She self-identifies as Mestizo, which means that she comes from both indigenous and Spanish heritage. Neither was I prepared for the sensations and experience that followed.Held and served in the container of sacred ritual around a fire, with prayers offered, songs sung, and stories told, this was chocolate like Id never had before. This is a community were building. Read more about our, Tough Conversations About Sacred Cacao and Cultural Appropriation, Cacao and the Art of Healing Amidst Colonial Legacy, If youre looking for peer support during or after a psychedelic experience, contact. Cacao Laboratory Launched shortly after a transformative trip to a cacao ceremony in 2016, Cacao Laboratory began bringing back beans from Guatemala and Ecuador, partnering with members of the local indigenous communities. Most indigenous consumption of cacao is spiced but not sweetened, so to get started, pick a few favorite botanicals and customize your cup. She chose a simple, circular breathing pattern for us, inhaling into our bellies and then into our chests, and exhaling out of our mouths in an exaggerated sigh. Thanks for this article, it pretty much sums up all the (critical) points imho. As many as nine people sprawled upon yoga mats overtake the living room, adorned with blankets and pillows. Appropriating psychedelic and ritualistic plants is a major problem; plants like cacao become trendy amongst those seeking to experience and capitalize on native traditions. Read our Privacy Notice,Cookie Notice and Terms and Conditions. Mine was simple: To clear any energetic blocks keeping me from feeling fully open and able to connect with others, romantically or otherwise. There are some techniques that help create a safe and inviting environment while respecting some of the cultural traditions around Cacao ceremonies. This substance was an ancient and distant relative of the chocolate I thought Id known all my life. We know that cacao ceremonies are centuries old, dating back to the Mayans and Aztecs. And yet, historically, very little of that capital made it back to the land and the communities from whence the plant originally camean undoubtedly exploitive relationship. Unlocking the Benefits of Ceremonial Cacao Aztec and Mayans depended on this ritual for spiritual and physical support. Unfortunately, the biodiversity of Amazonian cacao is currently threatened by a number of different aggressors, with deforestation and commercial agriculture being the top two. Cacao, like maize, is a staple crop that holds a multitude of meanings amongst Mayan cultures: Its food, its medicine, its blood, its a livelihood, its an offering, and its a divine gift. The FDA classifies cacao as " generally regarded as safe ," and its effects are fairly mild, even in the higher doses that you might drink in a ceremony. About 10 minutes in, my hands and forearms started tingling, and about halfway through the ceremony, I began to feel a highly uncomfortable, swirling, pins-and-needles feeling around my solar plexus. However, the world of Hersheys and Swiss Miss is only one reality of cacao. In my circle, some people sat gazing at the fire absorbed in meditation, while others engaged with the stories of the facilitator. Just smelling the aroma tends to make us feel good, one of the reasons that chocolate is so popular. What are your thoughts on these brands with mushrooms? A cacao ceremony is a celebration of life that involves drinking pure chocolate (cacao) mixed with various ingredients and other plant medicines. For us, cacao is not a ceremony, its our daily way to have contact with the plant [] All this is a part of that culture, of that legacy. Their bodies and minds may also feel more relaxed and blissful. Ceremonial cacao is not a drug, and while it wont produce strong psychoactive effects like cannabis would, it can help you feel more focused and present in the moment. In this video we will show you what actually happens in a cacao ceremony including some footage from actual cacao ceremonies we hosted in Sign up now and get a 10% off your first order. The benefits of living with greater awareness of the heart are many, including greater access to love, abundance & connection. Buying from indigenous-owned businesses, supporting co-ops and small farmers, buying rare or heirloom varieties, supporting land conservation, and researching your materials are all ways to help cultivate equity in the cacao trade. Sat May 01 2021 3 min read Cacao is the fruit from the Theobroma Cacao tree, literally translated as 'food of the Gods'. This uplifting 'buzz' unlike caffeine is grounded and soothing for the . To be considered ceremonial grade, the plants must be wild and traditionally grown, which means they are highly concentrated exactly what you want for a ceremony. PO Box 668Woodland, CA 95776United States. Thank you so much! So I wondered: How can I expect to find a partner who puts me first if I never put myself first? Raw cacao is favored in these rituals: unprocessed dark chocolate that is ethically and sustainably grown. [] Its in our home. Its seeds are used to make chocolate, which not only contains a host of minerals, fatty acids, and energizing caffeine, but also the feel-good chemical theobromine. The least you could do is allow the people from what you borrow to also share in that experience of healing and self-discovery, she adds. This means that you should research your facilitator, the lineage they come from, and