kakaO ceremony
Kakao/Cacao Ceremony is a facilitator of self-reflection and spiritual awakening, allowing us to contemplate who we are, view our wishes and dreams and let go of the past traumas and ancestor wounds in order to expand and free ourselves from any blockages that don't serve us so we can live in our true essence and feel whole. If you haven't had the chance to participate in a Kakao ceremony, I hope this page will educate and inspire you to experience Kakao for yourself. At the end of this page, you'll find information on how we hold Kakao ceremonies and when to attend the next one. First let's dig deeper!​
ORIGINS OF KAKAO CEREMONIES
Kakao Ceremonies were originally served as religious rituals for the ancient Native Mesoamerican cultures for all occasion. Unions, birth of a child, deaths etc. Tata Pedro Cruz the MayanTz’ Utujit spiritual leader says "the mythology speaks of two lords of the underworld who forbid anyone to approach the Kakao tree, however, a daughter named lxquic (ichkik) fooled the guards who were watching the tree and as she approached the tree, she found the skull of her father, after staring at it, the skull asked her to hand her hand over and he spat on it. It was a kakao seed and right at that moment she got pregnant with twins…that’s the origin of sacred Kakao"
Sacred kakao gathering were used in virtually any ceremony of importance in order to lift the spirits of the soon to be sacrificed in the Aztec kingdom. As a staple in the Mayan and Aztec cultures for centuries, kakao had a place in these empires as a sacred, elite, and ritualistic plant also considered as FOOD of the GODS. Far from just being a tool in religious ceremonies, Kakao was also used for medicinal purposes. Nothing was wasted, from the flower, to the fruit to the pod. The flower served as a remedy for chronic fatigue whilst the fruit as food and to alleviate fever and to improve digestive issues.
The ancestors left each culture, each ethnic, each community, their own way practicing spirituality and the way they connect with the Kakao Spirit...
THE KAKAO CEREMONIES TODAY
The modern Kakao Ceremony has been birthed out of the same ideas of the ancient cultures, being tools for transformation and self-discovery. The ancient cultures, although continuously vanishing in the modern world, provide insight into a life more intertwined with nature and the spirit. Modern day kakao Ceremonies, though not directed towards these ancient Gods, embraces the meditative properties of kakao, relaxing the body and clearing the mind for moments of pure self-reflection to ensue. Conventional medicine has its place in treating the body but it has also disconnected us and disempowered us from our spirit. During Kakao Ceremonies, it is the time to re-balance the energy centres and feel whole again with body, mind and spirit, connected as one. Kakao is NOT a psychedelic plant and so it is NOT a journey to an "out of body experience" that you may get with other plant medicine. What Kakao Ceremony IS...it is a journey to a spiritual awakening, it will depends heavily on YOU and how much you are willing to allow Kakao spirit to work with you. Kakao Ceremony is a time to empty your mind, reflect in inner silence and peace. Through peace, clarity surfaces and you will be able to hear YOUR inner guidance speaking to you.
The rise of popularity of Kakao Ceremonies is probably due to (that's what happened to my Shaman who trained me) the experience people had when they travelled to the jungle of Latin America, meeting the indigenous tribe and witnessing the way they honour, celebrate and work with kakao. Feeling transformed and awakened, these transformed souls came back with this dream of spreading the love of kakao (as they have probably been asked to do by Kakao's Spirit) to the Western World. Bearing in mind that some indigenous traditions and rituals have been either forgotten, not passed on and even diluted with time, there are many different ways that people hold Kakao Ceremonies nowadays. There is no right or wrong, every kakao facilitator is (or should be) working with kakao in an intuitive way, honouring this ancient plant medicine and respecting her origin from the Native Mesoamerican cultures experienced or thousands of years.
THE WAY WE HOLD OUR KAKAO CEREMONIES
Kakao Ceremonies are a safe container where we give ourselves permission to be, to feel and to let go. Gathering in a circle, we sit or lay down in ceremony as a community, which creates a supportive sacred space for all as we do in our individual work while supporting those in the room with us and in our heart. We drink kakao ceremonially, respecting the indigenous traditions and with integrity. In a special ritual, you will be guided on a shamanic journey to connect with the Kakao Spirit, to discover more about yourself, open your heart, and find peace and clarity. We give thanks and offer our gratitude to all Mother Earth, Kakao's Spirit and the elements. We usually combine sound and movement medicine in our ceremony to enhance the experience of your blissful journey with kakao to help you unlock your alchemy and clarity to the answers you seek with the guidance of kakao.
