🍫 Ceremonial Cacao

[starborn]

We already had some beginnings in talks about ceremonial cacao in the recent chocolate love blessing group ritual:

https://forum.spells8.com/t/group-ritual-feb-8-chocolate-love-blessing/47438

There are many lovely experiences over in the group ritual thread, so I recommend giving it a browse. But do bear in mind that it resides within A Sacred Space, so you will need to be logged in to view it.

To begin with, let’s have a look at what ceremonial cacao is.

@CelestiaMoon found some information on what kind of cacao is needed:

It is pure cacao-bean paste: Ceremonial cacao or ceremonial-grade cacao, as it is also known, is a very specific type of product. It’s a 100% pure cacao-bean paste that contains a much higher quantity of beneficial, health-restoring, and mood-elevating compounds than any other cacao-based product on the market (like cacao powder, non-ceremonial cacao paste, dark chocolate, etc).

It is made from high-quality Criollo cacao beans: Ceremonial-grade cacao paste contains a much higher quantity of beneficial compounds because it is made from a specific variety of cacao bean— the pure Criollo (“kri-o-yo”) bean.

It is minimally processed through traditional production means: The ceremonial-grade Criollo cacao paste is also made in a very specific way. In comparison to the more widely-available and well known cacao-based products, such as cacao powder and dark chocolate, pure ceremonial cacao paste is minimally processed through traditional production means that originated in Mayan and Olmec civilizations (where the tradition of using cacao in a ceremonial way started)

None or minimal amounts of sugars are added: Most cacao-based products like dark chocolate or cocoa have at least a 30% sugar content (even if they are labeled as “low-sugar”). When consumed, that sugar content gives rise to sudden spikes in blood sugar levels which cause a “sugar high” that masks (or overpowers) the heart-warming sensations the pure Criollo cacao paste brings about.

It is organic: In addition to the fact that ceremonial cacao should be minimally processed, it should also be organic. An important part of ceremony is that we are using pure cacao as a tool to heal and connect with our bodies. The ingestion of cacao grown through the use of pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, and genetic modification is potentially harmful for us, and therefore, unfit for ceremonial use.

https://medium.com/cacao-ceremonies/what-is-ceremonial-cacao-what-makes-it-ceremonial-9ba9334bc77f

Anyway, since group rituals eventually close, I thought it would be nice to continue the conversation and adventures here.

[starborn]

I went ahead and bought the following. (Ingredients and their descriptions, if applicable, each come from the various websites.)

Cacao Ceremony Kit - Ora Cacao

(FORTHELOVEOFCHOCOLATE for 10% off)

Ingredients

Mystical Mushroom
Cacao Beans from Belize, Reishi, Chaga, Turkey Tail, Lion’s Mane, Cordyceps, Maitake, Shiitake, Oyster, Poria, Phellinus, and Tremella

Oaxacan Spice
Cacao Beans from Guatemala, Cinnamon from Sri Lanka, Cardamom from Guatemala, Ginger from China, Cayenne from India

Tantric Rose Blossom
Cacao Beans from Tanzania, Pink Rose Petals from Morocco, Orange Peel from US, Damiana from Mexico, Licorice Root from Turkey

Vibrant Vitality
Cacao Beans from Colombia, Maca from Peru, Ashwagandha from India, Cacao Butter from Tanzania, Turmeric from India, Black Pepper from Indonesia

Ceremonial Cacao Ceremony Blend

(CACAOCOMMUNITY for 10% off)

Inspired by the Mayan and Aztec tribes of Central America, this potent tonic has been specifically crafted for ritual, meditation and celebration.

Allow the medicine of Cacao to take you on a journey within to uncover the hidden jewels that lay buried deep within the centre of your heart.

Ingredients

Cacao is one of the most nutrient-rich foods in the world. An aphrodisiac, an immune builder, a vascular strengthener, a hormone balancer, cacao works on every system of the body. It contains over 300 different vitamins, minerals and antioxidants as well as unique MAO inhibitors which promotes heightened levels of serotonin to circulate in the brain.

Daily Drinking: Calm Blend

Ingredients

Siberian Ginseng is an adaptogenic herb that strengthens the whole system and encourages the adrenal glands to secrete stress-fighting hormones.

Ashwagandha is another adaptogen that rejuvenates and strengthens the nervous system, working as a mild depressant to over agitated nerves whilst nourishing and protecting.