their teaching styles to decide if they are right for you. While it is recommended, not all facilitators are trauma informed. On a mystical level, raw cacao is said to open the heart (and not just because it's a main ingredient in chocolate), and my heart was definitely in need of some healing. Free Shipping On All Continental US Orders Over $45*, What is a Cacao Ceremony? Finding the Pasion de Cacao in Mexico (Playa Del Carmen). Max has been in the chocolate industry for over a decade, working in chocolate shops & on cacao farms, interviewing chocolate professionals, and even running tours at a chocolate museum in Peru. I'm even working on a post about mushroom chocolate in general, but it's such a complex topic that it'll be a long one. Although UFC was compensated for the land, the company still lobbied the U.S. government for intervention in Guatemala. Join us and let the power of cacao transform you from the inside out! Cacao has been gaining popularity as a super food in the wellness scene over the last few years, and rightly so! The practice that were sharing is simply our own practice. Its also a plant that Alarcn calls a Master Plant. As a Master Plant, cacao has one unique feature: Its ubiquitous. Learn how your comment data is processed. Appropriation is the act of taking something or some practice as your own, most often without permission. And we all know that.. After pouring us each a small cup of cacao, Bojrquez instructed us to close our eyes and hold it in front of our bellies. She has participated in numerous silent retreats, and now leads annual 200 hour Yoga Teacher Trainings in New Hampshire and Massachusetts. What energy comes or goes?" While cacao is certainly stimulating, mainly due to its theobromine content, it is not classified as a psychedelic and is legal to buy. Alarcn explains that cacao is important for women 40 days after childbirth: The power to be in contact with cacao again for the energy that is going to help the mothers milk.. The growth and the development of the psychedelic field and the ability to provide healing to those who really need it will continually be stunted. Ceremonies can be held in different styles and with a wide range of holistic modalities. Indeed, cacao is used in ceremonial and celebrational contexts by some of these cultures, especially at weddings, births, baptisms, funerals, and religious gatherings. If youre working with cacao in a sacred space, youre going to be in your heart. Her personal search led her to spend two years in Costa Rica studying yoga and meditation. Tantra Resting as a Group The drink used in our ceremony is made from 100% raw ceremonial grade cacao. Feel free to bring a journal if you enjoy writing your thoughts and insights. It's used to protect the heart and brain from oxidative damage, reduce inflammation, promote focus and concentration, and support various mood disorders. In this video we will show you what actually happens in a cacao ceremony including some footage from actual cacao ceremonies we hosted in Europe both privately and publicly in the last 3 years. Ceremonial Cacao is made from heirloom strains of Cacao from Central . We make it very clear that we bring up its history, says Locke. Racial trauma is trauma thats caused by the everyday impact of racism, including microaggressions, systemic bias in the law, interpersonal violence, physical violence, as well as the inherited burden of a history saturated by the violence of police brutality, slavery, and colonialism. Stryffeler shares a similar sentiment. A cacao ceremony helps you to rebalance yourself internally, release negativity, and restore yourself. My plea to my white brothers, sisters, and my gender-conforming family is to recognize your role in cultural appropriation to recognize your white privilege and to denounce it, continues George. Even in the United States or in other countries, adding extra things [like cacao ceremonies] is part of the needs of that culture, says Alarcn. Maybe does not taste as powerful or as a good 100% from a tribe/cooperative or maker, but the important thing is to stay connected and tuned in. Many of the rooms inhabitants are regularsthey come almost every month. It can be sourced from places such as Bali, Mexico, or Guatemala. If meditation, journaling, and long talks with smart friends couldn't turn my attitude around, I reasoned that maybe a thousands-of-years-old Central American rite that Olmec, Aztec, and Mayan elites leaned on to connect with the gods and promote good health could do the trick. Altars can feature various non-traditional elements such as candles, tarot cards, crystals, and other spiritual tools. Remove. Some combinations i like to use are yoga, yoga nidra, journaling , ecstatic dance ,breath work, sharing circles, kirtan music,dance music , reiki healing or a mixture . We simply share almost exactly the practice that we do ourselves.. It has the potential to heal pain around feeling separate or blocked from connection to Oneness, both during the cacao ceremony and in the days to follow. She dove deeply into Shamanic wisdom and medicine work, sitting with teachers from Ecuador, Colombia, Mexico, and Nicaragua. Cacao ceremonies often include traditional songs or a sound bath as a part of the experience. So I think they're great, and have been enjoying functional mushroom chocolate bars for awhile; for me they help me feel calm, and I think it would only have a similar effect with a cup of