As a powerful Plant Medicine kakao helps us to release emotional blockages that no longer serve us, find forgiveness in ourselves and others, and shows us the way forward if we are stuck or afraid of making the necessary life changes in order to move on. It enables us to access stuck emotions, conditionings, patterns of behaviour and addictions that are buried deep in the unconscious and release them in safe and nurturing environment. The combination of drinking Kakao and experiencing Breath, Sound, Dance and Movement Meditation is an explosive, heart-opening experience raising the vibrational frequency within all the cells of your body and opening the doors to dimensions of intuitive knowing, connection to self and others and a sense of release and peace.
Our Tsatsayaku kakao comes directly from Ecuador, the Association is made up of 140 Kichwa and Mestizo families from 13 different communities, and it’s mission is to produce and conserve ancestral cacao (Arriba Nacional/Fino de Aroma) that provides a fair price for all of its members.
The kakao itself is grown in the traditional Kichwa farming method ‘Chakra’, which has a conscientious respect for the natural environment. The organic approach seeks to preserve biodiversity and natural resources.
As you sip this sacred elixir, you'll be guided on a journey of connection, awakening, and deep inner exploration. Whether you're seeking healing, clarity in your life's purpose, or simply a space to reconnect with yourself and others, our kakao ceremonies provide a safe and nurturing environment for you to do so. Guided by myself (learn about me) each ceremony is carefully curated to honour the wisdom of the kakao spirit and support your unique journey.
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Our ceremonial kakao offerings include:
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Group ceremonies: Join us in a circle of like-minded souls as we come together to drink kakao, share intentions, and embark on a collective journey of healing and transformation.
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Private ceremonies: Experience the magic of ceremonial kakao in a more intimate setting, tailored specifically to your individual needs and intentions. Perfect for those seeking deeper personal exploration and healing.
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Workshops and retreats/sistercircles: Dive deeper into the world of ceremonial kakao with our immersive workshops and retreats. Explore different aspects of kakao ceremony, sisterhood and sacred ritutals
HOW TO PREPARE BEFORE ATTENDING A KAKAO CEREMONY
Kakao is a powerful, yet also a very gentle plant medicine, there are not many things you can’t do leading up to a ceremony. However, the following would make for the best experience.
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Only have a light breakfast the morning of the ceremony and avoid eating for 3 hours beforehand.
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Try to avoid caffeine or any other stimulants on the day, but please refrain for at least 3 hours prior to the ceremony start time – kakao also acts as a stimulant.
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Give serious thought as to what you want to gain from the ceremony – what is your intention? I will ask you to share it with me so I can prepare your bespoke essential oil that will support you during your journey.
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Leave plenty of time to get to the Ceremony so that you are not rushed or stressed when you arrive. We start promptly on time by locking in our group energy before open the Ceremony, so late arrival is not allowed in so please bear this in mind (more details below)
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You must let me know if you are on any medication especially, anti-depressants and any health issues I should be aware of. Kacao medicine is NOT a hot chocolate drink, it is very bitter ( you can add some maples syrup if you prefer) and you don't have to drink the whole cup too, you'll know when to stop, your body will tell you as soon as the bitterness gets too much
WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU?
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An open mind
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Your imagination
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Your intention for the Ceremony – (see below for more info)
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A yoga mat or something comfortable to lie on, a pillow and something really warm to wrap yourself up in e.g. sleeping bag, duvet or thick blanket – you’ll be lying on the floor for up to an hour and a half so it’s really important you are warm and comfortable
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If you like it dark bring a blindfold
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Extra socks or slippers to keep your feet warm
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Your own special mug to drink kakao out of
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I also suggest bringing a journal and a pen for recording your experience
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Water bottle
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Some cash if you want to buy some Ceremonial Grade Kacao after the Ceremony or essential oils blends I make myself with the highest and purest grade.
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Wear something that you feel comfortable in - you will be lying down for approx 1½hrs – so the most important thing is comfort!
​AFTER KAKAO CEREMONY SELF-CARE
To make the most of the work you have done during the kakao ceremony try to give yourself time for self-care and integration after the ceremony; including nourishing and grounding activities, for example:
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Drink Plenty of water – kacao can be dehydrating
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Eating a hearty meal soon after the ceremony, you will probably be very hungry!
