Cacao: The Heart’s Gentle Guide

Cacao has been used for centuries in sacred rituals as a plant medicine for opening the heart, deepening presence, and fostering connection. Unlike its processed counterpart—chocolate—ceremonial cacao is pure, unaltered, and packed with compounds that gently uplift mood and bring a sense of warmth and clarity.

At our ceremony, we drink cacao as a way to slow down, connect with ourselves, and set our intentions. It’s not a psychedelic, and you won’t “trip” or space out. Instead, cacao works subtly—heightening awareness, softening the mind’s chatter, and allowing emotions to flow more freely.

Why cacao?

Cacao is a natural heart-opener. It increases blood flow, stimulates the release of feel-good neurotransmitters, and creates a gentle sense of euphoria. In the context of this ceremony, it supports feeling rather than thinking, making it a perfect ally for working with desire, craving, and the energy that moves through the body.

It also grounds the nervous system—helping us stay present, embodied, and receptive. As we move through tantric practices, cacao invites us to experience the flow of life-force energy with more sensitivity, without rushing to a peak or an outcome.

Cacao in this ceremony

In our event, cacao is part of the opening ritual. We drink it in a simple, intentional way—with presence and awareness—to create a shared energetic field before moving into the deeper work of the ceremony.

Some participants feel an immediate connection to the plant, experiencing warmth, openness, or even gentle waves of bliss. Others may not feel much at first, which is completely normal. Like kanna, cacao works best when met with curiosity, regular practice, and a willingness to listen.

A Ceremony, Not Just a Drink

Drinking cacao in this setting is not about consuming but about relating—to the plant, to our own hearts, and to each other. It’s an invitation to move from mind to body, from habit to awareness, from craving to presence.