Preparation & Ritual
Below are two base recipes for your ritual and ceremony
Feel free to add different herbs, teas and spices and have fun experimenting!
Some great combinations to add to cacao are:
Cardamon
Rose Petals
Blue lotus
Ceylon Cinnamon
Ginger
Tumeric
Adaptogenic mushrooms
Sesame/Tahini
If using dried herbs such as lotus or rose, first steep in water or plant milk then strain before adding your cacao.
Preparation
When we prepare cacao we are infusing it with our intention, love and frequency. Preparation is an integral part of your daily ritual or ceremony - enjoy the process! Metal and cacao do not complement each other well as metal will cut through the vibration and spirit of cacao - avoid using metal whisks, spoons blenders and frothers and ideally use a non-metal pot. We use a traditional clay pot over fire, which we know isn't practical in most modern day to day situations. A great option, and the method we use often when in England, is to use a ceramic or pottery bowl. Instead of adding cacao to a metal pot of pre-heated water or plant milk, place your finely chopped cacao in your bowl, heat your liquid up in a pot and then pour over the cacao a little at a time, (just enough to melt the cacao) gently stirring to allow it to completely melt and incorporate with the liquid. You want to add just enough liquid so the cacao forms a paste, then keep adding little amounts of liquid at a time, while stirring. You will get a rich, silky cacao every time with this method! Use a wooden spoon, batirol or molinillo to stir your cacao - while it takes more time than a metal whisk or blender, it is very soothing and meditative and a great time to set your intention, sing and connect with the cacao. Another traditional method is to pour the cacao back and forth between your bowl and cup until it becomes creamy and frothy.
Dosage
A ceremonial dose of cacao is about 40 grams and can vary from 30 - 50 grams depending on the individual. It is recommended to start with about 15-20 grams of cacao and work your way up to a ceremonial dose, observing how you respond to the different amounts. Always listen to your heart and intuition regarding dosage as you may feel you need more or less depending on what's happening in your daily life, what your intention is and the energy of your environment.
Daily Ritual
Serves 1
15-20 grams of Ceremonial Cacao
4 oz water or plant milk
A sweetener to taste such as coconut sugar or honey (optional)
Herbs/spices as desired
In a pot, slowly warm your water and/or plant milk ensuring it does not reach boiling (as this will remove all the nutrients from the cacao). Heating to around 80 degrees (180F) is optimal. Add any herbs or spices and allow to infuse your liquid before adding the cacao.
Finely chop your cacao into small pieces as it will incorporate into the water much easier. Place in a large bowl.
Add a small amount water/plant milk to your cacao and stir gently with a wooden spoon or a molinillo until the cacao melts and forms a silky paste. Keep adding your liquid a little at a time while stirring and ensure it is all incorporated together. Take your time, enjoy the process as this is the very beginning of your ritual!
Add sweetener if desired, pour into your ritual cup and enjoy.
For Ceremony
Serves 1
20-42 grams of Ceremonial Cacao
4-6 oz water or plant milk
A sweetener to taste such as coconut sugar or honey (optional)
Herbs/spices as desired
Preparing for ceremony consists of opening and creating an exquisite container for yourself and the medicine.
First cleanse yourself, then your space and tools to prepare the cacao with sacred smoke (such as Palo Santo, Sage or resins). Prepare the cacao the same way as the recipe for ritual. As you are preparing your cacao, you are in the beginnings of Ceremony. This is the time to set your intention and prayers for your ceremony.
During ceremony, you then program these intentions and prayers into your mug of cacao though your breath, song, or voice, weaving this magic into the cacao. As you sip your cacao, let her spirit connect with yours, feel her medicine move through your body as she shares the energy of the jungle, and the medicine of Pachamama.