In the popular children's book Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, after getting attacked by a dementor, Harry is given a piece of chocolate to soothe his unsettled spirit. In a world of wizardry and witchcraft, the genuine soothing nature of chocolate (a cacao-based product) still does the trick. It's not any secret potion; it's just the natural goodness contained in each and every cacao bean.
Cacao's history of happiness commences with people of the Marañon nation in Ecuador - the earliest people we know that consumed chocolate, about 5000 years ago. The unique health benefits of cacao are precisely how archaeologists have been able to trace its history: the cacao residue left behind on calabash cups is the only type in the world to contain both Theobromine and caffeine. Put simply, there is nothing else in the world quite like cacao.
Ceremonial Cacao - No Magic Needed
All chocolate contains the chemical Theobromine - getting its namesake from the Amazonian Theobroma tree. Theobroma translates from the Ancient Greek for 'Food of the Gods.' Considering that's where we get our chocolate, it's a fitting name.
Theobromine is in all chocolate, but particularly dark chocolate, due to its high cacao content. The chemical releases serotonin and endorphins into the brain, resulting in a soothing effect that's hard to replicate. But the health benefits of cacao are vast. Such is its healing nature; cacao's history of ceremony is as rich as the delicious chocolate it produces.
Unlike coffee, cacao does not supply the jitteriness or sense of anxiety often associated with coffee beans. Plus, cacao contains a pleasing abundance of flavonoids (flavonoids are natural, plant-based, water-soluble compounds). These flavonoids will help improve cardiovascular function, lowering blood pressure and boosting circulation.
The benefits of cacao aren't all internal, however - cacao's levels of sulphur can support stronger nails and shinier hair, as well as skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis and dandruff.
As with any health-giving food or drink, regular consumption will pay off. Consider ingesting cacao in a ritualistic setting - even if it's just a cup before you go to bed. Rituals tie self-care into a mindful experience that can be repeated as regularly as needed.
Ceremonial Cacao for Emotional Healing and Wellness
The most direct way to access ceremonial cacao's effects is to experience it in the form of a spiritual and wellness-focused gathering. These groups celebrate the sensation of consuming cacao in its purest form—a rich, unprocessed chocolate beverage. These ceremonies can be held in solitude at home or within a community setting, but they all share a common foundation: the ritual of drinking and offering cacao. The purpose of this ritual is to foster physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Though it may sound ambitious, these ceremonies are ancient yet comparatively straightforward to replicate.
Rooted in ancient traditions, cacao ceremonies are considered heart-healing practices. These cacao preparation and meditation ceremonies generally merge together complementary activities - such as meditation, yoga, chanting, and breathwork - under an experienced guide or facilitator. These activities can focus cacao's effects towards rejuvenating and empowerment.
Participants engage in various ritual practices, such as setting intentions to deepen self-awareness - a key part of the ceremonial cacao process. Ceremony participants may also chant mantras, a technique that can demonstrably support mental calm. Cacao ceremonies can add extra flourishes via the use of tools like yoga and journaling. Yoga encourages mindful physical activity, while journaling will help you explore and record your rich, internal experiences.
In recent years, cacao ceremonies have gained popularity in Western cultures as a means of self-care and spiritual exploration. They combine with a modern reflection on the importance of mindfulness in modern society. The spirituality of cacao offers an often much-needed respite from the manifold stresses of modern life. The ancient ceremony provides a surprisingly relevant space for reflection, connection, and holistic healing.
As interest in mindfulness and wellness continues to grow across older and newer generations, cacao ceremonies have deservedly become more mainstream. You're likely to find workshops and events that introduce people to the profound benefits of this wholly rewarding, sacred practice.
One important note is that not all cacao is made equal. Organic, ceremonial cacao offers far greater health and spiritual wellness benefits than lower-grade beans. Even if ingesting ceremonial cacao with other ingredients in a special drink, it's difficult to mask low-quality cacao. For maximum results, try our own ceremonial cacao, which has won reviewers acclaim for its taste and effects.
