Testimonials of Gratitude

We are so grateful for the heartfelt feedback that we receive from those who have had transformational experiences at our ceremonies. We can't possibly record everything that is expressed to us at each event. So here are just a few things that people have shared with us... to share with you!

The God of Cacao. A poem.

Eight individuals all on the ground

Spirits of the compass hovering around

The beat of the drum establishes the pace

Cleansed by the sage, Creating sacred space

Sharing our Truth, strengths and weakness

Chanting several tongues, Creating high frequencies

All of our best intentions into the brew

That's when we knew, That's when our souls grew

A community united with the highest purpose

To appreciate and love abundantly, with surplus

To spread truth and oneness

My brothers and sisters, none are homeless

We live and prosper as one collective

For the God of Cacao has never rejected

or neglected those who call for him

So here we are together, happy as One

Only then is the Cacao Ceremony done.


Written with love by Lucca Matinata
Florida, USA


"Cacao Connection's ceremonies are a divine experience. Cacao's powerful medicine encourages a deep awakening within oneself and inspires us to live more fully from our heart centre. Kristin and Tanner beautifully embody a rare and powerful union of the Divine Feminine and Divine Masculine. They hold profound space for that union and for every individual they share their unique medicine with. I am so grateful to have been blessed with the medicine they offer; it will, indeed, help to awaken the planet, one being at a time." - Josie, Cowichan Bay, BC, Canada

"The cacao spirit was very healing. The heart of the shaman was very present. Everyone shared this joy. And that's not all! This morning I awoke at 6:30 am feeling some intense pain in my back. As I became present with this, the pain faded away and then started in a new area. I realized that each area held a history of physical injury and they were being healed one by one!!! The cacao healing wasn't finished yet!" - Nathan, Chemainus, BC


"Wow. Blessings and Gratitude to you for that awesome experience. I'm so filled with joy and feel like a weight I've been dragging around like a dead horse has been lifted!!! Can't wait for the next one!" - Kim, Victoria, BC


"My heart has opened that little bit more, just the right amount! thank you all for that wonderful experience. Can't wait till the next one while I'm still in this one!" - Jennifer, Saanich, BC

Fresh Cacao Pod from Oaxaca, Mexico

"Last night I experienced one of the most profound, transformative and healing experiences I have ever had. It was magical, powerful and it lifted my spirit in ways that I needed in order to heal and become open to change for myself and my family. I hope that I can host a cacao ceremony in the near future to share with others the magic of this plant medicine, so that others can expand their souls and open their hearts." - Heather, Nanaimo, BC


"I have had the pleasure of being in Cacao Ceremony many times with Kristin and Tanner. A very heart opening experience that they lovingly guide with the help of their crystal singing bowls. Their energy is wonderful and so honest,  in and out of circle. They share this gift in in a great time of need and I feel blessed  to bask in their light. I highly recommend this gentle form of self exploration. Namaste." - Karla, Duncan, BC

"Thank you for such a beautiful ceremony!!! It was truly powerful and exceeded my expectations." - Brooke, Victoria, BC


"You two are healers. You have taken the information from the stars and shared it with all of us here today. Thank you." - Gerardo, Chiapas, Mexico


"The thing I appreciate the most about Tanner and Kristin is that they walk the talk." - Dave, Canada/Mexico


"Deep, beautiful, reverberating thanks to you both for sharing your gift last Sunday night...it was my first experience with this particular plant medicine and I look forward to her guidance in the future..." - Tara, Victoria, BC


"What an amazing event. I have so much gratitude for everyone who put the event on and for everyone who attended and provided their loving energy to create such a wonderful heart space. I am happy that I overcame my initial hesitation and made the decision to attend. I highly recommend this event to anyone who is on the fence of whether they should go." - Grant, Victoria, BC, Canada


"I did the cacao ceremony just out of curiosity. I didn't have any expectations. I just wanted to see what it would be like and what it's about. It was a really interesting experience and it was also very therapeutic. It was also really beautiful. I'm really grateful to Kristin and Tanner not just for doing the ceremonies but for being the right people to host them because that makes all the difference." - Deb, New York, USA


"Best Valentine's I've ever had. Thank you for all that held the space and made this Cacao Ceremony possible. First one I have ever attended and it was life-changing. I'll do it again. I love you all and thank you." - Larry, Galliano Island, BC, Canada


"What an incredible evening. I still feel full of love and awe at what transpired last night! Thank you for providing us with such a safe place to experience this and thank you to the entire group for sharing you!" - Helen, BC, Canada


"Feliz de haber entrado a este Mundo. Cuando viví mi primera Ceremonia del Cacao, tenía muchas dudas y temores, ya que me estaba enfrentando a algo totalmente desconocido y por un momento pensé que era algo que no iba con mi personalidad, pero una vez dentro, mi perspectiva y mi energía cambió. Y a pesar de lo difícil que es llevar a palabras esta experiencia, te deja una energía increíblemente positiva y pura que hace complicado dejarla una vez que ha terminado.
La Ceremonia del Cacao es un momento para viajar, reflexionar, sentir y dejarse llevar por el cacao y la rica compañía de cada uno de los que participan en ella, atravesando barreras lingüísticas y culturales, mostrándonos al otro tal cual es.
Cada vez que pienso en mi experiencia durante las ceremonias de cacao, me lleno de energía positiva y agradezco a Cory, Kristin y Tanner, por haberme dejado entrar en este increíble mundo, al cual anhelo volver pronto."

