Part 4- A Ceremony of the Heart: My First Cacao Ritual

This post is part of my series, “From Stillness to Cacao: My Mexican Wellness Journey,” where I try different wellness practices and share what I learn along the way.

Before travelling to Mexico, I was already somewhat familiar with cacao’s wellness reputation. I’d heard it described as a form of plant medicine, known for its ‘heart-opening’ qualities and its role in emotional healing. As someone who is a self-confessed chocoholic, I was intrigued to know more of its wellness properties and use in the healing space. What exactly did a cacao ceremony involve? And how could something so familiar be used in such a sacred, intentional way? My curiosity led me to attend a traditional cacao ceremony to explore these questions for myself.

Notes From the Field

Entering the sacred space, we were invited to sit in a circle around a cacao altar. The instructor began by sharing the history of cacao. She described cacao’s journey from South America to Mexico, where it became a treasured commodity, even serving as currency. Learning this gave me a new appreciation for something I’d always taken for granted. She then walked us through the process of preparing cacao, using a beautiful metaphor: each seed representing a heart, all coming together as one in the communal act of drinking.

We tasted cacao in its rawest form and then again after the roasting process. What stood out most was the deep sense of gratitude and reverence shown during the preparation of the drinking cacao for the ceremony. It made me reflect on how disconnected we often are from the foods we consume. I’ve certainly lost count of how many pieces of chocolate I’ve eaten distractedly in front of the TV. In contrast, being guided through the ceremonial process invited a slower, more mindful experience, one that felt intentional and meaningful. As the ceremony came to a close, we expressed gratitude for the cacao before drinking it and then returned the unused shells and seeds back to the earth in a final gesture of respect.

After drinking the cacao I noticed feeling both relaxed and mentally alert. I later found out that cacao is a natural stimulant. Cacao is rich in theobromine which stimulates the nervous system and the heart, hence its reputation as a 'heart opener'.

What the Data Says

When exploring the potential mental health benefits of cacao, it's important to consider both its chemical properties and the context in which it’s consumed. Research by Fusar-Poli and colleagues (2022) found that cacao-rich products can offer short-term improvements in symptoms of depression and anxiety. These effects are likely linked to cacao’s active compounds, such as theobromine and flavonoids which may positively influence mood and emotional regulation. However, the setting and intention surrounding cacao use also appears to play a key role.

This is where the ceremonial aspect becomes significant. According to Prendergast (2018), participating in cacao ceremonies can foster emotional connection and support personal healing. The structured, ritual-based setting encourages a state of introspection and presence, allowing individuals to tune into their emotions and deepen their self-awareness. This kind of experience may complement therapeutic work by opening space for reflection and the gentle processing of unresolved emotions. Together, these findings suggest that both the physical and symbolic elements of cacao contribute to its potential as a wellness tool.

Personal Reflections

Participating in the cacao ceremony was a beautiful experience that deepened my appreciation for cacao and its origins. There was something truly special about taking part in an ancient ritual. It made me feel a deeper connection both to the cacao itself and to everyone sharing the experience.

The ceremony also prompted me to rethink my relationship with cacao. It encouraged me to seek out purer, less processed forms rather than the usual supermarket options. I am even considering swapping my afternoon coffee for a ceremonial grade cacao drink to see if I notice any benefits.

Finally, the ceremony and the research I’ve done since has made me wonder if cacao could have a place in therapy. Its role in fostering emotional openness and connection could potentially support deeper healing in a therapeutic setting. This intersection between ritual, plant medicine, and psychotherapy could be a rich and meaningful area for future research.

Are you curious about how you can incorporate more wellness practices in your day to day life to support mental wellness? Let's explore it together. Reach out to book your free discovery call today https://www.isabellarosenthalpsychology.com.au/contact

Stay tuned for Part 5 as I explore the practice of energy cleansing.

Please note: This blog is intended for general information and reflection, and does not constitute psychological advice or treatment.