toltec and Aztec nations in Mesoamerica. Embodied Intimacy & Tantric Essence Ambassador. As the mythological story continues IXQUIC fooled the lords of the underworld and ended up at the tree. Cacao is the main ingredient to make CHOCOLATE (the world's favourite food). KA'KAW CHINIMITAL- Mayan cacao from Guatemala:I can also recommend the cacao cultivated and produced in the most traditional way, free of all industrial processing & plastics, working with cacao harvested from ancient cacao forests, by theChinimital del Ka'kawindigenous collective - three of the teachers on the Mayan cacao training I undertook are members of this collective. 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