WHAT IS CEREMONIAL CACAO?

There are several distinct qualities that differentiate ceremonial grade cacao and industrial chocolate and cacao.

The first is that the beans used to create ceremonial grade cacao are sourced from non-hybridized and non-plantation under-story trees in ancient tropical rainforests, then processed in the old way by hand toasting and peeling. These beans, also referred to as criollo, are the original heirloom variety that has been grown and propagated for millennia in central and South America. There are several other varieties of commercially grown and hybridized cacao called Forestero, Trinitario and Arriba Nacional which we do not recommend for ceremonial use.

The second quality is that ceremonial grade cacao is minimally processed to preserve the maximum amount of beneficial compounds. The toasted and peeled beans are ground and packaged without tempering (extra heating) and without adding or removing anything, which results in 100% pure cacao.

The third quality that ceremonial grade cacao has that most other chocolate does not have is that it is selected with the intention of it being used in a ceremonial way. The intention of Keith’s Cacao is to produce the world’s finest quality ceremonial grade cacao to best support personal growth, spiritual exploration, deep inspiration and connection with the Divine through whatever means you choose.

 

WHAT IS A CACAO CEREMONY?

Cacao Ceremony is a widely used term that generally refers to the use of cacao in a respectful way, usually with the intention of personal growth. Keith’s Cacao has partnered with practitioners around the world who have been working with Cacao and who understand the importance that ceremonial grade cacao plays in the shifting of consciousness happening right now around our planet.

Using cacao as a plant medicine facilitator in this process helps to promote self-love, kindness, compassion, patience and understanding within the group that takes part in these gatherings. These types of events, gatherings, and ceremonies help create a more heart-centered and cohesive society for all to enjoy.

 

WHY KEITHS CACAO?

This Cacao is harvested, fermented and dried by small-scale family farms in the mountain rain-forests of Guatemala’s Pacific coast.  This region of Central America was revered by the ancients because it produced the finest ceremonial cacao.  It takes significant time and Keith’s precise intention to find beans with both the right energy and flavor.

 

CEREMONY DOSE

You start off with about half the full dose. A full dose, the maximum we use, is 42g. You drink half and see how it feels and wait at least 30 minutes before consuming more.

 EVENT PREPARATION

·        Please drink plenty of water the day before and day of the ceremony.

·        No food directly before and have a light breakfast/Food 2 hours ahead of the ceremony.

·        No Coffee on the day and try to refrain from alcohol the night before to get the most out of the experience.

·        Bring paper, journal and pen to note down any awarenesses

·        Drink Water and stay hydrated and bring water with you for the ceremony.

·        Cacao ceremony is deeply healing and the process can last for days, keep a journal of thoughts, feeling and 

         dreams in the coming days.

CONTRAINDICATIONS AND PRECAUTIONS

Cacao is a strong bitter and stimulant, and there can be some side effects to be aware of, as well as certain contra-indications.

As cacao is consumed in a higher dose in ceremony, people might experience symptoms such as light-headedness, sweaty palms, headache or nausea. If this happens please slow down, drink water and practice self-care until symptoms subside.

  • Certain anti-depressants are contra-indicated with the tyramine in cacao, so we recommend checking your meds first. MAOI based anti-depressants are contra-indicated with chocolate, so a larger dose of cacao is not recommended. MAOI based anti-depressants are first generation anti-depressants and are less common these days. People taking them are on a restricted diet that includes limiting or avoiding chocolate, so they should know if they can consume or not. Side effects could include more serious headache and nausea, so make sure to check medications first.

 

  • Serious heart conditions. The theobromine in cacao increases heart rate significantly and is a vasodilator, lowering blood pressure. If you have such a condition, consider consulting a physician and certainly go lighter on amounts.

 

  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding. Like coffee or tea, it is important to reduce the intake of stimulating foods. The theobromine in cacao, which is very similar to caffeine, has a stimulating effect. Thus we recommend using lower dosages.

HEALTH NOTICE: 
Cacao workshops are not suitable for pregnant ladies in their 1st trimester, Epilepsy sufferers or anyone taking MAOI anti-depressants.

Anyone on anti-depressants and heart conditions please contact us first.