Ceremonial Cacao the Food of the Gods
Chocolate is a divine, heavenly drink, the sweat of the stars, the vital seed, the divine nectar, the drink of the gods, the panacea and universal medicine.
- Geronimo Piperni, quoted by Antonio Lavedán, Spanish Army Surgeon, 1796
What is Ceremonial Cacao?Tradition and Mindful Enjoyment
Pure, unprocessed cacao is a powerful plant medicine and superfood. For hundreds of years, cacao has been drunk in sacred ceremonies by many cultures, such as the Aztecs and the Maya, dating back to 1900 BC in Central and South America.
In a ceremony, cacao is drunk to establish a moment of calm and stillness and to connect with the heart. This emotional state can be intensified with meditation, reflection, creative activities such as journaling, or spiritual practices. The "food of the gods" can, however, also be drunk without a ceremony. It's enough to take a few quiet minutes and drink the cacao mindfully and in peace. This is often a lovely ritual especially at the start of the day, to take time for yourself and start the day or week feeling strengthened.
Conventional vs. Ceremonial Cacao
It's important to understand that we are not talking about industrialized commercial chocolate found in stores, which is full of milk, sugar and artificial fats. The more cacao is processed, the more it loses its healing and beneficial powers.
Ceremonial cacao is raw and isn't really roasted, but rather sun-dried. As a result, the molecular structure of the bean doesn't change and its natural nutrients are preserved. After harvest, the beans are fermented in a wooden box, dried, and can then be further processed into paste, powder or butter. The natural fat of the cacao bean is preserved during preparation, which means that the many living enzymes and the plant's potency are not destroyed. Science has shown that the undamaged fat content makes it easier for the body to absorb the nutrients and compounds.
Physical Effects of Ceremonial Cacao
Contributes to cardiovascular health
Increases blood flow to the brain, creating mental clarity, focus and concentration
Has 3x the antioxidant oxygen radical absorbance capacity of the goji berry
Releases the happiness hormone anandamide, which the body produces when you experience a "runner's high"
Eases stress and anxiety in the body
Emotional Effects of Ceremonial Cacao
Creates feelings of bliss, motivation, stress resistance and joy
Helps release emotional blockages that no longer serve us
Opens and activates the heart chakra through the active compound theobromine
Fosters empathy and compassion
Gives you joy of life and lightness around the heart
Spiritual Effects of Ceremonial Cacao
Contributes to cardiovascular health
Lets you arrive in the here and now
Gives you a feeling of connection, understanding yourself as part of the greater whole
Offers you a loving embrace for the soul, into which you can let yourself fall
Gives you the opportunity to meet yourself and shower yourself with love and acceptance
Live & Online Dates
Here you'll find upcoming cacao ceremonies, both in person and online. You can also book your own fully individual 1:1 ceremony at any time, or one for a group of friends, family or colleagues. Your ceremony is tailored to your wishes and current situation and comes with an exclusive music set. You'll also receive essential oils suited to the theme by mail, to accompany and deepen the experience.
If you'd like to enjoy ceremonial raw cacao at home for yourself, order your Keith's Cacao directly from my shop.
Cacao Ceremony for Businesses
Cacao Ceremony for Brands, Companies and Groups
Employee experiences are becoming increasingly important. The employee experience encompasses interactions, impressions and emotions.
Effects for Employees
Stress, anxiety and mood swings can weigh on employees over time. Everyday work challenges us on many levels: time pressure, expectations, teamwork. Pure, unprocessed cacao is a remedy whose effects can counteract and prevent these burdens. The cacao plant has been used as a plant medicine for many hundreds of years.
In addition, cacao is drunk in a ceremony to establish a moment of calm and stillness and to connect with the heart. This emotional state is intensified with a group meditation, reflection, or creative activities such as journaling. Especially in the morning, people start the day or the work week feeling stronger and more confident afterward.
Cacao not only has a positive effect on physical health, but also brings emotional and spiritual balance. This in turn has a positive effect on the environment in which one works and operates.
We're happy to talk about what a cacao ceremony could look like for your company. But it's not just for companies - cacao ceremonies are also interesting for yoga groups, clubs, teams, circles of friends and families. There are no limits to experiencing this extraordinary experience. See for yourself and discover the magic of cacao.
Process of a Ceremony
Every ceremony has its own theme. Together we create the theme that best supports your employees in their particular situation. The process is adapted accordingly and may therefore vary slightly.
Introduction & Welcome
Arrival & Breathing Exercises
Mindful Drinking
Diving Into the Respective Theme
Guided Visualization Journey
Journaling
Closing
For the following companies, I have already had the pleasure of creating experiences
Try Ceremonial Cacao for Yourself
Cacao Ceremonies at Our Wellbeing Retreat
In Salzburgerland, 10 minutes from Lake Traunsee
A consciously designed space for team connection, mindfulness and new perspectives
Pure relaxation and mindfulness for you and your team
Offers you a loving embrace for the soul, into which you can let yourself fall