How To Drink Ceremonial Cacao At Home

Are you interested in learning how to incorporate the ancient and sacred tradition of ceremonial drinking cacao into your home practice? Here is a step-by-step guide to help you get started. A gentle reminder, that this is merely one way you could conduct a sacred cacao ceremony at home, always use your intuition and inner guidance to take this guidance we offer here and make it your own by adding your own personal style to it.

If you reside or are visiting Melbourne in 2023 and are interested in attending a facilitated cacao ceremony please see our upcoming events here.

What is ceremonial cacao?

Ceremonial cacao is a special type of pure, unprocessed chocolate made from the beans of the cacao tree. It is different from the chocolate that you typically find in stores, which is often a highly processed cacao powder and contains added sugars, fillers and other ingredients.

Ceremonial cacao is a pure, raw form of chocolate that is often used in traditional indigenous ceremonies and rituals as a means of connecting with the spirit world and inducing a state of mindfulness and relaxation.

How to prepare ceremonial cacao at home for your sacred ceremony

Start by purchasing a high-quality ceremonial cacao in Australia from a trusted distributor, like this one. Look for a brand that sources their cacao ethically and sustainably, and that uses minimal processing methods.

Measure out the desired amount of cacao. A good starting point is about 10-15 grams per person.

Cacao has a melting point of 30º degrees, so you do not need to grate or finely chop your cacao, you can keep it in large 5 - 10 gram pieces and safely melt it in warmed up mylk or water on the stove top.

For a cacao ceremony where you are sitting with cacao in sacred space we always invite you to firstly use water as your base. Bring a pot of 100 ml water to warm>hot temperate but not a simmer or boil.

Add the best ceremonial cacao you can find to the pot, along with any desired sweeteners (such as maple syrup or honey) and any additional ingredients (such as cinnamon or vanilla extract).

Whisk the mixture until it is smooth and well combined. Take your time, stirring clock wise and placing all your intentions, energy and gratitude into the pot.

Pour the cacao into a mug and set up your sacred space for your ceremony.

Tips for creating a ceremonial atmosphere

We personally like to set the mood in the space. Get your favourite meditation pillow, or yoga mat and rug. Maybe some candles, flowers or crystals and your favourite plantling friends. 

The most important is to aet an intention for your cacao ceremony. This could be something as simple as "I am open to receiving love and guidance from the spirit world" or "I am releasing negativity and embracing positivity."

Create a peaceful and sacred space in your home. This could involve lighting candles, playing soothing music, or burning incense.

Take time to sip and savor the cacao slowly, allowing yourself to fully relax and sink into the present moment. You may even wish to read a poem that is significant to you, honour the land from which the cacao has come through a traditional song or simply close your eyes and use your five senses as you consume this sacred beverage. Allow yourself to sit or lie down with yourself, deeply, vulnerably and see what arises, allow mama cacao to hold you as she takes you on a subtle journey.

We always invite you to journal or meditate after finishing the organic drinking cacao, as the cacao can help to enhance introspection and self-reflection.

Drinking ceremonial cacao at home can be a deeply nourishing and transformative experience. By creating a sacred space and setting an intention, you can tap into the powerful energies of this ancient and sacred plant medicine and connect with your higher self.

Suggested Read: Ceremonial Grade Cacao: The Four Bliss Chemicals that Can Change Your Life!