A Cacao Ceremony brings people together in a circle where they use all of their senses and their voice to connect to the spirit of Cacao, to Mother Earth and to themselves. Considered as a sacred plant by indigenous communities from Central and South America, Cacao brings awareness of our true selves, and strengthens our connections to nature. In this 90-minute ceremony, participants will go on a “journey” that will allow them to connect with Cacao in a mindful and spiritual way. The ceremony includes practices from communities around the world, including Andean indigenous practices from Peru. It is believed that Cacao heals and nourishes the body, the mind and the soul. This ceremony will also promote respect for the farmers who helped grow this sacred plant. Come embrace the transformative power of Cacao, and learn how to create a personal Cacao ritual at home.

About Ceremonial Cacao:

Cacao is planted, harvested and minimally processed by small farmers who care for nature and use organic protocols (no pesticides) and this specific Cacao has been tested and found to well exceed minimum standards of trace heavy metals. Cacao is a rich source of antioxidants, iron, magnesium and potassium to our diet. What we prepare and consume does not contain sugar, milk, nuts, preservatives or colorants. The Cacao has not been exposed to high temperatures in order to preserve its amazing properties. Although it does contain a small amount of caffeine, it is the Theobromine that helps us improve energy, awareness, and focus while boosting serotonin, the “happiness hormone.”

For this ceremony, we will use Guatemalan Ceremonial Cacao from Ora Cacao. This organic 100% Cacao, the main ingredient of the ceremonial drink, has been ethically traded with 125 small families from a small town in Guatemala whose Cacao traditions have remained intact through many generations. Cacao is dairy-free, nut-free, sugar-free and gluten-free.

Before the ceremony:

-       Avoid caffeine, alcohol or energy drinks, for at least 12 hours before the ceremony.

-       Avoid heavy or greasy foods on the day of the ceremony.

-       Cacao is a vasodilator that helps with circulation. We use a concentrated dose of Cacao during the ceremony. Out of extra precaution, if you are taking any heart medication or have any special medical condition, please, consult with your doctor before registering.

What to expect?

We will start with the creation of a sacred space in a circle. We’ll all participate in the preparation of the sacred Cacao drink. Each person will use their voice and intentions to connect with the spirit of Cacao and Mother Earth. In this soothing ceremony, every sip, smell, sound, movement, breath and meditation feels like a blessing. Its heart-opening magic will bring you a sense of joy and wellbeing. Before closing the circle, we will experience an intimate offering to the Earth with Cacao.

What will you learn?

-       To connect in a deep way with the spirit of Cacao and Mother Earth, remembering that we are part of nature. This will bring a sense of peace, joy and recharged energy.

-        To prepare and hold a personal cacao ritual at home, cultivating personal growth.

-       To create a simple offering to the Earth.

-       Some medicine songs and a Cacao prayer.

-       To use your intuition for your own rituals.

What it is included?

-       Your own ceremonial “jarrito” (Cacao mug).

-       A Ceremonial Cacao sample.

-       Information on how to create a personal Cacao ritual at home.

-       A paper notepad with your insights and information from the ceremony.

What to bring:

-       A special object for the Cacao altar (you will bring it back home)

-       A floor pillow. There will be chairs for those who are not able to sit on the floor.

-       Wear clothes that make you feel sacred and special.

Facilitator: Yllari Briceño

Born and raised in Peru, Yllari has followed a spiritual path all her adult life, learning from different traditions and reconnecting with her own Amazonian and Andean roots. She has worked in environmental and social projects with children and adults from Quechua communities and from different regions in her home country and in the US. She is also a Reiki Master Teacher, a communications professional, a graphic artist and an interpreter. Yllari has been leading ceremonies and circles for years, in her pursuit of making life itself into a ceremony, step by step. Cacao Ceremonies are very important to her to connect with her roots and to a bigger community looking for more spaces for understanding and peace. Visit her website to learn more: www.tikaybyyllari.com