Hawthorn berry is a natural heart remedy known to dilate the coronary arteries and blood vessels, improving blood supply and circulation, as well as the blood pumping force. It works to reduce cholesterol and normalise blood pressure.

Licorice root is a synergist, helping to increase the bio-availability of herbs or ingredients it is taken with. A powerful anti-inflammatory herb in its own right, licorice helps to soothe gastrointestinal inflammation and irritations such as GERD, gastritis, IBD, and ulcers.

Cacao is one of the most nutrient-rich foods in the world. An aphrodisiac, an immune builder, a vascular strengthener, a hormone balancer, cacao works on every system of the body. It contains over 300 different vitamins, minerals and antioxidants as well as unique MAO inhibitors which promotes heightened levels of serotonin to circulate in the brain.

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The latter two have arrived, so I may begin trying these experiences, and I will let you know how I go.

If we’re going to start sharing ritual dancing clips here though, I will move it to the A Sacred Space to keep everyone safe. Just let me know if you intend to do so. (Or maybe I’ll start dancing first. )

[starborn]

Another article on ceremonial cacao:

What exactly is Ceremonial Cacao and why is it so special?

A guide for having your own cacao ceremony:

A Practice for Peace with Ceremonial Cacao

Information on cacao and sleep (with a comparison between theobromine and caffeine):

Cacao and Sleep - Explained

[CelestiaMoon]

Excited to hear about your experience!

And please do have a camera ready if you end up dancing

[Artemisia]

Ooo thank you, bookmarking this and coming back to read over the links in the morning while I’m waiting for my car at the mechanic.

[starborn]

@CelestiaMoon

Excited to hear about your experience!

The first thing of note is that it doesn’t taste good.

But, like the article you shared said, adding sugar would detract from the experience. So, I must endure it.

I remember reading that it creates warmth in the heart, and I did feel this. I was in the bath, and with my body underwater, I could feel that the water in front of the middle of my chest felt colder. This meant that my body temperature there was higher than the temperature of the water. And since the water was warm in relation to the rest of my body, well, that must mean my heart was really warm.

@CelestiaMoon

And please do have a camera ready if you end up dancing

I didn’t dance, but I did feel very connected to the universe. It was so calming and nice. This is something I said while still experiencing it after emerging from the bathtub:

@starborn

I’m constantly here and everywhere else at the same time. I look around this mundane room in physical space and I can feel the stars around me.

[CelestiaMoon]

@starborn

The first thing of note is that it doesn’t taste good.

But, like the article you shared said, adding sugar would detract from the experience. So, I must endure it.

Okay, I might have cheated a little by adding one spoon of regular cocoa to the three of ceremonial cacao Maybe I need to do it again and see if there’s a difference.

@starborn

I remember reading that it creates warmth in the heart, and I did feel this.

I definitely felt this too Kind of slow, sensual warmth spreading from the heart to the rest of the body.

@starborn

I was in the bath, and with my body underwater, I could feel that the water in front of the middle of my chest felt colder. This meant that my body temperature there was higher than the temperature of the water. And since the water was warm in relation to the rest of my body, well, that must mean my heart was really warm.

Interesting, very interesting
Also it feels like the bath would be very natural place to have this ritual, with the water element and the beautiful candlelight that you have Water and fire, and a bit of earth, are the elements I’m feeling to the cacao.

@starborn

I didn’t dance, but I did feel very connected to the universe. It was so calming and nice. This is something I said while still experiencing it after emerging from the bathtub:

I’m constantly here and everywhere else at the same time. I look around this mundane room in physical space and I can feel the stars around me.

That is so beautiful
Kind of an ego death experience I guess? Just melting the boundary between you and the rest of the universe, it’s so good

[starborn]

@CelestiaMoon

Maybe I need to do it again and see if there’s a difference.

Worth a try.

This is the bit from the article about it:

When consumed, that sugar content gives rise to sudden spikes in blood sugar levels which cause a “sugar high” that masks (or overpowers) the heart-warming sensations the pure Criollo cacao paste brings about.

@CelestiaMoon

Also it feels like the bath would be very natural place to have this ritual

And my Cancer Ascendant really approves. (I’m slowly learning the astrological things! )

I don’t know if it’s influenced by my love of the Constantine movie, but I find that being in water really helps me to consciously connect.

@CelestiaMoon

Kind of an ego death experience I guess?

Perhaps! I’m not sure what that’s meant to feel like. But if that’s what it is, then it’s pretty nice. I’ve heard it be hyped up as something to be afraid of, but that was anything but.

