Why Attend a Sacred Cacao Ceremony at ALCHEMY?
Sacred Cacao Ceremony
Experience the transformative power of a Sacred Cacao Ceremony in a small, intimate group setting. Drawing from ancient Mayan and Aztec traditions, Nonni leads participants on a journey of healing, connection, and self-exploration. Set intentions, experience a shamanic drumming meditation and allow the ceremony to gently touch your heart and guide you on an inner journey towards personal growth and mindfulness.
Join us as we continue the tradition of promoting healing and awakening through the power of cacao.
Held monthly.
Why attend a Sacred Cacao Ceremony?
From Nonni:
”The first time I sat in circle and recieved this beautiful plant medicine (at a Cacao Ceremony), I had no idea what to expect other than like minded beings were coming together to hold space in deep meditation. What I soon learned was that sacred cacao offers a profoundly calming experience, both internally and for the collective. It is a heart opener and offers us an opportunity to process, integrate and expand whatever is moving for us. This could be transition thru fear, discomfort or anxiety, an opening to clarity and understanding, or a super charged epiphany that helps to propel us forward in life. Whatever we are carrying, we are able to lay it down during circle, allowing our breath, body and spirit to move us in a lighter way while we co~create a safe container to do our own inner work, together.”
What happens at a Sacred Cacao Ceremony?
• We begin by quietly gathering in circle, settling into the space and allowing our bodies to fully arrive. Once we have all taken our seat, we will share the talking stick, each guest given space to set their intention for our time together. When everyone feels complete, guests will be invited to stand and be led thru a series of somatic movements to help ground and anchor in their energy. This is considered the "warm up" and plays an integral role in helping one to connect their body to their emotions which in turn facilitates a deeper level of integration during (and often times after) our cacao ceremony.
• Next, we will find our way to the floor and create a comfy nest with our yoga mats, blanket & bolsters. Please bring any of these items from home to make yourself as comfortable as possible. Other things to consider bringing: water vessel, eye pillow, journal, photo, flowers, crystals, or other sacred items to place on the alter.
• From here, guests will be guided thru a gentle meditation with music and drumming. In this space and time, you are invited and highly encouraged to simply let go and allow whatever comes in to simply come. Emotions may rise and tears are welcome. We will keep our space dimly lit and you will feel safe to release. You may become sleepy and deep rest is also welcome. You may notice a heightened awareness of wisdom, lessons, ancestors coming thru with gentle reminders. All of this is welcome!
• Once our journey is complete, we will move back into our bodies, slowly come to seated and journal if you wish. We'll share again with the talkng stick about our travels. Then, we'll close our circle with gratitude and head back out into the world, carrying the beautiful medicine of cacao in our sacres hearts and souls.
Where does Cacao come from?\
• The cacao plant was considered a sacred "gift from the gods" and originally used in ceremony and ritual among the Aztec and Mayan cultures with great reverence. These indigenous traditions with cacao were used as pathways to altered states of consciousness and considered to be a "bridge" between earthly and spiritual realms.
• It is important to acknowledge that sacred cacao ceremonies have crossed multi cultural boundaries from North and South America to Europe, Asia and beyond. This practice has evolved from the original roots and it is strongly encouraged to honor the sacred origins with respect and reverence while in circle.
• We use only ethically sourced ceremonial grade cacao that is harvested from the Arhuaco tribe of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in Columbia. There are no chemicals used and each harvest is hand picked with love. Cacao has been grown there for centuries alongside other medicinal plants infused with the teachings, wisdom and deeply connected spirit of the Arhuaco.
• While we are in circle of the Cacao Ceremony, please hold conversation for later. When the talking stick is in your hands, speak your intentions or visions and then pass the stick by honoring the space of the next person.
• No photography or pictures are to be captured while in the Cacao Ceremony circle to hold the energy as safe and sacred.
• Take care of your temple; please come in comfy clothes that allow for movement and relaxation. If you need the restroom, or a sip of water during our journey, please move quietly.
• Nutritional benefits: Cacao is considered a super food; it is rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals to support heart health and cognitive function. Cacao also offers theobromine and anamdamide which help to stimulate the heart and mind, fostering feelings of joy, euphoria and inner calm. These compounds induce overall feelings of well being and connection. Scientific research supports the benefits of positive psychological and neurological effects of cacao and it can be safely consumed on a regular basis for *most* people.
• However, if you have an underlying health condition, (heart, low or high BP, medication use, etc) please consult your health practitioner before consuming cacao.
• If you are taking an MAIO anti-depressant, you should *not* consume cacao. You are still welcome to be part of the circle and meditation journey.
• Cacao does not contain much caffeine, but if you are sensitive to caffeine, it is best to start with a smaller serving. (One teaspoon of cacao nibs contains around 4.6 milligrams of caffeine, while an 8-ounce cup of coffee typically contains 96 milligrams.)
If you have any other concerns or questions that were not answered here, please reach out to us. We look forward to serving you at a Cacao Ceremony at ALCHEMY soon!
In honor and light,
Nonni
Sacred Cacao Beans in their original form. You can also purchase your own Cacao from ALCHEMY!
