This is the seventh in my weekly (every Friday) series of blog posts ‘For Newbies’, in which I attempt to outline the basic practices and terminology of shamanism in as clear and easy to understand prose as I can.
This one is about the sacred plant medicine, Cacao.
I enjoyed reading about Ayahuasca in your previous blogs but I cannot travel to Peru at the moment – is there any plant medicine that I can take, legally, in my own country?
Indeed, there is and, no doubt, you have been tipped off as to what it might be from the title of the blog – cacao…
Cacao? Isn’t that just chocolate? Is this a joke?
Raw chocolate, yes, but it’s far from being a joke. In fact, Cacao is a powerful plant medicine, which has been used ceremonially for thousands of years in Central and South America. Records suggest that the Olmec, Aztec and Mayan cultures all used it as a ritualistic medicine, to commune with their gods, and that they saw it as signifying life and fertility. This might explain why it is recorded that Moctezuma II, Emperor of the Aztecs, only ever drank chocolate, served in a golden goblet. Indeed, the word ‘cacao’ originates from the Nahuatl (Aztec) word ‘cacahuatl’.
I’m pretty sure there’s no DMT in cacao…
You’re quite right. Cacao is not psychoactive, so it doesn’t take you out of your body. It does, however, contain ‘theobromine’ (see formula below), which is a vasodilator (a blood vessel widener) and heart stimulant. Since it increases blood flow to the brain, it can increase one’s awareness and focus. It also contains potassium, phospohorus, copper, iron, zinc and magnesium, which contribute towards cardiovascular health. I eat chocolate when I’m stressed. Sensible you. There are plenty of clinical studies, which suggest that cacao is a natural antidepressant.
What about emotional or spiritual benefits?
It scores points here too. Theobromine’s capacicity as a heart stimulant has led to Cacao’s association with the heart chakra. As such, it stimulates the heart chakra to actively promotes love and reduce fear. As a plant medicine, Cacao works to release emotional blockages and encourages you to break away from patterns of behaviour, which no longer serve you.
You don’t drink cacao in ceremony like Ayahuasca though, do you?
Indeed, you can! A guided meditation can assist you in the release of emotional blockages. To my mind, the necessity to find a good, well practiced Ayahuaschero (or, in this case, Cacaoist) to deliver the ceremony is not as vitally important as with an Ayahuascha ceremony – a decent shaman who is practiced in leading journeying ought to be able to deliver a positive encounter. Having said that, particularly if it’s your first time taking cacao in ceremony, I would highly recommend attending an event led by a shaman who is experienced in working with plant medicine.
Is there anyone you recommend?
My first time taking cacao in ceremony was with Rebekah Shaman (you can find her informative webpage at www.rebekahshaman.com, or just click here, an experienced Cacaoista and Ayahuascheros, she runs regular retreats and events in the UK and abroad.
What happens in a cacao ceremony?
The ceremony will vary but typically the group will sit in a circle and open sacred space together. As with any sacred journey, it is important to think about your ‘intention’ and what you want from the experience. The cacao is served in liquid form (around 1-2oz of cacao, mixed with water is a standard ceremonial dose) and it tastes like a very bitter hot chocolate. Its bitterness means that it has been traditionally served with honey or chilli, and you may be offered these by your shaman to enhance the taste. You will then find a comfortable space, perhaps lying down, and, typically, your shaman will lead a meditation, a journey or offer some kind of sound healing.
What happens to participants?
Feelings of euphoria are not uncommon. Since Cacao stimulates the heart chakra, it can provoke quite an emotional journey, as the heart is opened and blocks are removed. Indeed, the sense of self-love, which Cacao engenders, can be quite an alien experience for some participants and there are often tears. There is a lot of smiling through the tears, however, as they realise the joy and freedom of finding a new path.
Are there any drawbacks?
All plant medicine is transformational and you will need to prepare yourself for this aspect. You will have to ask yourself if you are truly ready to let go…
