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Waterfall burst of inspiration & focus. Heart-nourishing sense of deep connection & clarity. PLUS a boost of antioxidants and life enhancing minerals?? The benefits of ceremonial grade cacao are incredible.

Ceremonial cacao has been used for ages to connect spiritually, nourish us physically and to enhance important rituals. If you’re wondering what ceremonial cacao can do for you, you’re not gonna want to miss this one.

 

 

First of all, what is Ceremonial Cacao?

What most of us know as cocoa (or chocolate) really is just a processed and refined version of cacao beans.

Ceremonial grade cacao is specially prepared cacao beans that are roasted over wood-fire. This traditional preparation is what enhances the benefits, making it that much more powerful when drinking it intentionally.

When ripe, the cacao pods are harvested from the tree and the cacao beans within them are collected and fermented. When ready for preparation, the cacao beans are taken and roasted over a traditional wood-fire.

From there, the cacao beans are then either milled into powder or left together as paste. Either the powder or paste can be used to create the ceremonial cacao drink. More on that below.

Regular cocoa and even cacao that you see in health food stores is not quite the same as traditional ceremonial grade cacao.

You can find true ceremonial grade cacao farmed and prepared by indigenous mayan collectives (ethically, of course) in Guatemala here at Soul Lift Cacao.

I’ve searched far and wide for true ceremonial grade cacao that is sourced in a way that aligns with my ethics and beliefs. Soul Lift checks all those boxes which is why I am happy to partner with them and recommend them to nearly everyone in my life.

Try it here: Soul Lift Cacao discount code BLOOM

 

 

How do I prepare Ceremonial Cacao?

To prepare Ceremonial Cacao- about 1/4 a cup of cacao paste or a few tablespoons of cacao powder is mixed with water. Some like to add a bit of sweetener (like honey, agave or coconut sugar) and milk/cream.

You can also add cayenne, turmeric or cinnamon- all of which work together with the cacao in amplifying its positive effects.

*Pro-tip: when adding water to your cacao, do so very slowly- adding only very small amounts of water at a time. By adding the water splash by splash and taking time in-between to stir and combine, this allows the cacao to melt fully without becoming gritty. Plus its a good time to think about and infuse your intentions into that cup of cacao. 

You may also like: How to Have a Cacao Ceremony

 

Where can I purchase Ceremonial Cacao?

My favorite place to source ceremonial cacao is Soul Lift Cacao. They are one of the “only U.S. companies providing true ceremonial cacao roasted over a wood fire by mayan indigenous people and sent with their full blessing.”

I love that Soul Lift supports direct ethical trade with collectives in Guatemala- everything is done sustainably and with respect to the land and the indigenous people.

If you decide to purchase through Soul Lift, you can get a discount using code: BLOOM.

You may also like: The Best Ceremonial Cacao: A Breakdown of Several Different Cacao Options

 

Now for the fun part- I bet you’re wondering why I’m so passionate about cacao. I love to share my cacao ritual, talk about the benefits and highlight the soul medicine that it provides. This article will get into some of the fun and surprising ways cacao can up-level your life. Let’s dive in!

 

Psstt! Wanna save this for later? Pin it on Pinterest!

 

Surprising Benefits of Drinking Ceremonial Cacao

The benefits you experience from drinking ceremonial cacao may vary each time, and may vary from person to person. The best part is you can set your intention with cacao, and stir your intentions into it as you prepare each cup. The list below is a few of the ways I’ve benefitted from working with ceremonial cacao, and a few ways you can benefit too!

 

Inspires Dancing

One fun benefit that I often experience when drinking cacao is feeling like I want to move my body. This of course is great for clearing any stuck or stagnant energy, getting exercise and boosting your mood. Its also can be extremely grounding and help us connect to the present moment. If you’re familiar with the practice of embodiment, ceremonial cacao is a beautiful compliment in that process. 

You May Also Like: How to Ground Yourself and Be More Present

 

Inspires Creativity

Whenever I need a creative boost or am searching for some inspiration, I love to invite a cup of ceremonial cacao into my day. I always stir my intentions into the mug, and as the cacao dissolves I ask it to help me open up the channel of creativity so I can get things done and remain in a state of flow.

