Whilst most of us consider chocolate a snack food or treat, one Ballarat woman is making sure people understand how cacao – the raw, unrefined chocolate bean – can increase vitality, energy and mental clarity via sacred cacao ceremonies.
Markeeta Hines, a holistic therapist in Ballarat, is passionate about cacao ceremonies and how they can be of benefit to our health and wellbeing.
“Cacao is more than just chocolate as we know it. It is one of the highest natural sources of calcium and magnesium in perfect ratios that are fully absorbed by the body,” Markeeta says.
What is a ‘cacao ceremony’?
A cacao ceremony is a unique mindfulness exercise, similar to yoga or meditation. It is a practice that revolves around gratitude, setting intentions and slowing down in our fast-paced world. As cacao has antidepressant and uplifting compounds, it is the perfect accompaniment to boost gratefulness and intention setting.
History of cacao ceremonies
Cacao ceremonies have been traced back to 1900 BCE when cacao was one of the most treasured and revered foods of Mesoamerica. Cacao beans were often used in acts of trading or exchange and were even a form of currency for the Aztec people. It was especially common in religious rituals to lift the spirits of the soon-to-be sacrificed and was often part of marriage or baptism ceremonies.
As Markeeta explains, cacao was considered to be a sacred medicine by the ancient Maya peoples. In that region, it is still regarded as a potent sacred master plant. When properly ingested, cacao generates knowledge and taps into perceptions and intuition.
In modern times, cacao ceremonies can be held individually or within a group. Generally, a space holder or ceremonialist will prepare the cacao and then guide the group through a ceremony.
“Regular ceremonial cacao consumption can encourage harmony and balance between mind, body and spirit,” Markeeta explains. “The combination of intention setting, prayer and sometimes dance can help people release unhealthy habits; and invite more health, happiness and love into their lives.”
Benefits of cacao ceremonies
Drinking cacao, especially when paired with an intention, can result in people being more open to inspiration, creativity and new ideas. “This can give people new meaning and purpose,” she explains.
Cacao ceremonies can also deepen the practice of mediation. “When people focus on ingesting and connecting with the ceremonial cacao,” Markeeta says, “many people experience a deeper connection to their inner spirit and wisdom is forged. This allows for more profound levels of meditation.”
Markeeta says that cacao can also unlock an optimistic side of people and enable people to feel more capable of dealing with life’s difficulties and hardships. It can also improve focus, mental clarity and helps to control unhealthy cravings. The compounds within cacao can also enhance and stimulate pleasure, promote relaxation and trigger feelings of love.
“Concentration of these compounds increases during fermentation and decreases during roasting (a process that cacao doesn’t go through), which is why the psychoactive properties of raw cacao are more enhanced than processed chocolate,” Markeeta explains.
How to hold your own cacao ceremony
Individuals can do their own cacao ceremonies at home by first creating a quiet, tidy and decluttered space. This may be either inside or in the backyard.
Following this, you should prepare your cacao as per the recipe below:
Ingredients:
- 20-50g ceremonial grade cacao paste (chopped or grated)
- 100-200ml of water or milk of choice
Method:
- Combine your ceremonial grade cacao paste with your liquid in a small saucepan on the stove and gently warm.
- Once the cacao is warm and mixed thoroughly (you can blend gently to create more froth) pour it into your favourite cup or mug. (We love Pottery for the Planet travel mugs for their ‘hugginess’!
- Sit back and begin your ceremony.
*Flavours such as cinnamon, maca, chilli powder, vanilla or turmeric can be added.
Set your intentions
Before drinking your cacao, let go of other plans and thoughts so that you can focus on the ceremony. Then, take five deep breaths before thinking (or speaking out loud) about what you are grateful for and setting an intention for the day.
Markeeta says that those having their own ceremony may choose to just sit and meditate; or they might feel compelled to draw, journal or dance. “Whatever resonates with the individual,” she says.
She explains that “… as with all sacred medicines, it is important to approach the ceremony with humility, reverence, and respect.”
Cacao Ceremonies normally go for around 1-2 hours and are generally held in conjunction with other modalities such as sound healing, breath work, talk therapy or dance; and can often have benefits for inner child work, trauma release or creative expression.
“Each ceremonialist will hold space in unique and different ways,” Markeeta explains, “as their own intuition is guided.”
Markeeta holds ceremonies for groups (sometimes as a rite of passage, births or birthday parties), couples or individuals. If you’re interested in experiencing a cacao ceremony for yourself or finding out more, contact Markeeta via email mkeeta@hotmail.com or Instagram.
