New Moon
Cacao Ceremony

What is Ceremonial Cacao? 
Simply put, ceremonial cacao is made from cacao beans that have been fermented and minimally processed at low temperatures thus maintaining the essential nutrients, fats, and alkoloids and other molecules that make it beneficial as a ceremonial beverage. Of these compounds the following play a key role in the effectiveness of cacao as a meditative aid. These compounds are: 
phenylethylamine: Creates a euphoric feeling of pleasure and joy 
Serotonin: The natural happy hormone produced in the brain
Ocytoxin: Helps create a deep bond with...well...you.
Magnesium relaxes the muscles of the body and increases blood circulation. This allows the heart to open and flow with greater ease. 
Theobromine: Increases natural energy, sharpens focus, and stimulates your senses. similar to caffein but without the jitters and crashes from withdrawl.   
   
What are the effects of cacao?
Many people wonder what its like to "do" cacao. I prefer not to think of it as doing, but experiencing. Cacao is generally experienced as a non mind-altering drink. It has no hallucinatory properties what so ever, but does create a sense of clarity and openness of mind. This is one of the main reasons for attending a cacao ceremony as an open mind is more easily able to process emotions, release old habits, or create and maintain new goals and ambitions. 
The main effect that cacao has on individuals however, and what cacao ceremonies are generally used for, is to expand the capacities of the heart. Cacao naturally opens the heart and allows those who drink it, to witness their emotions in a healthy way, thus healing from the traumas, insecurities, and inadequacies, that we often carry with us. Cacao can do this both physically due to the chemical structure of the cacao and metaphysically or energetically as the frequency of the cacao matches that of the heart which has long been considered the seat of the soul, the repository of all of our experiences, both pleasant and unpleasant. 

What to expect in a cacao ceremony:
The cacao ceremony that I lead are informal and laid back. I don't believe in becoming rigid or dogmatic in how the ceremony should play out. Below is a general guide

Gather: 
Greet each other and settle into the space around you. We'll open up sacred space together to clear the low frequency energies that we each bring to the space and set an intention to be open and able to hold space for each participant to the best of our abilities. During this time, I often will use smudge sticks, breath work, drumming, and other forms of energy clearing modalities.   

Create:
Creating an intention for the cacao ceremony is very beneficial. I encourage you to write down your intentions in a notebook and spend time with the intention throughout the month to see where it leads. During the creation phase we will hold a fire ceremony to assist in burning away old beliefs/habits that prevent you from living the intention you are striving to manifest.

Drink :
The cacao will come already prepared with various spices to aid in heart opening.  Cinnamon, cayenne (mild), star anise, vanilla, and cardamom, are my favorites. I also use almond or coconut milk in the mixture (please let me know if you have allergies and I will make a nut free option. I also have liquid stevia or table sugar to use as a sweetener if you find the taste too bitter for your liking. I can provide honey or sugar upon request. 

Meditation:
After drinking the cacao, we'll sit in quiet meditation, listen to the sounds of singing bowls, be guided through a yoga nidra session, or take part in a reiki journey for self discovery or releasing. 

Close:
We'll close the ceremony together and allow time for sharing if desired. No one is every required to share and I will never be asked you to share. I only offer the invitation. it is 100% voluntary. I have led many sessions where there is silence, and those times can be the most beautiful and healing. 
 
DATES:
April 18
May 19
June 18
July 17
Aug 16
Sept 14
Oct.14
Nov 13
Dec 12

TIMES:: 
7:30-9:00pm

COST:
$25

LOCATION:
East Provo address will be given upon registration