We set up sacred space, and we will drink Ceremonial Cacao together with heartfelt, loving intentions. We will then experience a shamanic journey of healing with Mama Cacao as your guide. I will drum for your shamanic Journey to assist you in your healing. We will experience a sound healing using Solfeggio/Circle of Fifths pipes, Koshi chimes, Tibetan bowls, and many other instruments. Next we will experience Ho”oponopono a process of giving up what we are carrying, We are FOR GIVING IT UP.
Then a short Yoga Nidra to ground and integrate. We will conclude with a sharing in sacred circle a very important part of shamanic culture and a closing of our circle with gratitude and love.
Special arrangements can be made for in person groups and to meet your needs. Please contact me for more details.
How to Prepare for the Cacao Ceremony
COST DOES NOT INCLUDE THE PRICE OF THE CACAO. PLEASE ORDER YOUR CACAO IMMEDIATELY AS IT USUALLY TAKES SEVERAL WEEKS TO ARRIVE. THERE ARE NO REFUNDS ON THIS CEREMONY, SO BE SURE TO ORDER YOUR CACAO AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
After you register, you will receive a downloadable letter with instructions.
Please read the information below carefully, so you know how to prepare. Return to it the day before the ceremony so that you can get everything in order. We trust you to take responsibility for working with cacao with integrity.
IS CACAO RIGHT FOR YOU?
Most people find cacao to be a safe and beneficial ceremonial food. It is NOT a hallucinogen and is very gentle and heart-opening. It will not make you feel out of control, paranoid, overwhelmed, or fearful.
Cacao DOES raise your heart rate and lower your blood pressure.
Therefore, if you have a heart condition such that a 20 percent increase in your heart rate would cause a medical emergency for your body, you are advised to try my Cacao Flower Essence instead of taking the cacao paste, or to participate without taking anything.
If you are taking antidepressants, you may want to start with a half dose of Cacao. If you have concerns, you may try my Cacao Flower Essence.
The theobromine in cacao stimulates the cardiovascular system rather than the nervous system.
PLEASE NOTE: You can still participate in the ceremony if you choose not to take the ceremonial cacao, and you can take the Cacao Flower Essence instead or nothing at all. There are many stories, including my own, where Mama Cacao will work with you energetically as a spirit helper without you taking the physical drink.
WHEN YOU REGISTER FOR THE CEREMONY WITH
HEALING TRAUMA CENTER, LLC
Indicates that you are taking responsibility for your health and that you release Healing Trauma Center, LLC, from any liability for any unwanted effects the cacao may have on you.
Contact your doctor if you have concerns.
COST DOES NOT INCLUDE THE PRICE OF THE CEREMONIAL CACAO OR CACAO FLOWER ESSENCE. YOU MAY ORDER OUR ORGANIC ARRIBA NACIONAL CACAO ON THIS SITE.
REFUND POLICY: NO REFUNDS, NO CREDIT, NO TRANSFERS
Safety Precautions
We think of our Cacao as a plant medicine. As with any potent medicine, it is important to be mindful in its use.
In most cases, there are no concerns to be aware of. The points listed below are mainly a concern when you take higher doses, as is done when the Cacao is used ceremonially. In these cases, the combination of potent cacao and a higher dose warrants some additional mindfulness.
First, if you are working with it ceremonially, we recommend that you start off with about half the full dose. A full dose, the maximum we use, is two ounces, so that means starting off with one ounce. See how it feels and wait at least thirty minutes before consuming more.
Cacao is a strong bitter and stimulant, so there are some potential side effects to be aware of, as well as certain contra-indications. Since cacao is consumed in higher doses in ceremony, people might experience symptoms such as light-headedness, sweaty palms, headache, or nausea. Simply slow down, drink water, and practice self-care as needed until symptoms subside. Cacao can also stimulate detox symptoms in some cases. If this happens, take it as a blessing and drink plenty of water as your body lets go of whatever it didn’t like. This will likely be accentuated for people on a raw diet or who are fasting. Go with lower doses in this case.
Certain antidepressants are worth extra consideration. MAOI-based antidepressants are contraindicated with the tyramine in chocolate, so a larger dose of cacao is not recommended. MAOI-based antidepressants are first-generation antidepressants and are less common these days. People taking them are on a restricted diet that includes limiting or avoiding chocolate, so they should know if they can consume or not. Side effects could include more serious headache and nausea, so make sure to check medications first.
Additionally, there has been some concern with larger doses of cacao and SSRI type antidepressants because of the MAOIs in cacao. Specifically, tryptophan, a type of MAOI that is a precursor to serotonin, has been cited by some as a possible contraindication. The research about this interaction is minimal, but studies on both the amounts of tryptophan in chocolate and how that might cause “serotonin syndrome” don't indicate any problem. However, to be on the safe side, for those on SSRIs, we suggest consulting with your doctor and/or pharmacist regarding higher doses of cacao and to consider starting with low doses.
If you have a serious heart condition: The theobromine in cacao increases heart rate significantly and is a vasodilator, lowering blood pressure. If you have such a condition, consider consulting a physician and certainly go lighter on amounts.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding: The theobromine in cacao, which is very similar to caffeine, has a stimulating effect. Thus, we recommend using lower dosages (e.g., a maximum of one ounce in a ceremonial drink).
Pure cacao can be fatal to dogs (and possibly horses and parrots), so be sure to keep it away from pets.
If any symptoms do present, drink lots of water, get some rest, and the symptoms will pass.