How to Prepare Ceremonial Cacao for Rituals
Ceremonial cacao's natural compounds will allow you to reach a state of physical and spiritual peace - if prepared well. High-quality cacao forms the basis of this ceremony, which is hundreds of years old. In this practical blog post, we'll walk you through how to prepare ceremonial cacao to get the most out of the sacred plant. Why not gather friends so you can enjoy the ritual together?
After you've gathered your ingredients and tools, you'll be able to prepare the ceremonial cacao drinks quickly.
Ingredients & Tools You'll Need:
- Ceremonial-grade cacao: Look for high-quality cacao that is minimally processed and ideally ethically sourced. Ceremonial grade cacao is a quality seal, and is a cut above supermarket-sourced cacao.
- Hot water or your preferred milk [optional]: To make the cacao smoother and add richness. The milk emulates a traditional 'hot chocolate' flavour that may be wistful or nostalgic for some participants.
- For flavour, add naturally derived sweeteners, such as raw honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar.
- Why not experiment with spices? Cinnamon, cayenne, or vanilla can enhance the flavour and experience; cinnamon and vanilla add complexity to the cacao while cayenne's rich and peppery taste adds a deliciously peppery feel.
- The main equipment you'll need is a whisk or bowl for frothing. The Aztecs used a Mexican wooden whisk known as a molinillo to whip their ceremonial cacao into the desired texture and consistency.
Prepare Ceremonial Cacao (in four simple steps)
- Measure the Cacao: Use about 25–40 grams (1–1.5 ounces) per person. For a gentler-tasting experience, you can use a smaller amount.
- Heat the Water or Milk: Warm up the liquid to a temperature below boiling (around 70–80℃) to preserve the beneficial, naturally derived compounds in cacao.
- Melt the Cacao: Add the cacao paste to the warm liquid. Let it melt slowly, stirring gently to combine.
- Sweeten and Spice (Optional): Once the cacao has melted, add sweeteners and any spices you prefer. Whisk with vigour until frothy and smooth.
Keep tasting the cacao as you go, as cacao should be an enjoyable and flavourful drink; not something you should choke down. Admittedly, its flavourings are not as sweet as chocolate, but will provide a spiritual satisfaction that is wholly unique.
Organising Ceremonial Cacao for Meditation
Though organising ceremonial cacao might seem fiddly or overly detail-oriented, the results will speak for themselves. Don't be afraid if you don't feel you get it right the first time; with practice, you'll be able to follow these steps perfectly to completion.
- Prepare the Space (Essential)
Create a calming and sacred environment. We'd recommend moderating the use of light - salt lamps and warm lights can go a long way in creating a relaxed, spiritual vibe. Consider deploying calming scents (e.g. incense or essential oils), and comfortable seating arrangements like meditation cushions or yoga mats. A facilitator, or guide, will take the lead in creating a comfortable space for everyone there.
- Grounding Meditation (or Guided Intention Setting)
Start the ceremony with a grounding meditation to help participants connect to the present moment and open up to the cacao's energy.
- Guided Intention Setting (or Grounding Meditation)
If it feels right, you can then move onto the intention setting by inviting participants to set a personal intention. You can guide them through the intense spiritual process via prompts related to self-reflection, healing, or emotional connection.
- Serve the (warm or cold) Cacao
It's time to reverently serve a small cup of authentic, organic cacao. As they drink, each participant must focus on their chosen intentions, using the cacao to foster a deeper connection with their goals. The guide may lead the group into mindfulness exercises that encourage those present to access new levels of the cacao's flavour and texture.
- Post-cacao Reflection
After drinking the cacao, you could finish on a meditation or breathwork session. This allows participants to fully integrate the cacao's heart-opening properties.
Tips for Making the Cacao Preparation Extra Meaningful
- The flavour and effects borne of cacao can be intense so we would recommend having a glass of water available - especially for new participants.