(English translation)

"I am happy to have entered into this world. When I experienced my first Cacao Ceremony, I had many doubts and fears, because I was facing something totally unknown and for a moment I thought it was something that did not go with my personality, but once inside, my perspective and energy changed. And despite of how hard it is to describe it in words, it leaves you in an incredibly positive and pure energy that makes it hard to leave once it is over.
A Cacao Ceremony is a time to travel, think, feel and let go with Cacao and enjoy the great company involved, through language and cultural barriers, showing to others who you are.
Whenever I think of my experience during Cacao Ceremonies, I filled me up with positive energy and I thank Cori, Kristin and Tanner for letting me get into this incredible world, that I hope to go back soon." -Natalia, Chile

Cacao FAQ's

Tanner and Kristin, Founders of Cacao Connection

What IS Cacao?

Cacao is the edible seed of the Theobroma Cacao tree. These seeds, or "beans", are the base ingredient of our modern chocolate. Used in its pure form in a ceremonial setting and with personal intention, cacao can have many powerful effects on the user (more below about this). It has been named Theobroma Cacao by Linnaeus: Theobroma, which means "food of the gods", and cacao being a derivative of a combo of names used by the ancient civilizations of Mesoamerica. It has been highly revered by ancient civilizations for several thousand years for its magic.

What can I do with Cacao?

Cacao is delicious and healthful and can be incorporated into your diet daily. It is super high in magnesium and antioxidants and contains many other minerals and healing properties. We have personally used it in hot drinks, smoothies, desserts, energy balls, and of course, all by itself (whole beans) as a snack. It is also incorporated into many beauty products for skin and hair due to its rich butter and high antioxidant content.

Where does Cacao come from?

Our naturally grown, shaman-propagated, ceremonial grade cacao comes from the mountain forests on the Pacific slope of Guatemala. Cacao is also grown in Mexico, Central America, northern South America, Indonesia, and the largest producer is the Ivory Coast of Africa. It grows on a small under story tree which bears multicolored pods that contain a white, fruity pulp that encases the seeds, or "beans".

Is our Cacao fair trade and organic?

Our cacao is not certified by any third parties. It is grown in natural forests and does not come in contact with any unnatural chemicals or fertilizers. The Mayan (and non-Mayan) people who harvest and process the cacao are paid very fairly for their time. They are very proud and happy to be a part of the cacao process. There are also many other hands that make it all happen. We have worked elbow to elbow with several of the native Mayan men at the cacao packaging facility and they seem very happy to be there working with the team! The group packages every pound of cacao with love and joy, to ensure that a positive vibe ships with the product all over the planet.

As of 2017, due to the gap in the Guatemalan postal system, we have started swirling a new cacao medicine into our ceremonies, grown organically in Uganda, Africa. By the magic of the universe, we have been so happy to connect with a craft chocolatier in the USA who has shared his medicine with us! 

*NOTE: Globally, and especially in Africa, many of the cacao plantations use child slave labor, and generally unfair labor resources, so please look for reputable sources for your cacao. Fair Trade certified is a really good option when possible, unless you know and trust the source of your cacao directly.

What is a Cacao ceremony?

A ceremonial dose of cacao is taken in the form of a warm drink. The use of cacao in this way can enhance heart opening and it can also be a connector, facilitator of growth, creativity booster and emotional and energetic healing aid. It helps us to raise our personal and collective consciousness. Our cacao ceremonies may include songs, drumming, journeying, meditations, chanting, sound healing, discussion, connection and sharing. Many people feel a shift in their overall well being after participating in these ceremonies. Cacao is a much gentler plant medicine than many other popular ones that are being used for modern healing purposes. It's a great experience if you are or are not familiar with plant medicines!

Who is facilitating these Cacao ceremonies?

We are Tanner and Kristin from the West Coast of Canada. In early 2015 we spent several months learning from our friend and teacher Keith (www.ceremonialcacao.blogspot.com) the "chocolate shaman" and his family in Guatemala. For over two years, we have been using cacao on a daily basis. We initially started eating the beans, about ten per day, as a "truth serum". Not because we were withholding anything from each other, but mainly to be more true to ourselves and our hearts. Tanner also uses the beans for long distance walks, runs, bike rides etc., as the beans pack a lot of nutritional value and fit in any pocket. We have also attended many ceremonies, led by various teachers/healers in which we have personally experienced and witnessed the cacao medicine in action. We drum journey and meditate using cacao plant medicine and we often have communication with the plant spirit of cacao in meditations and music. Our passion for deeper connection with humanity is our driving force. (The cacao helps too.) 