I always notice it helps my focus increase and guides me to see from a different perspective- leading to that creative boost that we all love so much!

 

Nourishes and Heals the Heart Chakra

One of the strongest benefits ceremonial cacao offers us is the ability to open up and connect to oneness. It brings us a feeling of connection to others and to all that is. This feeling of connection is nourishing to the heart chakra and enables us to give and receive love more freely which is incredibly healing. 

You may also like: Awakening Tools: Using Cacao Ceremony to Open the Heart Chakra

 

Protects Our Energy

A really cool benefit that I’ve noticed cacao can offer us is energy protection. Drinking cacao can help you to feel spiritually strong and unbothered by energies outside that may typically bother you. There’s a scientific reason for this!

Cacao is rich in minerals like magnesium and iron- both of which act as strengthening and nourishing agents. They shield our cells, and ultimately our energy from any negativity or dense energy.

They also help us to absorb more light- making us feel, literally lighter, and keeping us in a state of alignment. This energy protection is a huge boost, especially for those of us who are empaths or highly sensitive people.

 

Opens the Throat Chakra

When I’m working through throat chakra blocks- I know that bringing cacao ritual or ceremony into my day will help.

When drinking cacao intentionally, I become better able to express myself clearly and confidently. My ability to articulate my creative ideas is enhanced. I also feel a boost in the drive to speak my truth and share about the things and ideas that light me up.

Bonus: I usually feel encouraged to sing or enjoy music too- both of which help to clear our energy and activate our personal power.

You may also like: How to Raise Your Vibration (and boost your mood!)

Clears the Third Eye

You might notice a trend here with these chakra clearings that come as a benefit to drinking cacao… but its true. It acts as a spiritual medicine that allows us to heal and see things more clearly. It peels back the layers that block us from seeing our purpose and finding our truth.

Theobromine and anandamide are also to thank here. Theobromine has been called “food of the gods” for ages and is said to induce euphoria. It stems from the greek words Theo (which means God) and Broma (which means food).

Anandamide- “the bliss molecule” also helps us to feel good about life and see clearly our reason for being here, which of course feels like pure bliss!

 

Connects us to Nature

As you drink cacao and allow it to serve as spiritual medicine in your life, think about the journey it took to get to your cup. It grew in a plant, was harvested, prepared and packaged off for sending. Think about the land where it grew and the hands it passed through before yours.

It comes from the earth and being in such a pure, unrefined state allows us to feel this connection much deeper. Spend time outside as you enjoy your cacao and let the present moment overcome you. 

Cacao inspires a moment to not worry about the past or the future- just plugged into the present moment and our true nature. You may notice a sense of connection to the earth or a heightened awareness to the life that surrounds you. 

 

Supports us Emotionally

It might sound silly but cacao literally feels like a spiritual hug when taken mindfully. It increases those feelings of love and connection, allowing us to feel supported on an energetic level.

It also can brings emotions to the surface. Anything you’ve been repressing or ignoring just might come up for healing. And with cacao, may you feel supported to actually work it through.

If you need support or guidance, feel free to join the Bloom and Manifest Facebook Group where connection and discussion is encouraged.

 

Increases Mindfulness

Another great benefit of ceremonial cacao is the increased mindfulness that occurs. It begins at preparation- proper cacao preparing requires a deal of mindfulness and patience. It is to be prepared and enjoyed slowly and presently.

We can bless and charge our cacao with specific intentions and embody those intentions as we drink- another invitation to mindfulness. Cacao can also deepen meditation and help soothe the mind.

 

Supports Good Health

Cacao can be a healthy treat… It’s basically chocolate, after all! Its packed with antioxidants, iron, calcium and magnesium. Drinking it can do wonders for the heart, brain, mood and inflammation… just to name a few!

 

Whats your favorite benefit of ceremonial cacao? I’d love to hear your experience with it!

 

You might also like:

How Ceremonial Cacao Protects Your Energy & Strengthens Your Connection To Purpose

Cacao Ceremony: Ultimate Guide to Awakening the Soul (and more!)

The Best Ceremonial Grade Cacao: Cups of Magic You Have to Try