Wellness Superfoods: The Incredible Health Benefits of Cacao

When we talk about cacao ceremonies or ritual cacao,  we’re not talking about chocolate.

We’re talking about ceremonial grade raw cacao. 

This cacao is specifically grown, harvested, and prepared with the intention of being used in traditional ceremonies and rituals.

Purity and Quality: Ceremonial grade cacao is made from heirloom cacao varieties, typically grown in specific regions, often in Central and South America.

The beans are minimally processed, usually stone-ground, and cold pressed. It is always free from additives such as sugar, dairy, or artificial flavorings.

Energetic and Spiritual Connection: This cacao is considered sacred and is often used in spiritual practices for its ability to open the heart, enhance meditation, and create a sense of connection with oneself and others.

The process of preparing and consuming the cacao is done with mindfulness and intention, often as part of a ceremonial gathering.

Sourcing and Sustainability: Ceremonial grade cacao is typically sourced from small, family-owned farms that follow traditional farming practices.

The production often supports indigenous communities and helps to preserve the cultural heritage associated with cacao cultivation.

Want to learn more? Read our article about the difference between cacao and cocoa. 

Every cacao ceremony or cacao ritual looks a little different, but there’s always the undertone of connecting with yourself, the others there and opening your heart. 

This cacao ritual is set up in the following way: 

1. Preparing the Cacao Mindfully
2. Opening the circle with intention
3. The Mindful First Sip Ritual
4. Guided Meditation & Sound Bath
5. Sharing and Closing the circle

A cacao ceremony offers profound effects on both the energetic and spiritual levels. The ceremonial grade cacao, revered as sacred, acts as a powerful heart opener, gently facilitating emotional release and deepening our connection to the present moment.

When consumed in a mindful, intentional setting, this cacao enhances meditation, allowing participants to access heightened states of awareness and inner clarity.

The ceremony itself becomes a space for spiritual exploration and healing, where the shared experience of cacao creates a sense of unity and connection with others.

As the cacao works to open the heart, it invites us to connect more authentically with our emotions and with those around us. This energetic shift often leads to a profound sense of love, compassion, and interconnectedness.

The history of cacao ceremonies dates back thousands of years to ancient Mesoamerican civilizations, particularly the Mayans and the Aztecs, who revered cacao as a sacred plant.

Cacao was considered a divine gift from the gods, often associated with fertility, abundance, and the spirit of the earth. The Mayans referred to it as “the food of the gods,” and they integrated cacao into their religious practices, using it in rituals to connect with the divine and to offer blessings to their deities.

The Aztecs, too, held cacao in high esteem, using it in ceremonies to honor their gods, as well as in rites of passage, marriages, and other significant life events. For these cultures, cacao was not merely a food or drink but a powerful spiritual tool that bridged the human and the divine realms.

Unlike its ancient usage, which was deeply tied to specific cultural and religious practices, modern cacao ceremonies are often more eclectic and adaptable, blending traditional elements with contemporary spiritual practices.

These ceremonies are typically centered around the mindful preparation and consumption of ceremonial grade cacao, creating a sacred space for participants to connect with themselves and each other on a deeper level.

The emphasis is on using cacao as a heart-opening tool to facilitate emotional healing, introspection, and connection, often accompanied by meditation, breathwork, chanting, or other mindfulness practices.

In today’s cacao ceremonies, there is also a strong focus on the communal aspect, with participants coming together in a circle to share their intentions, experiences, and energies.

The setting can vary widely—from intimate home gatherings to larger events in wellness centers or nature retreats—but the core intention remains the same: to create a space of love, openness, and spiritual connection. This modern approach often emphasizes inclusivity, making the ceremonies accessible to people from diverse backgrounds and spiritual beliefs.

Additionally, there is a growing awareness of the importance of honoring the origins of cacao and the indigenous cultures that have traditionally used it, leading many facilitators to incorporate elements of cultural respect and education into their rituals.

• Location:

  • Place the altar in the center of the circle where participants will gather.

• Foundation:

  • Choose a cloth or mat as the base for your altar.
  • Use something with spiritual significance or a design that resonates with the ceremony’s energy.

• Natural Elements:

  • Earth: Include crystals, stones, or plants.
  • Air: Add feathers, incense, or an item representing the wind.
  • Fire: Place candles or a small fire-safe item.
  • Water: Incorporate a bowl of water, seashells, or flowers.

• Cacao:

  • Place the prepared cacao or raw cacao beans at the center of the altar.

• Four Directions (optional):

  • Include symbols for north, south, east, and west to honor balance and harmony.

• Personal Items:

  • Add items of personal spiritual significance, such as a talisman, photo, or sacred text.

• Mindful Arrangement:

  • Arrange the altar with intention, focusing on the energy you want to bring into the ceremony.

You can have a cacao ceremony anytime, but doing it with intention for something specific could include:

• Full Moon:

  • A powerful time for releasing what no longer serves you.
  • Use the ceremony to set intentions for letting go and embracing new opportunities. Along with your other full moon rituals.
  • The heightened energy of the full moon enhances emotional clarity and connection.

• New Moon:

  • Perfect for setting new intentions and planting seeds for the future.
  • Focus on manifestation, new beginnings, and personal growth.
  • The new moon’s energy supports deep introspection and renewal.

• Seasonal Changes:

  • Mark the transition of seasons (e.g., equinoxes and solstices) with a ceremony.
  • Honor the cycles of nature and reflect on your own growth and transformation.
  • Use this time to align with the natural rhythms of the earth.

• Personal Milestones:

  • Celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, or significant life events.
  • Use the ceremony to reflect on your journey and set intentions for the year ahead.
  • Gather loved ones to share in your celebration and strengthen connections.

• Times of Transition:

  • Hold a ceremony during periods of change, such as moving to a new home, starting a new job, or ending a relationship.
  • Use cacao to ground yourself, find clarity, and embrace the new chapter in your life.

• Special Gatherings:

  • Host a ceremony as part of a retreat, workshop, or community event.
  • Use the shared experience to build connections and foster a sense of unity among participants.
  • Create a safe space for collective healing and spiritual exploration.

While some health food stores may carry ceremonial-grade cacao, sourcing it from trusted online suppliers is recommended to ensure quality and authenticity. Two of my favorites are:

• Ora Cacao
• Cacao Lab

Both offer a generous discount for Maia readers, with the codes ‘MAIACONSCIOUSLIVING’ and ‘MAIA’ respectively.