What the world needs now is LOVE, SWEET LOVE!

What can I do to prepare myself for a Cacao Ceremony?

Honestly, come as you are! There isn't much you have to do other than to say "yes" to life and give your self the gift of attending a ceremony! Let life move you...

*Do please eat lightly and stay hydrated in the hours leading up to the ceremony, and hydrate for 24 hours following the ceremony. Avoid dairy products leading up to ceremony, as they inhibit the cacao from fully working with your being.

*Side Notes: Some seasoned students of cacao choose to fast on clear liquids the day of a ceremony to clear out the body and mind and make more space to invite the healing medicine of cacao inside. This is not necessary, but if it interests you, you may find that you will experience cacao even deeper than you already would living your everyday life. If you are a highly sensitive individual when it comes to stimulants and plant medicines, we suggest that you slowly work your way up to a full ceremonial dose.

What should I bring to the Cacao Ceremony?

You will only need a few things:

A mat and/or cushion and a blanket, and layers of clothing for comfort

*A FULL Water bottle*
A large mug for your cacao elixir

An item of gratitude for our ceremony's altar (flowers, fruits, candles, incense, items from Mother Nature, etc)

An open mind and a willing heart

Does cacao have health benefits?

Oh, GOSH YES! Cacao has so many health benefits that it would be crazy to write them all here. It's the highest food source of magnesium and it's also a "heart helper". It's super high in antioxidants too. May we recommend the book called Naked Chocolate by David Wolfe and Shazzie. It's so packed with cacao info! We have really enjoyed it and continue to reference it over and over. 

Are there any reasons I shouldn't consume cacao?

There are a few reasons why you may not want to consume an entire ceremonial dose of cacao, but in small doses, cacao can be a health enhancer for nearly everyone. 

If you have a serious heart condition, you may not want to drink the whole ceremonial dose, as cacao increases the heart rate slightly and dilates the blood vessels about 10-15%. 

The second reason you may not want to consume a ceremonial dose is if you are on a high dose of an MAOI anti-depressant Rx. Your doctor will likely have warned you again consuming certain foods while taking this medication, especially fermented foods.

Thirdly, keep cacao away from pets such as dogs, cats and parrots. These animals do not have the digestive enzymes to break down the cacao and it can be lethal to them. 

Pregnant women may wish to consume closer to a half-ceremonial dose, but studies have shown that mamas that consume a small daily dose of cacao while pregnant have happier babies (and happier mamas too).

For any other questions or info, or to book a ceremony, please send us a friendly note at 

oneworldwellness@yahoo.ca

(Our up-to-date ceremony schedule can be found in the blog archive on the right side of our main blog page.)

See our other blog about life, joyfulness and adventures at www.oneworldwellnessblog.blogspot.com

Cacao: Exploring San Cristobal de Las Casas

Kristin feeling excited to sample some products from one of the many chocolaterias and cacao cafés in San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas, MX

Tanner checking out the goods at this chocolateria chain. Theirs was some of the best in town that we sampled.

What?! Organic handmade chocolate pasta?! What a crazy combo. It was tempting. How could it be bad?

A small but informative cacao museum in San Cristobal.

This might be deceiving. Actual cacao pods with a fake backdrop in the museum entrance. Pretty realistic, no? :)

Photo Collection: Cacao Magic

A collection of the wide range of things we have been exploring in the world of cacao and some snapshots of our cacao ceremonies....enjoy!

A crystal bowl and didgeridoo sound journey co-facilitated by Cacao Connection and Tanya Devine during a group ceremony on Vancouver Island, BC, Canada in Spring 2016/

Participants enjoying a guided meditation and sound healing journey at a ceremony in a yoga studio on Vancouver Island, BC, Canada.

Post cacao bagging in San Marcos La Laguna, Guatemala - April 2015

The aftermath of bagging pure liquid cacao goodness. A beautiful mess!

Tanner is counting cacao beans...for fun. 

At a cacao cafe and museum in Xela, Guatemala called La Luna. They offer 8 different cacao drinks. We sampled a few. Yum.

Freshly cleaned cacao elixir cups from the many ceremonies we attended at the cacao school in Guatemala in 2015.

Tanner hanging out with some freshly bagged cacao paste in the cacao workshop - May 2015

Guatemalan setting for an outdoor cacao ceremony in our backyard. San Pedro volcano in the backdrop. March 2015

Cacao a su salud! Cheers to our health. At a cacao ceremony at the cacao school in San Marcos.

Energy balls that we make from cacao and other healthy and delicious vegan ingredients!

A batch of cacao brewed up for a ceremony in Yucatan, Mexico - February 2015

Tanner and a friend warming up for some singing and drumming in Progresso, Yucatan.

The magic cacao beans after being lightly toasted and peeled.

Family cacao bean peeling party at dusk, before a temezcal (sweat lodge) near Tulum, Quintana Roo, MX - January 2015

Tanner beating to the rhythm of his own drum at a cacao ceremony hosted by his mama, Cori on Vancouver Island - November 2014