What is a Cacao Ceremony?

CEREMONIAL GRADE CACAO

Over the course of time, in hosting meditation and healing ceremonies, I have felt most definitely the sacredness of these gatherings.

In my Spiritual Development Circles, I frequently hold 'Tea' ceremonies using particular teas, flowers, roots and herbs that match the season or the event's atmosphere. However, I recently learned about the advantages of cacao and, upon discovering an excellent ceremonial grade, how it can enhance the spiritual experience, particularly during healing and meditation.

Cacao Ceremonies have their origins in ancient Mesoamerican societies, notably the Mayan and Aztec cultures, which revered cacao as a holy and divine element, believing cacao to be a gift from the gods. The Mayans, residing in what is now Mexico and Central America, held cacao in high regard.

Cacao ceremonies have experienced a remarkable revival within the spiritual community, and it is a versatile plant medicine that offers profound healing to any practice. I utilise cacao in its traditional form and guide individuals on a Shamanic journey to connect with the Cacao Spirit, allowing them to discover their own inner answers, clarity, and guidance.

Ceremonial grade cacao holds great spiritual power to assist individuals in discovering methods to manage stress and anxiety, achieve inner balance and harmony, and, when engaging with spirit, relax into a state that facilitates easier spiritual exploration.

As awareness and openness to exploring new approaches to spiritual wholeness and wellness increases, I foresee Plant Medicine ceremonies and Shamanic practices gaining popularity and acceptance as a significant healing modality.

However, instead of simply diving into something that has gained popularity in the spiritual community, it's important to understand the historical background of the cacao ceremony, which includes acknowledging its cultural significance. For the indigenous peoples who created this practice, cacao was closely connected to their spiritual beliefs and societal norms. As the ceremony becomes more popular today, it is crucial to approach it with respect and an awareness of its cultural heritage.

If you participate in any of my circles or events, delving into the history of cacao ceremonies can enhance your experience and increase your appreciation for this ancient tradition. Just as my sacred Japanese Tea ceremonies unravelled, and my Lunar Tea ceremonies - holding space for mindfulness and truly honouring the teas, herbs or foods of Mother Earth, will undoubtedly allow you to connect with the Universe, spirit and all elements of a far deeper level.

Ceremonial cacao should be procured where it has been minimally processed and if your fortunate enough, to actually procure from the cultures by which it originated. The funds and investment (as in the balance of all things) then return to those people whose lives are deeply effected by the cacao's production on a small scale and using sustainable methods. You will also find that ceremonial grade cacao has no added sugars, preservatives or emulsifiers - along with little to no heat in it's manufacture from the bean.

The Science Bit: Cacao is rich in polyphenols, which serve as potent antioxidants like catechin, epicatechin, and quercetin. It contains three bioactive and mood-enhancing compounds: Theobromine, Anandamide, and Phenylethylamine (PEA), along with Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOI's) that prolong the release of mood-boosting chemicals. So it is little wonder that this fabulous Plant Medicine is worthy of it's status within the spiritual community! However, it is advisable that ceremonial doses should only be taken up to three times in any one week... (I don't know on what basis this finding or guidance is made - I am yet to find out the consequences due to the cost).

It is crucial to note that due to the compounds present in ceremonial grade cacao, it is not recommended for individuals with very high blood pressure or severe heart issues since cacao can rapidly lower blood pressure, possibly leading to complications.

Thank you for reading....

Claire

Weekly Update ~ March ~ Waning Gibbous

SPRING AWAKENINGS

This week features the Waning Gibbous Moon as she shines brightly above the Spring Goddess Ostara. We transition through Scorpio, Sagittarius, and Capricorn, with the Equinox aligning perfectly on Saturday for the Third Quarter moon.

Mercury has turned Retrograde, and on the 20th, the Sun Conjuncts both Neptune as well as entering into Aries - so again, perfectly ready for the bringer and rebalancing of light this week.

Reflect on your intentions for this week. Is there anything you can act upon? Are there any barriers in your path? It's generally more manageable to divide the month into smaller more actionable steps, preventing feelings of being overwhelmed, which can often lead to inaction and nothing getting accomplished!

The recent Full Moon amongst many things, teaches us during this phase to release feelings of self-doubt, criticism and judgement - all aspects which as empaths many of us are prone to absorbing.

This week, as a Pagan, marks the Wheel's transition into the Sabbat of Ostara.... an energy heralding new beginnings and transformation. It signifies a rebalancing of light and dark, along with the sun's resurgence. It is a time of balance and rebirth, a reawakening of nature as the Goddess Ostara embraces life's quickening.

This week is dedicated to preparation... If you have an altar, you can adorn it with flowers, colours, candles, and offerings. It's an ideal time for meditation, reflection, and setting intentions as we transition into the warmer and longer days that are steadily approaching.

If you require any inspiration - I am always on hand for ideas!!

Blessings dear reader,

Claire

Weekly Update ~ Waxing Gibbous ~ March 2025

FULL BLOOD MOON IN VIRGO & LUNAR ECLIPSE

It's been a busy week here at the studio in Walmer as well as at Sholden Hall....

Once more, I have encountered new clients along with some familiar faces and had an extraordinarily profound experience during one of my energy healing sessions.

The power of healing energy continually astonishes me. Although I understand that energy is natural and each client experiences and reacts uniquely, there are times when spirit intervenes, making the energies feel extraordinarily ethereal and otherworldly, leaving me profoundly humbled.

Last week, we experienced the magnificent Full Blood Moon and Lunar Eclipse, which carried energies intertwined with Virgo. This left many feeling completely rejuvenated and prepared to enter a new phase. Virgo, associated with wellbeing and governed by Venus, has brought about a profound sense of love and connection to the Universe and Mother Earth - helping many of us feel a greater sense of grounding and inner peace.

As you will see just from this quite remarkable post, I am beginning to build up the energy as often leave the small print to my FaceBook Page, often leaving my website lacking in information and updates. But I am going to be regularly updating on a weekly basis which hopefully enables you dear reader, to gain a greater understanding and confidence in both me as a spiritual guide, mother and partner.

My relatively new Spiritual Development Circle is truly gaining momentum, and the fantastic ladies are starting to build greater trust and understanding amongst themselves. Closed Circles are fundamentally based on growth, acceptance, trust, and mutual respect and understanding. As these bonds strengthen, so does the energy! Additionally, with learning comes an increased frequency and vibration, and it's delightful to witness everyone starting to increase in knowledge and intuition.

This week has served as a reminder that Spring is quickly nearing. The sun has been shining more frequently, and despite the cold, blue skies are becoming more common, with bulbs starting to flower and blossoms fully blooming. The birdsong is lovely, and nature's emergence into the light certainly brings a feeling of awakening and transformation.

Blessings dear readers,

Claire