7 Easy Steps for Hosting a Sacred Cacao Ceremony for Yourself + Ceremonial Cacao Recipe

If you ever wanted to prepare your own sacred cacao ceremony at the comfort of your home but are not sure how to do it, we share some guidance as well as a ceremonial cacao recipe in this article. All you have to do is follow 7 easy steps we share below, and you will be set for a heartwarming and magical journey diving deeper into your own heart and soul.

What is a Cacao Ceremony?

Cacao ceremony is a shamanic practice where people come together in a circle to drink cacao, share what they’re currently going through, what they’re grateful for and also bring up some potential struggles to be transformed by the healing power of cacao.

What are the Effects of a Ceremonial Dose of Cacao?

The effects of a ceremonial dose of cacao are known to be quite mild and very pleasant. Unlike other traditional shamanic ceremony plants, cacao does not create a hallucogenic or ‘out of body’ like effect. Rather, it can create a commonly reported sensation of ‘heart-opening’ or ‘heartwarming’ feeling. Cacao can bring on an elevated effect, creating a gentle, loving ‘buzz’ in your body that helps you connect with yourself and others more easily, and assists you in accepting your challenges to see them in a new, more loving light.

Benefits of Raw, Ceremonial Grade Cacao

Raw, pure cacao is known to be very high in antioxidants, iron, magnesium, calcium, and many other vital components. It promotes heart health, improves blood circulation, and contains mood-boosting qualities that can help with PMS symptoms and depression. No wonder most people feel better after eating chocolate! The effects can especially be felt when consuming pure, raw cacao rather than a store-bought cocoa.

A Personal Experience of Cacao Journey

“I remember that one day, curious about the newfound fact that Cacao has been used as sacred plant medicine for thousands of years, I decided to give it a go at the comfort of my own home. When my steaming cup of ceremonial grade cacao was ready, I went outside into the garden and sat by a table with the warm sun shining right onto me. I felt a little nervous, but mostly excited and curious about what the journey would bring. I set my intentions while holding the warm cup in my hands, then drank my cacao. What unfolded next was a beautiful, heartwarming experience that brought joyful tears to my eyes, filled my heart with a sense of love and hope that stayed with me for a long time. Throughout the years, Cacao became one of my trusted plant teachers to turn to at times I felt like I needed a warm embrace, and a loving and gentle reminder of who I am at my core.”

How to Host a Sacred Cacao Ceremony for Yourself

1. Find good quality, 100% pure Cacao (not cocoa)

Many people may not know this, but cocoa, the 'hot chocolate' powder we find in our regular supermarkets and grocery stores, is a stripped down and highly processed version of Cacao. What you want to look for is raw Cacao – the pure form that still contains its vital elements and nutrients to ensure a remarkable journey as well as many health benefits. At Next Level, we sell ceremonial grade cacao that comes straight from the source – locally grown, cold-pressed, raw, and organic. Buy your ceremonial grade Cacao here.

If you’d like to read more about the difference between Cacao and cocoa, we wrote an article about it: The difference between raw Cacao and cocoa - why is Cacao a superfood?

2. Create a Sacred Space

Whether your cacao ceremony will be held inside or outside, it can be wise to ensure this space is quiet and private enough to allow any insights, feelings, and emotions to arise and be fully experienced without potential interruptions. It is recommended to make the space nice, clean, and cosy. Feel free to bring in pillows, blankets, candles, crystals, or whatever it is that makes you feel warm and safe. If desired, you can also have a journal next to your side to write down your experience afterwards.

3. Prepare your Ceremonial Cacao | Recipe

Before you prepare your drink, we'd like to make an important note: we recommend drinking raw cacao on an empty or light stomach to receive the best effects. Now, to the recipe! Here we share a simple, easy-to-follow ceremonial cacao recipe with options to tweak it and add some spice to it!