- Why not use the preparation and meditation ceremony to complete other activities? Yoga, journaling and healing sounds (such as those communally produced by singing bowls) connect participants to the moment through gentle movement and extra mindfulness techniques. Beautiful thoughts and sensations can be captured just after the cacao ceremony.
- Ultimately, remember that cacao is a sacred plant medicine, acknowledging its cultural roots and spiritual significance.
Not all cacao is made equal - try IKKARI's organically sourced ceremonial cacao for a better, richer flavour.
Sourcing Authentic Cacao: An Introduction
Because your body and soul deserve the best. Here are a few of our favourite tips for sourcing the most authentic cacao:
- Think organic.
Organic cacao beans are not treated with fertiliser and pesticides. As a result, your body won't ingest any toxins or unwanted chemicals. Part of cacao's spirituality is rooted in its purity, meaning that ceremonial cacao should always be organic, where possible.
- Understand its sources
- Check for added ingredients
Sometimes, surplus ingredients are added for good reason - for example, we add small but highly useful amounts of dandelion and burdock extracts. These natural extracts infuse the cacao with antioxidants, helping reduce inflammation and support digestion processes. These ingredients are designed to support cacao's natural effects on the body.
Lower-grade cacao will have surplus ingredients added, which will reduce the overall experience. If, when reading the cacao's ingredient list, you notice an ingredient that you don't recognise as a natural extract, it's safe to assume that it shouldn't be there (with perhaps the exception of thaumatin, which we use for texture processes... but it is a natural plant protein).
- Read the reviews.
Have real people bought the cacao and integrated it into wellness ceremonies? Learn from their experiences, so you can replicate them in the comfort of your own space.
We'll explore more deeply how to identify the best cacao at the end of the blog post. But the benefits of the best cacao should be felt the most deeply during meditative rituals.
How to Use Organic Ceremonial Cacao for Meditation - For Groups
Here are two of our favourite meditations, which are centred around the mindful consumption of cacao.
(Note that these are our recommended guidelines - you can vary the meditation according to your personal preference).
- Drink the cacao
Mindful consumption means appreciating the taste, texture and feel of the cacao. You can adjust the flavourings to your personal preference - whatever allows you to achieve maximum savouring of the cacao. How does cacao feel as it you ingest it? What unique flavourings can you detect in this ancient offering?
- Find a seated position
Arrange your ground posture as you prefer.
- Focus on breathing
- Wake up slowly, noting your new perspective
Open your eyes and slowly blink, noting how your newly awakened state changes your perspective of your surroundings. You should feel wholly relaxed, yet aware.
Cacao supports this new, spiritual perspective by enhancing your intuition and promoting a personal sense of connection to the divine. Travelling through deeper levels of consciousness will unlock feelings of clarity, contentment and spiritual wellbeing that are rarely accessible in modern life.
Another way you might use cacao beans is to use a cup for your bedtime routine. Drinking cacao before bed can unlock feelings of calm that can assist with a deeper, more revitalising night's sleep.
Where to Buy Authentic Ceremonial Cacao
If you're looking to buy authentic ceremonial cacao, you've come to the right place. IKKARI is proud to prepare ceremonial cacao with the same care and environmental values as all of our offerings. You can learn more about what makes IKKARI unique here.
Our cacao can be enjoyed mixed with just water, but you could try varying it with different recipes. Try adding natural sweetener (e.g. honey or stevia) and even a dash of cayenne for a rich, peppery finish. You can use a milk for your choice for a creamier feel more akin to traditional hot chocolate. The Aztec rituals used honey, whipped into a smooth texture.
Ultimately, a ritual should be an intense, personal experience and there is no 'right' way to prepare ceremonial cacao. What really matters is the quality of the cacao - and authentic is always better, regardless of what you would like to use cacao for.
What makes our cacao authentic is that we source only the best, organic cacao, rather than relying on chemically treated or genetically modified varieties. We want to save the mass-produced, lower-quality beans for people less focused on the taste, texture and effects of the bean.