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