***The Cacao plant has a rich history in Mesoamerica***

dating back to 1900 BC when it emerged in the coasts of the Gulf of Mexico with the Olmecs, who were the first to cultivate and discover its unique flavour in the form of a drink mixed with water. Over time, the use of cocoa spread to Mayan populations in 600 AD and the Aztecs in 1400 AD.

"Our Olmec tradition teaches that all life is a song of joy because everything that lives is sacred. The word 'Olmec' is derived from two words: 'Olim,' which means rolling movement, and 'mecatl,' which is the rope that measures time and space. Our ancestors were timekeepers; they were wise in all aspects of life, especially in astronomy.

They knew they were a part of the cosmos and expressed their thoughts through a calendar called 'Tonalpohualli,' which means the count of days. They established the annual solar cycle in four phases: two equinoxes and two solstices.

Moreover, they always managed energies; they understood that the Cosmic Universe was a sea of energies, and all life is energy." From "The Fire of Sacred Birds," a talk by the Taitas: Taita Carmelo Sardinas Ullpu, Tata Apolinario Chile Pixtún, Tata Santiago Ortela Sarmiento.

Santiago Ortela 1951 born in Guadalupe Oaxaca (Mazateca community disappeared under water when the dam was built) He currently resides in the town of Temascal Soyaltepec Oaxaca. Of Mazatec origin and lineage of healers; medicine men and women.

The spirit of cacao is one of the most powerful deities in Mayan cosmology, known as "Ku-Ku," which means "Sacred above the sacred." This tradition, bequeathed to us by our ancestors, is accompanied by shamanic healing chants and is the door to making a trip to our interior and opening our hearts.

Meeting Santiago Ortela, a medicine man of Mazatec origin and a keeper of Olmec knowledge and traditions, was a genuine honor and blessing.

During my visit to Mexico in November 2021, I had the incredible opportunity to participate in a retreat organized by ***Rodrigo Rurawe*** where I encountered Don Santiago. He facilitated several sweat lodge ceremonies and led a sacred medicine ceremony using the powerful plants from the mountains of Huautla.

Being a part of these rituals was a deeply humbling and transformative experience, as I witnessed the profound healing properties of the sacred medicine. Don Santiago's wisdom and guidance provided a profound connection to the ancient traditions and wisdom of the Olmec culture.

The Ceremony

Cacao and sound together are one of the best ways to reach a state of full-body bliss. Combining these methods amplifies their power to open the heart, to expand the mind and to connect to the infinite intelligence of the body.

One of our first Cacao Ceremonies in London.

With more than ten years of experience in working with Cacao, we have journeyed along numerous traditional pathways involving the use of cacao as a form of medicine. Throughout this time, we have orchestrated numerous ceremonies and events across Europe and the UK. Music has always been an integral element of our approach, particularly drawing from Afro-indigenous music of Colombia to harmonize our ceremonies. Anticipate powerful drum rhythms, vibrant dancing, soulful singing, along with moments of silent meditation and heartfelt prayers.

The ceremonial consumption of cacao begins to have a physical effect between 30 and 45 minutes after having consumed it. It accelerates the blood flow in our body, so the irrigation in our brain increases up to 40%, bringing clarity and presence to thought. Our heart begins to beat with greater force. This does not happen only on a physical level. At a subtle level, the energy of the heart expands, it becomes more present, we can hear and feel it more clearly.

The cacao seed or grain contains theobromine, an alkaloid that stimulates central nervous system, so that when consumed it produces a sensation of well-being, acts as a mild diuretic and relaxes blood vessels and soften muscles.

The effect of the cacao will be boosted by the sacred sounds of ancient healing instruments. During the second part of the event, we will get comfy and cosy for the sound bath, where we’ll bathe in the different sounds of gongs, Himalayan singing bowls, Koshi bells, therapeutic percussion and more. The effect of the cacao is boosted by the sacred sounds of these ancient healing instruments.

Designed to set you free to drift to wherever the sound takes you, the sound bath experience can support you in clearing mental, emotional, and physical blockages and leaving you with a feeling of clarity and deep relaxation.

***This Ceremonial Cacao is pure chocolate that contains the ideal balance of components and energies that stimulate that union of the spirit and the vibration of the heart.***

● It heals and activates a very special and loving frequency in each person.

● The spirit of CACAO allows you to harmonize what you need on an emotional and spiritual level, without the intervention of the mind.

● You will let go of what does not serve you and you will process in a deep way that transformation and change that you need.

EMOTIONAL HEALING

When working in ceremony with the spirit of this grain, a journey is made to the interior of our being where our wisdom resides, this ceremony reconnects you with the beauty, the sweetness and the love that resides in yourself. Therapeutically it helps you to recover your power to relate and to serve others.

PHYSICAL HEALING

Cacao is a food rich in stimulating principles, it provides energy to overcome daily work, keeping you mentally more active, eliminating body aches, keeping the skin cleaner and free of impurities.

In correctly prepared cacao according to our recipe, we find a high level of Theobromine, which produces beta-endorphins. These hormones are directly responsible for feelings of calm, relaxation and happiness. It acts as a diuretic and stimulates the renal system. It has a stimulating effect on the central nervous system.

In addition, cocoa contains small amounts of other endorphins substances, directly responsible for emotional ecstasy; stimulates the pleasure centers and gives a feeling of constant love. For this reason, the scientists concluded that chocolate taken in higher quantities induces a pleasant sensation and well-being.

It contains natural antioxidants, suitable mainly for protection against heart disease and also help prevent degenerative diseases, cell aging and even cancer. It acts on the sphenoid bone, an odd bone located in the middle part of the base of the skull, where the pituitary gland is housed, which is stimulated thanks to the high content of theobromine contained in ceremonial cocoa and which helps us to awaken our third eye.