[starborn]

Ah, so I found this page with cacao recipes:

Ora Cacao - Ceremonial Cacao Recipes - Your Ceremony Begins Here

The main takeaway from this is that there are two levels of doses. A daily amount and a ceremonial amount (which is about 2× the daily amount).

(And it seems I’ve only tried the daily amount so far!)

This is also a very good point:

We also recommend taking notes on how your body responds to different amounts, as every body is different.

So, for optimal results, we should be tracking how much we take and how it affects us, and adjusting as necessary.

And here’s just another article on what a ceremony is:

What is Cacao Ceremony?

[Devenne]

I’ll double dose when I get mine raw and see what happens

[starborn]

@Devenne

and see what happens

Just don’t overdo it.

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I’m on a daily dose again.

I thought I would experiment by adding a small teaspoon of mesquite powder to enhance the flavour since it’s not that pleasant on its own. Mesquite powder has a low GI and can help to stabilise blood sugar levels, so I figured that would make it safe to add. Correct me if I’m wrong.

Mesquite powder or ‘flour’ is made by grinding the tree-ripened seed pods of the Mesquite tree, a relative of Acacias that grows in southern America.

Mesquite has been a staple food of many Native American people for thousands of years. This single origin powder from Peru is certified organic and fair trade. It is made using the whole seed pod and contains no additives.

Mesquite has an absolutely delightful flavour and aroma – naturally sweet, slightly nutty with yummy caramel notes. Enjoy it in dessert and baking recipes, raw food treats, hot and cold beverages, sprinkled on breakfast cereals, or in sauces and marinades. - https://lovingearth.net/our-products/superfoods/mesquite-powder.html

Mesquite is considered to be one of the most effective foods tested for maintaining stable blood sugar levels. The sweetness of mesquite comes from fructose which the body can process without insulin. Mesquite is also a rich source of soluble fibres which slow down the absorption of nutrients thus avoiding the ‘spike’ usually followed by eating bread or other wheat products. This makes it a sweetener with an incredibly low Glycemic Index. - All About Superfoods - Part 2

I might also try lucuma powder sometime. Not sure. So far the mesquite powder is nice.

[starborn]

Okay, with 2/2 dosages of this… I can confirm that this does something wonderful for the mood. However, there are some variables to consider. I am well-rested and was calm before entering this, I have not eaten solid food in eight hours, I avoid sugar, and the only caffeine I consume is in whatever teas I drink. (No more than one caffeinated tea per day.) Also, even though the sun is in the sky again, a storm just blew through the area, so there’s probably a lot of energy around.

And one more thing… These feelings have come on much more strongly after I’ve lit some elemental candles, so perhaps keep that in mind. It might not be directly related to the elements, but a part of the ritual that involves lighting candles and meditating or focusing on this moment of peace at hand.

All I feel right now is appreciation for the world and especially those I have in my life. I want to hug my partner and hug my cats, and tell them how much I appreciate what they’ve done for me and brought into my life. I want to do the same with my friends. And I want to do the same with my lovely coven.

There’s beautiful instrumental Chinese music playing in the background, the warmth and light of four candles nearby, and a nice seat beneath me. Wait. Why am I just noticing now how comfortable it is to sit?

I’m comfortable swaying to do the music, but I am not energised enough to dance. Again, however, this is a daily, not ceremonial, dose, and it includes some other ingredients, too. Anyway…

Happy evening to you all.

[CelestiaMoon]

@starborn

All I feel right now is appreciation for the world and especially those I have in my life. I want to hug my partner and hug my cats, and tell them how much I appreciate what they’ve done for me and brought into my life. I want to do the same with my friends. And I want to do the same with my lovely coven.

That sounds so sweet
I appreciate you too, and you sharing these experiences we can live through you, and all the insightful and open-hearted commentary

@starborn

And my Cancer Ascendant really approves. (I’m slowly learning the astrological things! )

If this plant spirit had astrological signs, Cancer and Taurus are the first ones I’m thinking of. Warmth, comfort and slowness.

@starborn

I don’t know if it’s influenced by my love of the Constantine movie, but I find that being in water really helps me to consciously connect.

I fell in love with the aesthetic of that movie too And feel the same about water Anything to do with drowning is really terrifying to me though.

@starborn

Perhaps! I’m not sure what that’s meant to feel like. But if that’s what it is, then it’s pretty nice. I’ve heard it be hyped up as something to be afraid of, but that was anything but.