cacao. Whether you balance energies, open chakras, or just want to practice meditation through food, you may benefit from your own personal cacao ceremony. But the truth of is that there are so many ancient ceremonies around cacao that to limit it to one would be reductionist history. A regular Cacao ritual just means you consume Cacao with consistency in a way that is meaningful to you. Additionally, because of the MAOIs in cacao, there has been some concern with higher dosages of cacao with SSRI type anti-depressants, and suggestions that tryptophan, a form of MAOI that is a precursor to serotonin, could be a contraindication. Throughout the ceremony, you will be guided by a skilled facilitator who will help you navigate the experience and support you in any way you need. The flavonoids have been shown to interact with dopamine and serotonin in the body, working as a mood booster on top of the physical benefits. Chocolate has always seemed a bit healing for meand my cacao-ceremony experience has only proven, for me at least, that's a fact. Instead, the main attraction is something far more subtle: cacao. The ceremony is usually held during the full moon, which is considered a time of spiritual significance, and it is believed that the energy of the full moon can help to increase the power of the ceremony. The American government, with the help of the newly formed CIA, backed the regime of Carlos Castillo Armas, the same regime that triggered Guatemalas 36-year civil war, resulting in a genocide against the countrys Mayan communities. Remember that Cacao ceremonies are a cultural practice that may not resonate with you. But it will awaken you, enliven you, and guide you deeper into the emotional and energetic center of your being. Cacao ceremonies are cultural rituals most famously practiced by Mayan communities. Spirituality, And join over half a million retreat goers in transforming your life. Heres What You Need to Know. You may be wondering, where did cacao ceremonies come from? I was at a cacao ceremony, and wasn't sure what to expect. This idea that there is a binary, I think that thats a false construct. In short, what a cacao ceremony does is to sell a lifestyle. I've also gone on a few promising dates since the ceremony, and I don't think that's a coincidence. The truth is that cacao has been fermented for many millennia, and its actually part of the traditional preparation of cacao for drinking. Cacao in the ancient Americas was used in virtually any ceremony of importance. But, people seeking a particular kind of connection often find their way to this inconspicuous hideaway in the bustling Queen Anne neighborhood. Its all about the intention you put behind drinking your cacao. My understanding of and vision for the world of ceremonial cacao is a beautiful full circle that nourishes everyone involved, bean to cup. Recent scientific studies of psychoactive mushrooms offer a good example of this phenomenon. Cacao paste contains cacao butter and cacao powder. And cacao is known to boost mood, hence why we tend to reach for chocolate when were feeling blue. Traditionally grown in Central and South America, cacao has been used for hundreds of years by Mayan and Aztec cultures in ceremonial and Shamanic contexts. In some cultures traditions you must spent years, sometimes more than a decade, learning from the elders in your community and doing the grunt work in order to know every element of the ceremony. Whether youre an experienced ceremony attendee or a first-timer, a cacao ceremony can open up a world of possibilities for you. That's a good point about the long apprenticeship required to become a (respected/accepted as an actual) shaman; that's another thing that honestly didn't really occur to me as I was writing this. Antidepressants based on MAOI are first-generation antidepressants that are becoming less prescribed. Often cacao that has been both fermented & dried, but hasnt been roasted at the end, is advertised as raw. But truly raw cacao has not been fermented or roasted, and to be frank, it tastes like dirt. Cheers! You can also use it in cooking, adding it to smoothies or making your own chocolate at home. Once dry, they can be consumed in their raw form or processed further into chocolate products. The cacao fruit is harvested, fermented to remove the pulpy exterior, then the beans are ground into cacao paste and used to prepare the rich drink. But, its important to point out that these ceremonies are, more often than not, wildly different than what is practiced by many indigenous cultures. As I reflected on the concepts associated with that third chakra, I realized that I'd been giving away my personal power a lot in the run-up to the ceremonydoing things I didn't want to do and, in some cases, even compromising my own well-being in order to keep the people around me happy. Unaware there was a difference between cacao and cocoa, I wasnt prepared for the bitter, gritty substance. This heart connective journey can bring a sense of deep love both for the Self as well as the whole. And the practice is always different. And even if that wasnt the main focus or what I wanted to see in my ceremony, its inevitable. Its really harmful and its traumatic to the people in these communities. And these communities, she says, arent just historical, but still practicing their traditions today. Get our definitive guide on trusted legal retreat centers, clinical trials, therapists, and