Cacao is made from the Cacao tree that creates a fruit where cacao beans sit inside. These distinctively bitter tasting beans are known as the ‘Food of the Gods’ as its properties have deemed it a ‘superfood’ full of incredible antioxidants and flavanols that have a positive impact on health by reducing inflammation and improving blood flow through the cardiovascular system. 

Every Cacao ceremony is different but here is a general approach as to what you should expect:

1. Preparation of Cacao: This is sometimes done before or during the event but is prepared for by the facilitators who will introduce themselves and the nature of the ceremony to prepare you for your session.  
2. Intention Setting: Before consuming the cacao, participants are guided to set a personal intention for what they wish to experience or release during the ceremony. An intention is personal to you and can be to seek emotional or physical healing, connect deeper with yourself or even to just take time to be with yourself in the present, generous moment. 
3. Ritual Consumption: The cacao is consumed together in a kind, nurturing manner taking time to recognise the changes in your body as you consume the superfood and how it makes you feel. 
4. Guided Activities: Post-consumption or during consumption, the ceremony may include guided meditations, chakra healing, journaling, or even movement practices like dance or yoga to integrate the cacao's effects. 
5. Closing Circle: We will usually conclude with a sharing circle, where you can share your experience and it's an opportunity to discuss anything further, if you would like to.  

There is an abundance of amazing benefits to drinking cacao including: 

1. It’s a heart opener: Theobromine is the principal alkaloid of the cacao bean. It increases blood flow that gives a heart-opening sensation that allows oxygen to move more freely around your body allowing you to feel more relaxed. 
2. It’s a mood booster: Cacao contains serotonin precursors including PEA which contributes to well-being and happiness and is therefore, mood-boosting. The connection between love and chocolate has been celebrated for years and these ceremonies actually dates back to the Mayans and Aztecs. 
3. It helps you focus: Theobromine gives a sustained energy that is a gentle boost unlike caffeine that gives its natural highs and lows.  
4. It is good for your health: Cacao contains an array of antioxidants, iron, magnesium, calcium, and more which all promote good health and is the reason why it is deemed a ‘super food’.  

Generally, an amount suitable to consume every day is around 15-20g per person and a full ceremonial dose is around 40g. 

There are alternative options, should you still want to join in. 

Firstly, come willing to get comfy and explore what comes up. Try not to drink caffeine for 6 hours before the ceremony to prevent overstimulation. Also try not to consume mind altering substances for the day, as things like alcohol and drugs will affect your ability to connect with cacao. Dairy products slow down the absorption of minerals into the body and can therefore counteract the work with cacao. Fasting for 2-3 hours before the ceremony allows for the greatest connection. Lastly, before, during, and after the experience, listen to what your body wants.

If you fasted before the ceremony, break your fast to avoid any headaches or nausea. If you do experience nausea, eat some crackers and hydrate. Drink lots of water as cacao is a natural diuretic and detoxifier. Support yourself with a wonderful Epsom salt bath. Avoid mind altering drugs.