Spending quality time together is crucial for maintaining and strengthening a couple's relationship. It fosters connection, communication, and mutual understanding, which are essential for long-term happiness and stability

In my personal and professional experience, couples therapy at different stages of a couples journey is crucial for deepening understanding and communication. I also have found that both people in a relationship need to constantly nurture their own healing journey, whether through individual therapy or a healing method that resonates with the individual.

I have found that when couples gift themselves quality time together in Ceremony, they can enhance their emotional and relational well-being. Coupled with the effects of a safe and sacred space and the benefits of Ceremonial Cacao, a Couples Cacao Ceremony is the perfect love potion that creates a deeper connection that can sustain the relationship through life’s ups and downs.

Why is a Couples Cacao Ceremony so effective?

The Magic of Ceremony:

I prepare both the physical and energetic space hours beforehand, setting intentions that align our energy. This includes a one-on-one pre-ceremony call with each partner, to find out what their personal intention is and where they are energetically.

This preparation is felt, and is key to fostering safety and openness so that the couple can arrive comfortably. During the ceremony, I focus on being present, grounded and attuned to the couple’s energy. I do not experience the circle the same way as participants - my role is to serve as a conduit and maintain a supportive environment. What makes sacred circles so magical is that each one is unique. A ceremonialist’s biggest task is to maintain the integrity of the circle, which requires navigating the shifting energies of both the couple and individuals.

Beyond facilitating, we also serve as active listeners. At the end of each circle, I dedicate time to hold space as the couple share emotions and insights. This is a very important part of integration as it helps them to connect their experiences in a circle to their daily lives.

Every magical ceremony I have created and experienced had a key intention at its heart. When supported by respectful elements of ceremony, a simple gathering transforms into a powerful container for an intimate experience. The practices I work with offer a way to honour traditions and connect with the sacred in a structured way. Sacred circles are safe spaces for soul work, where we can receive insights about ourselves and our partners.

The Magic of Couples:

Imagine carving out three hours just for you and your partner. Not to discuss the kids school schedule, not to discuss finances or work commitments. Three sacred hours of time deeply reconnecting to the person who used to make your toes tingle and your stomach get butterflies.

When a couple consciously chose to give each other, and themselves, sacred time and space, some deep layers of healing can occur. The ceremonies I hold are not sexual, but they are intimate, on a very deep heart and soul level. Using powerful techniques that support couples to truly see each other and acknowledge each other.

I create “love potions” in different ways specifically for the couple I am holding space for, in alignment with the pre-ceremony chat I have with the couple.

• The love potion through the scent and colour of the flowers and crystals I use, enhance the sacredness of the space.

• Incorporating the theme of cacao, I make a personalised Cacao Butter massage oil, which couples use to acknowledge each other through gentle anointing and touch.

• Music is a love language all on it’s own. So I create a personalised playlist I specifically for the couple, based on the intentions and desires they previously shared with me.

The Magic of Cacao:

Cacao and Chocolate have been a representation of love in a multitude of cultures for century’s, in fact, even the scientist and psychologists have proven that the chemical components of Cacao can benefit some of our neurotransmitters.

The Aztecs considered cacao a divine gift from the god Quetzalcoatl and believed it had aphrodisiac properties. They used cacao in rituals related to love and fertility. The Mayans honoured the Goddess ixCacao as the Goddess of Fertility and the Queen of pleasure. All for good reason when you experience the chemical alchemy of Cacao on your heart and mind. When cacao was introduced to Europe in the 16th century, it was quickly associated with luxury, indulgence, and passion. Aristocrats often gifted chocolate to express love and affection. In the 19th century, Richard Cadbury capitalized on the growing popularity of Valentine's Day by marketing heart-shaped boxes of chocolates as gifts of love. Over time, chocolate became a staple gift for romantic occasions, further cementing its association with love. Literature, movies, and advertising perpetuate the idea of chocolate as a romantic gesture, reinforcing the connection in modern culture

Pure, ceremonial grade Cacao, prepared and consumed in a sacred way, enhances the scientific properties of this incredible medicine.

Seleno Health have performed numerous scientific studies on the medicinal and chemical benefits of Pure Ceremonial Grade Cacao

• Phenylethylamine (PEA), found in Cacao, is sometimes referred to as the "love molecule". It is associated with the euphoric feelings of love and attraction. PEA activates the dopamine receptor, the neurotransmitter associated with pleasure, reward, and arousal​. Dopamine is activated the moment we smell Cacao, it is very pronounced on the body, but also very short lived. Dopamine does not last very long, we always want more of this feeling. The good thing with Cacao is that once the dopamine wears off, the other receptors are activated, which reduce the “wanting more and more” sensation it satisfies the dopamine. So what happens next?

• Cacao contains Tryptophan, which is the precursor to creating serotonin. When consuming pure Cacao, our gut is enhanced by the Tryptophan, which then creates more serotonin. The serotonin then connects gaps in our nervous system, which creates sensations of joy and connection throughout our body.

• Of course, many people know of the Theobromine in Cacao, which is a stimulant similar to caffeine.. The positive effect of theobromine vs caffeine, is that theobromine does not penetrate the brain as directly as caffeine does, but it dilates our blood vessels, increasing oxygen to the body, this awakens sensations in our body and heart, between the couple, without directly affecting the central nervous system.

• Finally, the N-AEA’s n-Acetyl ethanol Amide molecules also found in pure Cacao support the ability for our body to create it’s own Anandamides. Anandamides are what is created when people experience the “runners high”. and intense euphoria, complete presence and embodiment and being in a “flow state”. These molecules only get activated after about 45 mins of consuming the cacao.

I specifically curate the flow and phases of the ceremony in accordance with the timing of the stimulating effects of each chemical. By utilising the timing of each receptor in the body, we gain the most benefit from all aspects of the medicine of Cacao. This is one of the reasons the ceremonies I hold are designed to last three hours.

Another Magical Addition

I have recently been contracted by Nuffield Wellness to use their very healing Himalayan salt room as a venue for couples ceremonies and one-on-one healings. Not only is the lighting absolutely romantic, but the added benefits of being surrounded by Himalayan salt has profound healing effects.

The perfect gift

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. Cacao ceremonies are rooted in individuals coming together with personal intentions but bound by a calling to share sacredness.

Engaging in shared activities and experiences helps couples build emotional intimacy. Quality time creates opportunities for meaningful conversations and allows partners to express affection and appreciation for each other​. Couples who prioritize spending time together are more likely to feel valued and supported, which contributes to overall happiness in the relationship. Investing time in each other helps couples maintain a sense of unity and partnership. It reinforces the idea that the relationship is a priority and both partners are committed to nurturing it.

If you are feeling called to experience Cacao with your partner, please reach out to me to arrange a time and place for your sacred connection.

References:

Seleno Health have performed deep scientific tests and analysis on Cacao’s medicinal properties and the effects on the brain, heart and body. I highly recommend their cacao training if you wish to delve deeper into the science of Cacao.