Introduction:

Ceremonial cacao has been a daily anchor in my life—a warm, grounding practice that invites me to slow down, tune into my body, and truly listen to what needs to be heard. This ancient, sacred plant medicine offers a beautiful way to connect with ourselves and others, providing a bridge between our inner world and the shared experience of community.

If you’re someone seeking more ceremony, sisterhood, or meaningful connections in your life, incorporating cacao into your daily or group rituals can be an enriching and transformative practice. In this post, I’ll share how I’ve woven cacao into my daily meditation and how it has become a powerful tool for intuitive listening, both individually and within a group setting.

What is Ceremonial Cacao?

Ceremonial cacao is more than just a drink—it’s a sacred plant medicine that has been used for centuries in spiritual rituals by Indigenous cultures in Central and South America. The cacao used for ceremony is different from regular cacao or cocoa products. It is minimally processed and carries an energetic and spiritual significance, which makes it ideal for setting intentions, creating sacred space, and tuning into deep, inner wisdom. My favourite brand of cacao that I’ve been using for over a year now is Kakao, specifically the Pure Criollo from Guatemala, which has an additional depth and richness that I haven’t found anywhere else (and yes, this is an affiliate link).

The Power of Cacao as a Daily Meditation Practice

Each morning, I start my day by preparing a cup of ceremonial cacao, which allows me to slow down and fully arrive in the present moment. The warmth of the cacao invites me to settle into my body, and as I sip, I can feel myself softening, grounding, and opening to whatever the day wants to bring.

This morning practice is my invitation to listen—to my body, to my heart, and to the subtle messages that often get lost in the noise of a busy world. Cacao creates a gentle space for self-reflection, helping me attune to what needs to be felt, heard, or seen within myself.

This ritual isn’t about doing more; it’s about being more present. Whether it’s sitting quietly in meditation, journaling, or simply sipping cacao while gazing at the sunrise, this practice has become my way of aligning to the natural rhythms of my body and soul.

Sharing the Cacao Ceremony with Friends and Groups

While my daily cacao practice is deeply personal, I’ve found that sharing this ritual in a group setting brings a whole new level of connection. Inviting friends or members of a community into a cacao ceremony can create an incredible space for shared reflection, intuitive listening, and collective insight.

The simple act of gathering in circle, drinking cacao together, and holding space for each other can bring about a profound sense of sisterhood and community. In these sacred spaces, we allow our individual energies to mix and flow, creating an atmosphere of openness, warmth, and connection.

I love guiding groups through cacao ceremonies, offering the space for each person to attune to themselves while also being held by the energy of the group. It’s amazing to witness what emerges—both individually and collectively—when we all open up, slow down, and listen together. Often, the insights and reflections that come through in these ceremonies resonate on a deep, collective level, reminding us that we are all connected and part of something larger.

How to Create Your Own Cacao Ceremony

If you feel called to integrate ceremonial cacao into your daily life or share it with others in a group setting, here’s a simple guide to get started:

1. Set the Space:
   • Create a calm, inviting atmosphere. Light candles, burn incense, or play soft music—whatever helps you and your group feel grounded and present.
2. Prepare the Cacao:
   • Use ceremonial-grade cacao for its energetic and spiritual properties. As you prepare it, infuse your cacao with intention, stirring love and gratitude into the process. I usually also add a little organic cinnamon, cayenne pepper, Madagascar vanilla, and maca powder with hot water and pure cashew milk.
3. Set an Intention:
   • Before drinking, set a personal or collective intention for the ceremony. This can be something as simple as “I open myself to listening” or “I invite clarity and connection into this space.”
4. Drink and Tune In:
   • Sip the cacao slowly, allowing its warmth to fill your body. As you drink, focus on the sensations in your body and any feelings or messages that arise. Take time to journal or share with the group if it feels aligned.
5. Hold Space for Reflection:
   • After drinking, create space for quiet reflection or meditation. If you’re in a group, you can go around the circle and allow each person to share what came up for them during the ceremony, without judgment or interruption.
6. Close the Ceremony with Gratitude:
   • End the ceremony with a moment of gratitude—for the cacao, the space, and the shared experience.

The Beauty of Ceremony and Community

There is something undeniably special about coming together in ceremony. Whether it’s a solo practice or a shared ritual with friends, cacao creates a sacred space that allows for deep listening, self-connection, and a profound sense of sisterhood or community.

This practice has become a cornerstone of my own journey, and I encourage you to explore it if you feel called. Whether you’re looking to deepen your meditation practice, create more ritual in your life, or cultivate stronger connections with others, cacao is a beautiful and gentle guide that can help you align with your inner self and the collective energy of those around you.

Closing Invitation

If you’re longing for more ceremony and connection in your life, I invite you to try incorporating ceremonial cacao into your practice—whether on your own or with a group. This simple yet powerful ritual offers a pathway to slowing down, tuning in, and listening to the wisdom within yourself and the community around you.

With love and warmth,

Victoria xox

Photo credit: KAKAO drinking chocolate