As a Cacao Ceremonialist, I hold deep respect for this sacred plant medicine’s rich history and cultural significance. You may have heard or seen me refer to it as iXcacao. Let me tell you more about her story and the special part she plays in mine.

Ancestral Wisdom: The Roots of Cacao

Cacao has been in our lives for thousands of years. Historians have found evidence in Southern Ecuador and Northern Peru dating more than 5000 years ago that it was used in celebrations, spiritual rituals, rites of passage and trading. (Predating the Mayan Cacao culture) Cacao carries a profound legacy rooted in ancient cultures, traditions and wisdom. 

Beyond historical artifacts, it is the stories passed down from generation to generation that keep the power of iXcacao alive. I first experienced Mama Cacao in 2018 when I attended a New Moon Red Tent Ceremony in Johannesburg with one of my teachers, Lisa. As I sat with my teachers, they told me what they had been taught by their teachers from Guatemala and Peru. I was not ready for what I would experience. 

Drinking Cacao for the first time with hands on my lower belly, I felt a deep awakening and opening in my hips and pelvis. And right inside the heart of me, I thought, ”Is this what it feels like to give creative birth?” The centre of me connected to Mother Earth, my womb had awoken. And so had my connection to my ancestral wisdom. It was a moment I will never forget and the moment I realized I was called to this medicine.

Cacao Helps Us Journey Within

Cacao is spiritual nourishment that transcends time. She is a bridge to our inner knowing, the knowledge of our ancestors and our natural world. Participants in my circle often share a sense of connection to their elders and heritage, which is also what pulls me to her. She awakens the wisdom we each carry within ourselves. 

The medicine of Cacao drops us into the heart, physically and spiritually. It is rich in theobromine, a natural compound that gently enhances blood flow and oxygen to the heart, which is why some participants may feel energized and joyful during the ceremony. Some of my participants have also described their Cacao experience as receiving a big, warm hug! In this state of warmth and openness, we are more connected to ourselves and others in the circle.

I often infuse elements of meditation and music in my Cacao circles as it helps us slip into a more subconscious state where reprogramming and deep healing happens. This sacred plant is a gentle yet powerful companion for authentic expression and heart-centered living.

Celebrating Cacao in Circle

Cacao ceremonies are rooted in individuals coming together with personal intentions but bound by a calling to share sacredness. From my personal experiences and trainings with teachers, I have come to learn how much reverence Cacao deserves in every circle. 

Before we even gather in person, I spend about 3 hours consciously preparing and blessing the cacao with the intention to support the group that is gathering. Giving her space and honoring her preparation is what makes a difference between sacred, ceremonial cacao and a cup of hot chocolate. 

Within our circle, every cup of Cacao is passed from hand to hand of each participant, blessed as we go around. And every circle is different, because the people who come together are different. There are also threads binding us - coincidences, experiences and stories. We are each others’ mirrors, reflecting the interconnectedness between us. Within just a few hours, there is a profound sense of connection and familiarity. I believe that when we gather with ixCacao, we are creating a new dimension.

The Lessons of Cacao

The gift of iXCacao is timeless. Especially in our fast-paced world, there is a need for her and the wisdom she brings. I hold ceremonies with the intention to offer a space for connection, healing and remembering. By honoring the wisdom of our ancestors and integrating it into our daily life, we nourish the sacred connection to our past while grounding ourselves in the present. 

It is hard to explain what you may experience in circle. I cannot tell you because I do not know myself. But what I do know is that Cacao's wisdom runs deep. A few lessons I have learnt from her are:

• We are all interconnected. She is the blood of Mother Earth, Pacha Mama. And her presence reminds us of our deep interconnectedness to each other, the earth and ourselves. We all have a place in this ecosystem of harmony.

• We need to start heart-centered living. So much of our programming is about cerebral thinking. By moving beyond intellectual reasoning, we shift from a brain-based existence to one that honors the wisdom of the heart and body. We allow ourselves to be more intuitive, compassionate, and connected. Heart-centered living is a beautiful, freeing way to live.

• We must nurture ourselves and so we can nurture others. When we commune with Cacao, we nourish the divine feminine within us. Every Cacao circle is a reminder to give ourselves time to embrace self-care. Cultivating this deeper sense of self-compassion and connection within ourselves is what will allow us to give back to our communities.

If you are feeling called to experience Cacao, I hope you will join us. And trust that you will experience her at the right time

I also dive deeper into building a personal relationship with ixCacao and learning the importance of cultural and ancestral Cacao practices in my upcoming Ceremonialist Facilitator Training