I’ve only heard that it’s something the ego is afraid of, in the sense a dictator would fear losing their power. Sure some of the experiences getting there can be terrifying, but not all. The end result always seems to be much like yours, deeply feeling the oneness of everything, and at peace, freed from the illusion of being any less than the totality of everything.

@starborn

The main takeaway from this is that there are two levels of doses. A daily amount and a ceremonial amount (which is about 2× the daily amount).

(And it seems I’ve only tried the daily amount so far!)

I might have to start weighing my cacao

@starborn

This is also a very good point:

We also recommend taking notes on how your body responds to different amounts, as every body is different.

I like this reminder, while it makes sense it’s easy to forget.

@starborn

So, for optimal results, we should be tracking how much we take and how it affects us, and adjusting as necessary.

Time to put the lab coat on again!
But not during the ceremony itself, it has all the wrong correspondences

@starborn

I thought I would experiment by adding a small teaspoon of mesquite powder to enhance the flavour since it’s not that pleasant on its own. Mesquite powder has a low GI and can help to stabilise blood sugar levels, so I figured that would make it safe to add. Correct me if I’m wrong.

Interesting, I’ll have to see if that’s something I can get here The name makes me think of mescaline but probably is a very different compound

[tracyS]

Ok. Can I ask a really dumb question, feel free to laugh , but I notice one of the ingredients is mystic mushrooms. I could be totally off, but my head goes into overdrive with any tea/potions that encourage visions to the point about 30 years ago I actually saw that huge spider from Lord of the rings, nearly gave me heart attack, and a shit load of juice, breathing exercises, water to flush out the tea, to get rid of it. I’ve never touched even mugwort since. So just humour a nutter here, am I barking up the wrong tree.

[CelestiaMoon]

Oh, where is that? If those were the same as “magic mushrooms” I’d be very surprised

[starborn]

@CelestiaMoon

deeply feeling the oneness of everything, and at peace, freed from the illusion of being any less than the totality of everything.

Now how not to want to stay in that state forever?

The second I said this, I felt a desire to go to sleep.

@CelestiaMoon

The name makes me think of…

Oh my! I wish.

@tracyS

but I notice one of the ingredients is mystic mushrooms.

Sorry, my bad. “Mystic Mushrooms” is the name of one of their blends.

@starborn

Mystical Mushroom
Cacao Beans from Belize, Reishi, Chaga, Turkey Tail, Lion’s Mane, Cordyceps, Maitake, Shiitake, Oyster, Poria, Phellinus, and Tremella

Ingredients start at “cacao beans.”

@tracyS

I actually saw that huge spider from Lord of the rings, nearly gave me heart attack

Sweet Baby Baphomet.

[tracyS]

@starborn ok I get it, thankyou, thought I’d ask before I try this. I can imagine what fun Loki would have if my mind went off to God knows where.

[starborn]

@tracyS

what fun Loki would have if my mind went off to God knows where.

True. What an adventure you would have!

If you like, you can wait until I try those. They haven’t arrived yet because they’re coming from overseas.

The others were local, so I got them quickly. (Apparently, they’re also in Europe, so they might be easier for you to acquire, too.)

Or you could hunt some down more locally and share. I have to get to bed soon, but I can help search after I wake up.

But yeah, so far, I don’t think cacao will cause any visual things to happen. It’s more of a relaxed happiness and peace thing, I’m finding. So there shouldn’t be any scary things.

[tracyS]

Enjoy your sleep. Thanks, I’ll go a hunting.

[CelestiaMoon]

@starborn

Now how not to want to stay in that state forever?

The second I said this, I felt a desire to go to sleep.

Now you’re seeing things from my perspective!

@tracyS

@starborn ok I get it, thankyou, thought I’d ask before I try this. I can imagine what fun Loki would have if my mind went off to God knows where.

On the other hand he’d be there to protect you from any real nastiness

Whether he’d count huge spiders in that category, you know him better than I do

@starborn

If you like, you can wait until I try those. They haven’t arrived yet because they’re coming from overseas.

I’m so looking forward to hearing you try the different blends!

Also I want to say here too, that the kind of cacao I had was not strictly the ceremonial kind, it had been warm processed like pretty much every kind you find in regular stores. I can’t say if it the processing has any effect on the theobromine, or what other compounds are part of that experience. But I did get that heart warming effect from it too. It lasted a little longer than the cup did.