The Crazy Wisdom Community Journal • January through April 2022 • Page 55
The Food of the Gods
The Sacred Cacao Ceremony By Victoria Schon Over 5,000 years ago, the cacao bean was first used by early Mesoamerican civilizations. It has been celebrated ever since as a sacred plant medicine in many indigenous cultures in South and Central America. Cacao (kə-ˈkau̇ ) known as the “food of the gods,” is the seed found in the fruit of the Theobroma cacao tree, which is native to the Amazon basin. A sacred cacao ceremony is a powerful community building ritual and has remained a staple in many cultures. Contemporary indigenous cultures in Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico, and Costa Rica, have become the West’s foundation of celebration and ritual as they share their knowledge and gifts of this potent sacred plant medicine. The intention of the ceremony is to uplift the communal disposition, restore individual vitality, facilitate a heart opening, re-connect to our intuition, and other personal spiritual desires.
A sacred cacao ceremony is a powerful community building ritual and has remained a staple in many cultures.
Ceremonial cacao is a whole pure food made from cacao paste. Cacao paste is processed from a single ingredient–cacao beans. Once harvested, they are fermented, sundried, then ground down into the ceremonial paste that becomes solid at cooler temperatures. Nothing is removed or added during this process, which leaves the ceremonial cacao pure and potent. The cacao is then rehydrated and may be blended with herbs and spices to create a warm beverage to be consumed during the ceremony. There are many health benefits and effects of consuming ceremonial-grade cacao. The cacao contains rich nutrients such as plant-based iron: 7.3mg per 100g; antioxidants—up to 40 times more antioxidants than blueberries; calcium; 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 the mind while relaxing the body. 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, which results in an opening of the blood vessels, causing a sense of alertness and relaxation at the same time—a feeling of being awake and energized, while also simultaneously feeling relaxed, bringing balance clarity, and focus. Tryptophan teamed with magnesium supports the release of serotonin (that feel good molecule) in the brain. Consuming cacao contributes to our heart health, muscles, joint, and nervous system relaxation, and also supports the health of our brain. The cacao butter contains those healthy fats which are essential for our metabolism and cellular health.
Consuming cacao contributes to our
heart health, muscles, joint, and nervous system relaxation, and also supports the health of our brain.
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. As a plant medicine, cacao is known as a playful, gentle medicine that re-connects you to your own deep-rooted wisdom within. It also serves as an “ally tool” for connecting to the energetic space of your heart, as well as to people around you. As a participant in a sacred cacao ceremony, one can experience feelings of happiness, fortitude, and strength, as well as additional physical energy. A sacred cacao ceremony or circle is led by an experienced facilitator—one who has worked with the plant medicine and has deep, intimate knowledge and connection with the spirit of the plant. The facilitator has an intuition and a “calling” to work with this particular medicine. Similarly, participants communicate they have a sense of being drawn to receive the plant medicine. In the ceremony, the participants are seated in a circle. It is essential that the space is prepared beforehand with song, intention, and smudging to create a sacred space. The facilitator prepares the cacao beverage beforehand with intention and is responsible for creating and holding a sacred space for the receivers throughout the ceremony. No two ceremonies are the same since the circle is representative of the individuals and their energy while participating, as well as the intuition and energy of the facilitator. As a facilitator of sacred circles in Costa Rica and locally, I have had the privilege to sit in ceremonies with people from all walks of life. I begin by leading the circle in guided breathwork to help facilitate grounding and present-awareness. Oftentimes, I offer guided meditation to assist with creating an opening for the plant medicine to interact. I guide participants to approach the medicine with an open heart and mind and to set an intention individually or as a group. Music and sacred sound assist in guiding the heart-body-mind connection and opens up a space to receive the intelligence of the plant. A blessing, expressions of gratitude, and a dedication are presented to the spirit of the plant medicine before consuming the beverage.
I consistently see participants experience a profound heart-opening, an elevated sense of self-love, and a deepening of their connection to their fellow receivers.
I consistently see participants experience a profound heart-opening, an elevated sense of self-love, and a deepening of their connection to their fellow receivers. Greater clarity, an enhanced sense of unconditional love for their family and friends, and forgiveness are also manifested. To love and be loved without judgement toward self or others is a profound freedom. The effects can be felt for a few days, but the transformation can last a lifetime. Before closing the ceremony, participants are given an opportunity to share about their experience, which builds a greater sense of community.
Victoria Schon is a holistic health coach and sacred sound journey facilitator and has been leading cacao ceremonies for four years. To learn more about participating in a sacred cacao ceremony, visit Victoria Schon online at victoriaschon.com/calendar-ofgroup-events.
