What is ceremonial cacao?
Ceremonial cacao is an ancient spiritual medicine prepared from the cacao bean, the seed of the sweet fruit of the cacao tree.
Ceremonial-grade cacao is made through a process of fermenting and then sun-drying or lightly toasting the beans. The beans are then de-husked and stone ground into a paste, nothing added, nothing removed. This is important as it means the beans natural fat remains aiding to balance its stimulating effects and make it easier for your body to absorb it over time.
This is cacao in its pure, traditional form, used by ancient civilizations and cultures in ceremonies for generations.
Why drink ceremonial cacao?
Using ceremonial cacao either in a ceremony or as a part of a daily routine is neither intense nor a psychedelic experience, as other plant medicines can be. Rather, cacao gently nudges the heart chakra open, gifting benefits such as emotional embodiment and spiritual connection.
Cacao allows the drinker to quiet the mind and focus on good intentions either for the future or maybe just for the day, momentarily pausing that endless battle between head and heart!
In addition to its subtle entheogenic effects, cacao increases energy levels and concentration, illuminates a pathway to creativity, and balances the male and female energies within the body. Cacao also improves blood-flow and circulation.
Drinking cacao with intention enhances and deepens daily practices like meditation, yoga, and conscious dance.
What makes Origen's cacao special?
All the beans used in Origen ceremonial cacao come to us ready and prepared using long practiced techniques from the Arhuaco Tribe of Colombia’s Sierra Nevada region. This cacao is grown alongside other sacred plants and grown with pure spiritual intentions.The tribe believes that the teachings of their ancestors are shared through their crops and when you drink this cacao in meditation you can connect to the spirits of the ancient Arahuaca, their land, and all their knowledge. The cacao beans are grown and harvested in an ecological and sustainable way in accordance with tribal traditions and practices.We at Origen Cacao pride ourselves not only on our commitment to fair trade but also on the idea that that trade does not solely need to be monetary. We have a close relationship with our growers, and apart from buying our beans from them, they teach us about the sacred ceremonies and methods, expanding our knowledge and we in turn teach them our chocolate making techniques, empowering them with alternative methods of generating income.
Supporting indigenous communities
We donate 100% of proceeds* from cacao sales to Fundación Chipiri
Origen Cacao is grown with love by the Arhuaco indigenous people of the Sierra Nevada region of Colombia. Fundación Chipiri is a non-profit entity that supports the Arhuaco people by leading strategic projects such as land purchases, sponsoring social programs, and advocating for economic development and independence of the region.
Due to the global health emergency, the Arhuaco population has created checkpoints, preventing people from entering and leaving the territory. These preventative measures have affected trade and livelihoods. Furthermore, indigenous communities in the Sierra Nevada region lack hospitals or medical personnel to treat illnesses for the pandemic and biosafety equipment such as protective masks is in short supply.
As part of our commitment to social justice and honoring the heritage of plant medicines, for the month of September Life Music Group is donating 100% of cacao proceeds to the Arhuaco people with the help of Fundación Chipiri, which was founded by Asdrubal Torres, the Arhuaco elder who oversees the growth, cultivation, and production of Origen Cacao.
*Proceeds refer to gross profit. Percentage may change and will remain above 10%.
How to prepare ceremonial cacao
Apart from the physical preparation of the actual cacao drink itself, time should be taken to focus on intentions and prayers. Some people sing medicine songs during the preparation and serving of ceremonial cacao.
To prepare cacao, grate or cut 1 ounce (Origen’s cacao comes pre-crumbled for convenience) and add it to 4 ounces of boiling water. The amount of cacao can be increased once accustomed to the effects.
If someone has a heart condition or finds themselves to be sensitive to the effects of the cacao, they should start off slowly (¼ ounce of cacao to 4 ounces of water).
While we prefer to drink cacao raw (mixed only with hot water), some people add spices such as cayenne or cinnamon to make it less bitter. This is entirely up to individual preferences.
Salman –
Beautiful cacao that is obviously made with love from the tribe from where it came. It smells earthy, almost coffee-like. This cacao is pure power and perfect for ceremony.