PREPARING FOR A CACAO CEREMONY
As someone who has been leading cacao ceremonies since 2013, I am often asked what you need to know before attending a ceremony. My best guidance is to show up with as little expectation as possible, even if you have experienced cacao before.
I say this because cacao is a space holder, and because of that, every ceremony is wildly different. You might attend a dance event, or a healing circle, a music sharing, or a traditional central/south American ceremony.
Cacao is a medicine for all. I once knew someone who gave cacao ceremony haircuts!
This all being said, here is the most important information.
Prep for Ceremony
1. Dress comfortably. This time is about you and you might be sitting on the floor for a while.
2. Water: Bring and make sure to drink a lot of water. Cacao is a natural dietetic, you can end up with a headache without proper hydration
3. Before: Avoid the following: caffeine (try not to have coffee right before), mind altering substances, dairy products, or a large meal beforehand.
4. AntiDepressants - This might be the most important thing for you to alert your facilitator to. MAO inhibitors in cacao will react negatively with some medications and cause side effects such as headaches. Please let me know if you are on antidepressants or any MAO inhibitor. If you are, you can partake, but you will want to start with a small dose and see how it effects you.
5. After: It’s best not to drink alcohol or drugs, or to partake in detoxing activities after (like sauna).
Other Important information:
2. Pregnancy and breast feeding - there are no known contradiction, but as always, listen to your body.
3. Heart conditions - if you are taking medication for your heart start slowly, as cacao increases heart rate by 20-30%. If you have low blood pressure consider a smaller serving.
4. Not for pets - Please do not let your pets eat your cacao, It will kill some animals (known are dogs and horses).
5. Stomach aches or head aches - a head ache with cacao is usually associated with dehydration. Stomach is usually an indication to slow down, but also, is usually stuck energy asking to move.
Most importantly…
Listen to your body! You know whats best for you. To drink it fast or slow. To start with a smaller dose or to drink the whole thing.
What will you experience?
Stay curious and open about what you might experience. Even if you have worked with cacao or attended ceremonies before, each experience is unique.
The cacao will open your subtle body to being more aware of itself. It is best to be with what you are experiencing fully.
Cacao is a strong energy mover and you may experience emotional release, physical detox, heightened intuition, relaxed and calm, full of love, full of agitation (which I often find is repressed power coming to the surface!). Whatever is asking to move will come up! Trust it and let it exist.
You may experience the following…
Boost of energy and focus (without a crash)
Increased awareness of energy and an open hearted feel
Greater ease of releasing emotions or stuck energy
Deepening of creative inspiration
Realizations and awarnesses
The purpose of cacao is to hold space for our own inner knowings and truth to shine through. Pay attention to what your body is saying (ie how much to drink etc). Allow yourself to be still with the sensations and the feelings. We all have different sensitivity levels.
All this being said, it’s just chocolate! It’s often a mellow experience and you will have a great time.