My First Cacao Ceremony Experience

Cacao Ceremony

Yesterday marked my first Cacao Ceremony, and it was truly a sacred roller coaster experience. Cacao, known as "food of the gods," is a powerful plant medicine deeply revered by indigenous cultures, particularly the Mayans and Aztecs. Traditionally used in ceremonial contexts, cacao is a spiritual catalyst for opening the heart, grounding oneself, and facilitating emotional healing. Peer-reviewed research acknowledges cacao's beneficial components, including flavonoids and theobromine, which can enhance mood, improve cardiovascular health, and support emotional well-being (McShea et al, 2008; Magrone, Jirillo, & Russo, 2021).

A blue hummingbird

My cacao experience left a profound impression on me. Immediately after drinking the ceremonial cacao, I felt profound peace, a simultaneous feeling of being fully present yet experiencing future peace. As I sank deeper into groundedness, a clear vision emerged of an elder version of myself smiling with deep gratitude for the life I've cultivated. A gentle voice whispered, "Slow down, take your time," guiding me to release. At that moment, I opened my eyes, astonished as a bird hovered directly in front of me, fluttering its wings steadily, in midair, similar to a hummingbird, yet distinctly different. It felt nothing short of extraordinary and spiritually significant. Across various traditions, birds are often seen as messengers from the Divine. This particular display amplified that connection. The hummingbird, in particular, is a potent symbol of joy, resilience, and living in the present moment, reminding us to savor life's sweetness and adapt with grace. This rare and intimate interaction felt like a direct communication, a gentle nudge to embrace positivity, trust in Divine protection, and recognize the subtle signs and synchronicity guiding my path. The symbolism felt powerful; it was a beautiful confirmation of the message to pause and embrace the present.

Amma blessing a tree with Reiki

Throughout the ceremony, I was guided compassionately by my friend Kahlea. I experienced waves of gentle emotional release. Kahlea and I began our connection years ago through Reiki healing and have since evolved our relationship into a deep friendship rooted in spiritual support. Her guidance, rooted in her strong Christian faith, offered a unique blend of boundaries and wisdom, creating a safe and loving space for this transformative ceremony. Gratitude fills my heart for her role in my journey.

Energy Shock

Even after the ceremony concluded, its healing continued overnight. I felt sensations of almost-pain in my chest and gut, intuitively recognizing them a signs of deep internal healing. At that moment, The Most High gently reminded me: make sure your heart aligns with your gut as you make every decision. Throughout the night, I experienced brief moments of full-body energetic shocks, not painful, but profound. Waking multiple times to use the restroom seemed frequent. Each awakening was a gentle reminder of my ongoing emotional and physical release. Research suggests that cacao's active component, theobromine, significantly contributes to its beneficial health effects and may explain the gentle, energetic sensations I experienced (Martinez-Pinilla, Onatibia-Astibia, & Fanco, 2025).

uusi Supra Oracle deck "Release" book meaning: unfolding, relaxing, easing into the moment before us releases the frantic grip of time. The past and the future are always trying to influence our thoughts by pulling us away from ourselves and from the present. Making space for the moment requires releasing your burdens for a needed rest. This brings an abundance of yourself to you and widens out the space around you, strengthening with the cool, lasting breeze of eternity that lifts you into a force of nature. Words: Mighty, Present, Salvation, Freedom, & Courage.

My experience with cacao was not just a spiritual journey, but a transformative one. Before sippin, I gave Reiki and blessings to the cacao, feeling the presence of The Most High, my Angels, Ancestors, and Guides. Juggling caregiving responsibilities for my brother alongside my roles as a mother, full-time student, healer, and founder of Be Free Be Fly Ministry had left me feeling overwhelmed. I had openly shed tears earlier that day, feeling raw yet necessary. Cacao allowed me to continue releasing those emotions peacefully, guided by clear, supportive spiritual messages, making a deep turning point in my emotional healing journey.

uusi Supra Oracle deck "Spiritual" book meaning: Spirit is a mythological dream that requires a shared belief in a union between ourselves, our world, and a higher power in order for it to exist and be useful to us. When this belief exists, a fellowship is formed, and the secrets of the ancient world are transmitted across the gaping expanse of time where they are eagerly awaiting, and always ready for a new beginning. If we hold true to our part of this fellowship, our belief in its dream mythology, we become the vehicles through which the spirit is gifted and reborn. This rebirth of spirit within us deepens our world with meaning and purpose and allows us to reintegrate our life with all Life and the dizzying cosmos beyond.

Drawing oracle cards during the ceremony reinforced the Divine alignment. My card was "release," and Kahlea's was "spirit." This beautifully echoed the presence of spirit, guidance, and support I felt throughout. The message was clear: slow down, remain grounded, and trust.

Today, I remain gently suspended between worlds, still processing and integrating this significant healing experience. Reflecting on indigenous teachings, cacao ceremonies traditionally invite us to connect deeply with our hearts and Ancestors, allowing healing and wisdom to flow. My experience resonates personally with these teachings.

I encourage everyone who feels called toward this sacred medicine to explore it respectfully and patiently. My introduction to cacao came from my sister Kori, and it took over a year for me to feel ready. Trusting Divine timing ensured my experience was authentically aligned and deeply meaningful.

As the great Nipsey Hussle reminded us, "life is a marathon, not a race." Protect your peace, cherish joy, and fill your heart with love. Live intentionally, embracing gratitude for all blessings received, no matter how small. My cacao experience was once a whispered prayer, now beautifully manifested.

Prayer is love, sacred, and powerful! Take intentional moments daily to connect with the Divine within and around you.

References:

McShea, A., Ramiro-Puig, E., Munro, S. B., Casadesus, G., Castell, M., & Smith, M. A. (2008). Clinical benefit and preservation of flavonols in dark chocolate manufacturing. Nutrition Reviews, 66(11), 630-641. https://europepmc.org/article/med/19019025

Magrone, T., Jirillo, E., & Russo, M. A. (2021). Impact of cocoa flavanols on human health. Toxicology Reports, 8, 164–176. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S027869152100154X

Martínez-Pinilla, E., Oñatibia-Astibia, A., & Franco, R. (2015). The relevance of theobromine for the beneficial effects of cocoa consumption. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 6, 30. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25750625/