WHAT IS A CACAO CEREMONY:
The ancestors of Central America, the Olmec people were the first people to harness the power of cacao. Cacao ceremonies are an ancient, heart-opening ritual that supports the body in healing and connecting with the joy and magic of cacao. Pure Ceremonial Cacao is highly vibrational plant medicine. In sacred ceremonies and as an accompaniment to sound healings, cacao facilitates deep meditation and shamanic journeying to release negative energy and blocks in the heart space.
A cacao ceremony allows you to drop into your heart space and remember your connection with your true nature. To honor this sacred plant, we will hold a circle of intention setting, blessings, and medicine songs. During the full moon, we use cacao to delve deeper into ourselves. Together we will enjoy this divine medicine's physical, energetic, and emotional benefits. As we gather together as womxn, let’s leave behind what no longer serves us spiritually and move into the grace, beauty, and power, of who we desire to become.
Whatever arises, love that all the way. We look forward to seeing you.
ABOUT CACAO:
Cacao is powerful medicine. Most chocolate contains a small percentage of industrially processed Cacao. Ceremonial Cacao is made from the whole bean and is much more potent. It is bitter to taste and possesses a powerhouse of nutrients such as fiber, iron, magnesium, potassium, protein, and antioxidants. Cacao has psychoactive but no psychedelic properties. Compared to other medicinal plants, Cacao opens the layers of consciousness in a gentle, loving way and ties together what may have been disconnected; on a physical, emotional, or spiritual level. When we come together in ritual, we work with ceremonial-grade cacao in a sacred way to engage with the spirit and energy of the plant that has been produced with such love through mindful farming practices. This is very different from engaging with chocolate as candy.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN DURING THE CEREMONY:
This ceremony is a deeply immersive experience. We will begin by silently setting our intentions for the ceremony - being clear about your intention will help cacao to work her magick with you. During the full moon, we use cacao to delve deeper into ourselves. We will mindfully drink the Cacao, experiencing its warmth and presence in the body, and you will then lie down to be bathed in relaxing, therapeutic vibrations from the sounds as these medicines do their healing work. There is nothing for you to do as you take an inner voyage with the plant and sounds as your guides. Comforting tea and healthy biscuits will be provided after the ceremony as we enjoy some time to share and write down any insights or wisdom that you've gained, whilst basking in the cacao glow.
WHAT IS A SOUND BATH:
Kelly Nicholson will facilitate a sound healing session with crystal singing bowls, chimes, other instruments, and the human voice itself. We connect with our senses, clear energy blockages, balance our emotions, and elevate our frequency through the healing power of sound and vibrations. Sound baths stimulate alpha waves in our brain, which recalibrate our cells and allow us to shift into a deep state of relaxation, coherence, and harmony. This private sound bath will incorporate an array of healing instruments, including crystal singing bowls, chimes, drums, gongs, and vocals.
Ceremonial Cacao Medical Considerations
While cacao has been enjoyed and celebrated ceremonially for thousands of years, it is important to take precautions based on your individual health journey. We will be consuming and communing with the spirit of Cacao slowly together and in small doses, so you can sip as little or as much as you’d like, and feels good to you. If you have any of the following medical conditions, you should proceed with awareness and caution. If you have any concerns, it is advisable to consult with your doctor prior to consumption.
Cacao contains theobromine which increases heart rate significantly and is a vasodilator, lowering blood pressure. Cacao may not be appropriate for those with serious heart conditions or high blood pressure. If you have such a condition, consider consulting your physician.
Those taking antidepressants such as MAOI's or SSRI's should not consume Cacao. Side effects could include more serious headaches and nausea, so make sure to check medications first.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding: like coffee or tea, it is important to reduce the intake of stimulating foods. The theobromine in cacao, which is very similar to caffeine, has a stimulating effect.
How to Prepare for the Ceremony
It’s best to eat a small healthy meal an hour before, preferably without dairy.
It’s good to have something in the belly to help digest the cacao.
No alcohol on the day of or the evening before.
We will have water, and herbal tea available as Cacao can be dehydrating.
If possible, it’s best to give yourself time after not to have to rush anywhere so you and your body can balance and ground.
Additional Details:
Investment: $50.00. Space is limited to 12 slots.
This event is being held at a beautiful private residence in East Haddam comprised of over 30 acres of woodlands and meadows. After registration, the location and directions will be emailed to all attendees.
Once purchased, you will receive more information on how to prepare for the event.
No pets or children under 16 for this experience.
Cell phones must be turned off or left in the car.
Please dress for the weather, including a jacket, layers, and proper shoes.
Bring a water bottle to stay hydrated.
Please arrive 15 minutes ahead of the start of the ceremony.
Bathrooms will not be available.
Bring a yoga mat, blankets, cushions, and/or whatever will make you comfortable sitting outside around the fire.
If you have a journaling practice, bring your journal for self-reflection.
Please feel free to bring any crystals or beautiful gifts from the earth that can support our space in feeling safer, more welcoming, more tolerant, or more sacred.
Bring an open heart, a sense of curiosity, and a willingness to share & connect with others.
Please contact us with any questions ahead of time.