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Taking a shower or bath to clear your energy
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Time to move your body (ideally in nature) in the evening or the following day e.g. walking, swimming, yoga
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Time to reflect, integrate and plan actions from your experience. Journaling may be helpful, meditation
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Use a cleansing essential oil such as Melaleuca, Cypress, Lemon...I also have a special blend which will be on available to purchase.
HOW TO PREPARE YOUR CEREMONIAL KAKAO AT HOME
Kacao is the only Master Plant Medicine that you can be taken on a regular basis. However, 42 gram of ceremonial dose is very heavy on the adrenals and therefore should only be done in ceremony. If you take antidepressants, you should only take half a dose.
So you can use daily in smaller dose per day as a substitute to coffee by making a hot chocolate drink using 20-25 grams of the kacao depending on your needs. It can be made with hot water or plant milk, you can also add chilli powder, nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, sweetener of your choice.
You can also sprinkle some chopped kacao on your cereals or in your smoothie.
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Here how to make it for one person:
Bring one cup of spring water to almost boiling point, turn the heat right down
add 4 and half TBSP of chopped kacao, stir until it thickens, turn off the heat. Add your spices and sweetener if desired.​
Simple version:
In a blender, pour 1 cup of hot water (careful with blending hot water) add 4 TBSP of shopped cacao and blend. Add whatever you desire!
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Here what my beautiful souls think of my Kakao Ceremonies - If you want to know anything I haven't covered on here please reach out t me x
Karen
I found the ceremony very spiritual, enlightening, reflective, relaxing & liberating. It was useful and a perhaps a little indulgent (in a good way!) to take some personal time out to meditate and consider my needs and what I hoped to achieve from this experience. I couldn't have wished for a nicer group of very supportive and intimate group of beautiful ladies to share this experience with.
The dominant force that came through for me was 'cleansing' and I have come away with a very positive outlook, which I'm very hopeful will equip me with a strong & determined mindset to carry through the journey of my intention. The ceremony finished with a wonderful vegan meal prepared by Farah, I highly recommend it! xx
Sam
With an open, positive mind and somewhat unsure intentions in words but strong in feelings, I found Farah’s Cacao ceremony to be an insightful, uplifting and powerful experience, conducted in a safe and warm environment with other beautiful Souls and finished with Farah’s delicious and healthy food. Thank you Farah x
It’s an experience I would love to repeat in the future xxx
Eve
My first kacao ceremony and what an amazing afternoon. Farah talked us through all the things we might experience and gave us an over view of how cacao has enriched her life. After drinking our cacao we spent an hour of deep relaxing meditation. I experienced a great feeling of calm and warmth and took an amazing journey. We then performed a cleansing ritual. Farah completed our journey with amazing vegan meal. I came away feeling invigorated with a positive mind and body. I can highly recommend this experience thank you Farah xx
Heather
I heard about Farah’s Cacaosistas ceremony and it seemed a fascinating event, I went to be open and learn, not exactly sure of what would happen but not a concern, as it was friendly, relaxing and calm. The Ceremony cleared your thoughts and mind to understand yourself and the way forward making decisions easier. Looking forward to next ceremony!
Laura
"Wow! Wow! Wow!
had no expectations about what "should" happen during the meditation and went with the flow. I lay on a blanket and Farah took us through a guided meditation, I felt incredibly relaxed during and after the meditation and, as someone who finds meditation difficult and sometimes boring, I was pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed the time and had a "vision" which had a lot of meaning for me. I sincerely recommend experiencing a cacao mediation with Farah. It was both relaxing and invigorating and I will be back for more, not just for the food, but to gain greater insight into my spiritual journey. Thank you Farah."
our beloved kakao ceremonies are an integral part of our Femme Divine Circles, where we come together to connect, support, and uplift one another. These ceremonies hold a special place in our hearts, serving as moments of profound connection and transformation.
Whether you've attended one of our sister circles before or are hearing about them for the first time, I invite you to express your interest in joining us for our next event. Your presence and participation are truly valued, and I believe that your energy and unique perspective would enrich our circle in beautiful ways.
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Whether you're new to ceremonial kakao or a seasoned practitioner, we welcome you to join us in this sacred journey of self-discovery, healing, and empowerment. Come, experience the magic of ceremonial kakao with us and unlock the wisdom and healing that lies within.
Ready to embark on your kakao journey? Reach ou to me to learn more about our upcoming ceremonies and events, and take the first step towards transformation and empowerment.
you feel called to be part of this sacred gathering, please let me know your interest, and I'll be sure to keep you informed about the details of our upcoming event.