more. However, for people who conduct cacao ceremonies, there seem to be three things that they brag on when it comes to their cacao: low temperatures-processed, single source, and fine flavor cacao. But it will awaken you, enliven you, and guide you deeper into the emotional and energetic center of your being. The monopoly held by the United Fruit Company was threatened in the 1950s by Guatemalas second democratically-elected president, Jacobo Arbenz, who redistributed the corporations unused lands to landless farmers. DoubleBlind Mag is devoted to fair, rigorous reporting by leading experts and journalists in the field of psychedelics. There is no specific varietal or origin or treatment process that makes any cacao ceremonial. Ceremonial cacao is traditionally made by mixing cacao with hot water, achieving a creamy consistency. For centuries, cacao has been one of the regions most important agricultural crops, taking a close second to corn (maize). The unprocessed beans are said to offer health benefits. Facilitators are sometimes called guides because throughout the ceremony, they will lead you through an experience that includes mindfulness practices known to support emotional connection, presence, and community connection. Youre placing your hand on someones heart, your soul gazing with them, and youre really connecting with them on a deep level., Its not just an experience, says Locke. We will also show you how to prepare ceremonial cacao at home using our favorite ceremonial cacao recipe. However, Cacao ceremonies in general maintain some commonalities: A gathering of community members (all newcomers welcome) in a safe space, A blessing, setting of an intention, or collective "dropping in", CL circles include a modern interpretation and discussion of Mayan or Western astrologyDrinking Cacao together during group discussion or journalingA meditation guided by the facilitator with words or soundA post-meditation check-in. Across Latin America, the birthplace of chocolate, cacao was (and still is) brewed into a rich, bitter, and nutrient-dense beverage. Natural, unsweetened cacao is bitter, despite the rich delicious scent. Cacao is considered a powerful anti-inflammatory, and contains powerful anti-oxidants, flavanols which lower blood pressure and fight cell damage and micronutrients known as polyphenols. Its personal. The arrival of the Spaniards and Portuguese in the Americas triggered a centuries-long exploitation of people, land, and natural resources. We received that message from our ancestors. We realize now that there is not a single world, but many worlds, each with its own internal logics, and which must engage with each other despite a multitude of different understandings and objectives, writes psychedelic researcher Sarai Pia. Cacao of the Highest Standard. Meeting God in the Silence: The Self Realization Fellowship, Women's Quest: One Triathlete's Mission to Empower Women, The importance of finding a teacher: Sravasti Abbey. Participants are also asked to set an intention for the ceremony, whether its a desire they want to attract or something they want to let go of. Cacao, like tobacco, quickly became a favorite amongst Europeans after colonization. You may also find instruments. Theobroma is the trees Latin name, which translates to food of the gods. This gives you some indication of how sacred and special cacao is, and its easy to see why. For us, especially for people who live in the middle of the Americas we are a culture are pioneers with cacao, explains Alarcn. People who take them are on a limited diet that includes limiting or avoiding chocolate, so will likely know whether or not they can consume it. And for Western folks, thats uncomfortable because were not historically a spiritual people. To further engage this conversation, DoubleBlind spoke with Jamilah George, a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Connecticut. This combination creates a strong, somewhat bitter flavor, nothing like the hot chocolate of your youth. And in the years to follow I learned why: This cacao was both food of the Divine, and a medicine. Today, cacao is among the worlds top 100 cash crops. ~ Jayleigh Lewis Jayleigh Lewis (1,375,690) Staring into a mug filled only an inch or so deep with warm, dark, spicy-smelling liquid chocolate, I felt anxious. If youre looking to live a more thoughtful and reflective life, cacao may be one of the tools you choose to help you in that mindful journey. If youre wondering what does ceremonial cacao do for the system, you should try one for yourself. In the Aztec empire, cacao was also used as currency. Then, once fermentation is complete, cacao beans are left to dry. Sitting in circle sipping small cups of rich cacao, something undeniably mysterious, nourishing and beautiful unfolds. Ankati Day is a freelance writer, yoga teacher, and sound healer from Maine. And in the years to follow I learned why:This cacao was both food of the Divine, and a medicine. What is the combination, what is suitable for my body? People need to interrogate its quality, chemical composition, and the company offering it. Soul Lift Cacao Soul Lift Cacao, based in Oregon, sources their beans from 4 different regions in central Guatemala, with 2 of the origins beans hand-peeled by a womens collective in Lake Atitlan, Guatemala. Its this heritage that inspired Alarcns work as an ethnopharmacist, ethnobotanist, and shamanic practitioner. In scientific research, the