Our Cacao Ceremony combines the beautiful healing properties of Cacao, with a guided heart opening meditation and healing sounds…
The Heart of Cacao
This ancient practice dates back centuries; the Aztecs referring to cacao as ‘food of god’, and Maya calling it ‘a gift from god’.
Its many health benefits can facilitate deep healing, emotional release and enhance the flow of energy within the body.
Join us for this wonderful ceremony on:
Thursday 24th September
6pm - 7.30pm
£21
CACAO CEREMONY
You may already be familiar with the benefits of dark chocolate, but ceremonial cacao offers a deeper experience.
Beyond its rich flavour and naturally occurring nutrients, cacao has long been valued as a plant ally in rituals, reflection, and intentional practice.
A cacao ceremony creates space to slow down, reconnect, and turn inward — inviting presence, gratitude, and a deeper connection with yourself, others, and the natural world.
BENEFITS OF CEREMONIAL CACAO
Many people find it can gently support:
• Emotional openness — creating space to acknowledge, feel, and move through emotions.
• Connection — nurturing a deeper sense of connection with the divine, nature, yourself, and the wider world.
• Meditation and introspection — supporting a more inward, reflective, and contemplative state.
• Embodied awareness — encouraging a greater awareness of the body, breath, energy, and present moment.
• Grounding and intention — helping cultivate a sense of presence, mindfulness, and intention within personal practice.
Naturally Occurring Compounds in Cacao
Cacao contains a variety of naturally occurring compounds and minerals that contribute to its distinctive effects.
Theobromine - A natural stimulant which can promote alertness and energy and is associated with feelings of wellbeing and contentment. Compared with caffeine, its effects are generally described as more gentle.
Phenylethylamine - Sometimes referred to as the “love molecule.” It is involved in brain chemistry associated with motivation, mood and feelings of pleasure.
Anandamide - An endocannabinoid naturally produced by the human body and is sometimes called the “bliss molecule.” It can enhance feelings of joy, peace, deep connection, relaxation and emotional wellbeing.
Magnesium - Cacao is a natural source of magnesium, an essential mineral that promotes relaxation, reduces stress and can improve sleep quality.
N-Acetylserotonin - A naturally occurring compound involved in the body's serotonin and melatonin pathways, which can elevate mood and boost emotional wellbeing.
A SYMBIOTIC RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PLANT & PEOPLE
Cacao is the raw form of chocolate.
Unlike conventional chocolate products, ceremonial cacao undergoes minimal processing, helping to preserve the natural character of the cacao bean and its naturally occurring nutrients and compounds.
At the heart of ceremonial cacao is a respectful relationship between people, plants, and the natural world. When cacao is cultivated in harmony with its environment, it becomes part of a wider relationship with the living Earth — reflecting the abundance, interconnectedness, and generosity of nature.
Supporting small-scale and responsible cultivation helps nurture this relationship, rather than reducing cacao to an intensively farmed commodity.
The journey from cacao tree to ceremonial cup is about more than the finished product. It is an opportunity to honour the land, the cacao plant, the growers, and the traditions that have shaped our relationship with this remarkable food.
The ceremonial-grade cacao used at Holistic Essences is ethically sourced from Peruvian Asháninka cacao growers who follow organic farming practices. No pesticides or chemical fertilisers are used, and the beans are minimally processed to create a pure cacao product that honours both the plant and the people who cultivate it.
THE CACAO EXPERIENCE
Ceremonial cacao offers an invitation to slow down, come into the present moment, and nurture a deeper sense of connection. It can be enjoyed alongside meditation, movement, creativity, journaling, or simply in quiet reflection.
The practice encourages us to approach each cup with intention, presence, and gratitude — creating a moment to pause, listen inward, and reconnect.
From the cacao tree to the ceremonial cup, every step offers an opportunity to honour the interconnected relationship between plant, people, and planet.
Cacao contains Theobromine which is a stimulant, and can also contain caffeine, so there are some things to consider.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
Cardiovascular Conditions
Anyone with a diagnosed heart condition, an arrhythmia, or uncontrolled high or low blood pressure should speak to their doctor before attending.
Antidepressants and Other Medication
Anyone on an MAOl or SSRis should discuss ceremonial cacao with their prescriber before attending a cacao ceremony.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
As cacao contains the stimulant theobromine and can contain caffeine, speak to your GP / Midwife in advance for suitability.
Stimulant Sensitivity, Anxiety and Sleep
Let us know if you are someone who is sensitive to caffeine. We can reduce the amount of cacao we give you to accommodate this.
Migraine, epilepsy and allergy
If chocolate is a trigger of migraines for you, cacao may be unsuitable.
If you have epilepsy, please gain your doctor’s consent before commencing with cacao.
Let us know of any allergies ahead of the ceremony.
It is advisable to reduce your caffeine intake during the day ahead of the ceremony.