Ceremonial Cacao Recipe

- 1 large drinking glass of water per person

- 6 tablespoons of finely chopped or powdered Raw Cacao (up to 42 grams of Cacao per person)

- A pinch of pepper, cayenne, or red chilies (optional)

- Natural sweetener of your own choice such as honey, agave syrup, stevia to taste (optional)

- Extra flavor with cinnamon, vanilla, or cardamon (optional)

Preparing the drink

- Start by chopping the cacao bar into small pieces so that it dissolves easily in water.

- Put the water with pepper, cayenne, or chili on the heat until just before it boils. It may be hot but not boiling to preserve essential nutrients.

- Add Cacao to the water.

- Add natural sweeteners and/or spices to taste.

- Use a wooden spoon or whisk to stir the drink until all cacao pieces have dissolved and a thick layer of foam floats on the surface.

- Turn off the heat. Your Cacao is ready!

4. Set your Intentions

Like with many things in life, it is important to be clear about why you are doing something, and this is where intentions come in. Hold your warm cup of cacao in your hands, and before you drink it, relax, close your eyes if you wish, and think about what you would like to work through, feel, or generate. Keep yourself open minded to allow Cacao to show you what truly needs to be felt and experienced. Let go of expectations of what your journey may bring. If desired, you can also hold a small prayer and give your thanks to Cacao. A feeling of gratitude is a powerful way to enter the ceremony and open your heart to the lessons and teachings of Cacao.

5. Drink your Cacao & Enjoy the Journey

Now is the time to finally drink your Cacao! Drink it slowly, take your time, and enjoy the warm chocolatey taste swirling in your mouth. You may feel it starting to work soon afterwards, or it may take up to 20-30 minutes to feel the full effects. If you are alone, you can fully surrender to the journey and do whatever you like – dance, move, sit still, breathe, or surrender to a deeply meditative state. Let go of how you think you look like; cry if tears come and laugh if laughter comes. If you feel joy or love, feel it radiating throughout your entire body; surrender to whatever feelings you may experience. Let them flow! You may notice that your heart beats a little faster than usual; this is the cacao working, opening your heart, and increasing blood flow all over your body. You may feel a little euphoric, and this is thanks to vital components in cacao that can help us feel more happy, energetic, and focused.

6. Journal, Share, Integrate, and give Thanks

Towards the end of your cacao ceremony, it can be helpful to write down or share with someone you trust your insights, lessons, or feelings that you experienced. What part of the journey was the most meaningful or important to you? Did it match your intentions, or did something else entirely unfold? Did something take you by surprise? What did you learn from this experience, and how can you apply this to your everyday life? Take your time to really think about your journey as it may hold many valuable lessons. Don’t rush to the next task right away but rather sit with whatever came through and process any residue feelings and thoughts that may still arise.

7. Last but not least - Stay Hydrated

It is important to stay hydrated during or after the ceremony as cacao can dehydrate your body if you don’t give it enough water. This can result in a slight but growing headache following the ceremony. To remember staying hydrated, simply prepare a water bottle and keep it next to you during the ceremony. 

We hope you learned everything you need to know about hosting a cacao ceremony for yourself! However, it is one thing to read and learn about it, but a whole another feeling to experience it for yourself! If you would like to purchase raw ceremonial grade cacao, we have listed the perfect products for you below.

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Important notes:

• Consume cacao only when sober, avoid caffeine at least 3 hours before your ceremony, and try to consume cacao on an empty stomach to absorb the effects better.
• Antidepressants with MAOIs contraindicate with cacao and can lead to severe headaches.
• Cacao is a vasodilator and pumps more blood through the heart. Be mindful of your dosage if you have a heart condition or are taking hypertension medication.
• Cacao can’t be digested by dogs and some other pets, so make sure to keep it away from them. The consequences can be fatal.
• Consult your healthcare practitioner if pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Although cacao is a very safe medicine, be aware and conscious of any other factors that could potentially interfere with your cacao ceremony experience.
• Enjoy the journey!