active component, psilocybin, is extracted from mushrooms to use in clinical trials. In the United States and other colonial contexts, ceremonial cacao (sacred cacao) is most often attributed to Mayan, Aztec, and modern Nahua cultures of Mesoamerica. How can I open my heart and put my trust in another person when I can't even trust myself to do what's best for me? And yes, you'll drink hot cacao! The plant is native to South and Central America, yet scholars debate whether the plant first came from the Amazon and traveled upward, or if its native to Central America and traveled downward. You can held your own cacao ceremony at home by combining these elements in whatever manner makes you feel most connected to yourself. At some ceremonies, the drinka mixture of water and ground cacao beansis infused with cayenne pepper or honey, but Bojrquez wanted to keep it simple for our session. What we need is that level of theobromine in the cacao, which makes us feel so happy and healthy. Thank you for your comment, Michi, and for making me think over all this once again! Spirituality. Spirituality and science should coexist, says George. You can drink it alone, or in communion with someone special. * Theobromine is a mild stimulant thats said to help elevate mood.*. Sign up today to have the latest (and greatest) well-being news and expert-approved tips delivered straight to your inbox. What is a cacao ceremony? But what is ceremonial cacao, and how is it used in a cacao ceremony? So, as Mayan activist Rigoberta Menchu explains best in her testimonial biography, every part of our culture comes from the Earth. That's because this isn't MY culture it's just a region and certain practices I admire and hope to learn from, so you bring up good points. Whether you're looking to tap into your creativity, find clarity and direction, or simply connect with a community of like-minded individuals, our cacao ceremony is the perfect opportunity to do so. So, if cacao is used by a variety of different cultures, what exactly happens during a cacao ceremony, anyway? When done right, ceremonial cacao helps you feel calm, focused, and in-the-moment. In my beliefs, plants have a spirit and they travel around the planet, says Alarcn. The entire bean is used and ground down by hand, with no commercialised machinery involved. Until that acknowledgment happens, these systemic racial inequalities and exclusions are going to continue to be perpetrated. 2023Well+Good LLC. As we sip our cacao, we will invite its energy into our hearts and allow it to open us up to deeper levels of awareness and connection. Categories Blog Updates, Chocolate Writing, Food. In Mazatec tradition, however, the psychedelic experience inspired by psilocybin mushrooms is inseparable from religious practicemaking a distinction between the two is impossible. Cacao is a heart opener and helps to create feelings of pleasure and emotional intimacy. Throughout the ceremony, you will be guided by a skilled facilitator who will help you navigate the experience and support you in any way you need.Whether you're looking to tap into your creativity, find clarity and direction, or simply connect with a community of like-minded individuals, our cacao ceremony is the perfect opportunity to do so. Western mainstream culture, including the psychedelic community, she says, needs to recognize when its committing acts of cultural appropriation. I think plants have spirits and that theyre more intelligent than us, she tells DoubleBlind. Alarcn herself is not Mayan. I had just passed the two-year anniversary of a breakup from a serious relationship, having left the situation feeling confident I would meet someone better suited for me. It can also be kept simple with just a pinch of sea salt to bring out the chocolatey flavor. We recommend you have an empty stomach (eat a few hours before), so you can more quickly digest your Cacao. Pioneers in the sense that for thousands of years we have managed this plant.. Each ceremony will be different depending on who leads it. After the Cacao ceremony has concluded, make sure to drink lots of water and be gentle with yourself. The cacao fruit is harvested, fermented to remove the pulpy exterior, then the beans are ground into cacao paste and used to prepare the rich drink. Cacao are seeds (also known as beans) that come from Theobroma cacao trees, mostly grown in West Africa and tropical regions. The most important thing is to go in with an open mind. Used in Shamanic ceremony, cacao medicine is first and foremost a path to the heart. Increasing your awareness and consciousness Promoting focus and creativity Aiding with Athletic performance Improving your meditation or yoga practice What Happens During a Cacao Ceremony A cacao ceremony isn't like other plant medicine ceremonies, cacao is not exactly psychoactive and it quite safe. Using the entire bean means the natural compounds so vital to the ceremony are preserved. Their current offerings include 8 different types of ceremonial cacao, 4 single origins and 4 enhanced flavors. Once we have met her she give us the answers we are seeking, helps us find clarity, and shows us the next steps that we . There wasnt even just one single varietal of cacao there at the time, but many varietals, depending on the region. Traditionally, a cacao ceremony is done in a group setting hosted by someone trained in the art of preparing cacao.
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