At Ritual Chocolate, we pride ourselves on not only creating exceptional chocolate but also on fostering a deeper connection to the origins and significance of cacao. Recently, we had the privilege of hosting a cacao ceremony with Mayah Rose, founder of Mayah Rose Academy, and a renowned intuition expert, who shared her profound insights into this ancient practice. Here, we delve into the importance of cacao ceremonies, the experience of participating in one, and how these rituals bring a new depth of meaning to cacao.
What is a Cacao Ceremony?
A cacao ceremony is a sacred ritual that involves consuming cacao in its purest form, minimally processed to retain its natural properties. These ceremonies have been practiced for centuries by indigenous peoples in Central and South America, where cacao was revered not just as a food, but as a medicine and a spiritual tool. Mayah Rose explained, "Cacao ceremonies use cacao with the least processing possible, making it a powerful way to connect with the earth and open the heart."
During our ceremony at Ritual Chocolate, we used a single-source cacao, emphasizing the connection between the chocolate and its place of origin. Mayah Rose shared that cacao contains theobromine, which promotes heart health and enhances emotional well-being, making it a perfect medium for spiritual and emotional exploration.
The Ritual of Intentionality
One key element that transforms the act of drinking cacao into a ceremony is the intentionality behind it. "Anytime you add intention into something you're already doing, it becomes a ritual," Mayah Rose noted. Participants in the ceremony are encouraged to set personal intentions—what they wish to create or experience in their lives—and to express these intentions silently or aloud.
We began by preparing the cacao with love and mindfulness, then took a moment to reflect on our intentions. As we lifted the warm cups to our noses, inhaling the rich aroma, we offered gratitude for the cacao and its journey from the earth to our hands. This mindful practice of engaging with all senses—sight, smell, touch, taste—enhanced our connection to the cacao and the intentions we set.
The Experience at Ritual Chocolate
Mayah Rose highlighted the significance of Ritual Chocolate's approach, noting how our dedication to sourcing and minimal processing aligns with the principles of cacao ceremonies. "Ritual Chocolate knows where each cacao pod comes from, connecting cultures and lands," she said. This traceability and respect for the source of our cacao deepen the meaning of the ceremony.
For many participants, this experience was transformative. As Mayah Rose recounted, "People expressed feeling much better just taking a moment to sit with the plant, drink it, and add intention. It’s a pause in a busy day, connecting with something going into your body and how you want to use that energy."
The Broader Impact and Future of Cacao Ceremonies
From a business perspective, there is growing interest in ceremonial-grade cacao, which commands higher prices due to its careful sourcing and minimal processing. Beyond economics, these ceremonies reconnect us to the essence of cacao as more than just an ingredient but as a symbol of cultural and spiritual heritage.
Interestingly, the biohacking community has also recognized the benefits of consuming ceremonial-grade cacao. Many find that starting their day with cacao instead of coffee provides a similar energy boost without the negative side effects of caffeine. This practice incorporates gratitude and intention, turning the morning beverage into a meditative ritual.
Embracing the Essence of Cacao
Cacao ceremonies offer a profound way to connect with oneself, the earth, and the ancient traditions surrounding cacao. At Ritual Chocolate, we are honored to integrate these practices into our work, bringing greater meaning and intention to each bar of chocolate we create. As Mayah Rose beautifully stated, "A ritual is anything you do with intention, and at Ritual Chocolate, there is intention behind every single bar."
We invite you to explore this deeper connection with cacao, whether through participating in a ceremony or simply savoring our chocolate with mindfulness and gratitude. Let’s create a ritual that celebrates the heart, the earth, and the shared joy of chocolate. If you would like to try out your own at home ceremony, our 100% cacao bar is the perfect way to get started!
We would love to incorporate more cacao rituals at our headquarters in Heber, Utah as a means to educate more people on the practice and share the intentionality behind our process. If this is something you may be interested in, please take one minute to complete this survey.Â
