Working with Sacred Cacao
Cacao
As more people seek deeper connections with themselves, the natural world, and the ancestral wisdom of ancient cultures, Cacao has become a cherished companion on the journey of healing and self-discovery. Cacao is one of my most beloved plant allies, and I’m excited to share why it holds such a special place in my heart and practice.
Cacao held profound importance in the spiritual, medicinal, and cultural practices of early civilizations like the Olmec, Maya, and Aztec. Its botanical name, Theobroma Cacao, means “Food of the Gods” or “Food of the Shift,” highlighting its sacred status.
For centuries, Cacao has been honored for its powerful energetic and spiritual qualities, helping it maintain a central role in many traditions focused on healing and inner transformation.
Master plant - Cacao is considered a master plant because of its ability to support deep emotional, energetic, and spiritual work when used with intention. Unlike psychotropic plant medicines, Cacao is non-psychedelic, meaning it doesn’t alter your perception or consciousness in an invasive way. Instead, it works gently yet profoundly, opening the heart, enhancing clarity, and helping you connect more deeply with your inner self and intuition. When approached with reverence and purpose—similar to how one might engage with stronger plant medicines—Cacao can facilitate meaningful insight, emotional release, and personal transformation.
Heart Opener - Cacao stimulate the release of feel-good chemicals such as anandamide, phenylethylamine, and theobromine. These natural compounds promote feelings of love, happiness, and connection. One of the most well-known spiritual properties of Cacao is its ability to open the heart. Cacao is believed to have a gentle yet powerful effect on the heart, helping to release emotional blockages, promote self-love, and deepen our connection with others. This heart-opening effect can facilitate emotional healing, compassion, and a greater sense of empathy and understanding.
Creativity and Inspiration - The stimulating properties of Cacao can enhance creativity, inspiration, focus, mental clarity, and insight.
Cacao also contains several physical healing properties that support overall well-being including:
Phenylethylamine (PEA) - Often called the "love molecule," PEA is a compound that the brain releases in small amounts when people fall in love
Serotonin - Cacao contains compounds like tryptophan, which is a precursor to serotonin, and may help support serotonin production. This can support mood and emotional well-being
Oxytocin - Cacao supports feelings of connection and bonding, which are associated with oxytocin release during positive social interactions or rituals
Magnesium - Cacao is one of the richest natural sources of magnesium which can relax muscles, reduce stress, improve circulation, support heart and bone health, regulate blood sugar, and promote brain function
Theobromine - A mild, long-lasting stimulant found in cacao that increases energy, improves focus, promotes relaxation of the body, and widens blood vessels, improving circulation (including to the heart)
Antioxidines - Cacao is rich in flavonoids and other antioxidants that help protect cells from oxidative stress caused by free radicals
Anti-inflammatory - Properties are found in Cacao and keep inflammation and risk of disease low
Anandamides - Known as the "bliss molecule," anandamide is a neurotransmitter that binds to cannabinoid receptors and may promote feelings of euphoria and joy
How to Prepare
You can prepare your cacao using either powdered cacao or ceremonial-grade cacao. Simply boil some hot water and combine with your cacao to find the ratio and consistency that feels right for you—richer blends tend to use more cacao and less water. This is a beautiful opportunity to personalize your drink with ingredients that nourish you.
Add your favorite pizzazz—cinnamon for warmth and blood sugar balance, coconut oil or ghee for healthy fats and creaminess, your choice of milk (plant-based or dairy), adaptogenic mushrooms like reishi or lion’s mane for added cognitive and immune support, or natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey to round out the flavor.
Ritual & Intention
Make it a ritual, not just a recipe.
Ritual is a doorway into intentional living—a way to slow down, become present, and deepen your connection to yourself and the moment. When you begin to understand the power of intention, you begin to live life in a more conscious and connected way—where even the simplest acts can hold meaning, presence, and beauty.
Setting - Create a space that invites presence. Light a candle, clear the energy with sage or palo santo, play music that nourishes you, or simply wrap yourself in a blanket with your journal. Let your environment reflect the energy you wish to cultivate.
Intention - Prepare your cacao with mindfulness. As you stir and sip, reflect on how you want this plant medicine to move through you—your body, your nervous system, your spirit. An intention doesn’t have to be grand. Even something like, “I want to lead with an open heart today,” can guide your experience.
Gratitude - Always take a moment to give thanks—to the cacao, the land it came from, and the hands that brought it to you. Your gratitude can be as simple as a silent prayer, pouring a few drops back to the earth, or offering flowers or herbs as a gesture of reverence.