Lindsey Wise 
I’m a 41-year-old mama of 3, married to my beloved husband for 17 years. We’ve traveled the world together, including living in Bali for 8 years. I left my home and strict religion at age 16 to travel the world and create my own alternative education. That was the best decision I’ve ever made. I chose freedom and world schooling.
Learning from many beloved teachers and following a deep calling from within, I created a loving connection to Spirit/God/dess/Source. This connection is my true teacher, my guide in this world. My intention with all of my healing and offerings is to support others to find and nurture their own unique version of this that dwells within each soul. This is where we’re connected.
My dear friend, Kerry Romano, founder of CHC, recently asked me to write about my favorite herbs and healing remedies. Immediately, my heart filled up with the inspiration to write about Ceremonial Cacao.
Cacao is a powerful heart opener.
The compound theobromine, found in cacao, has a similar effect on the heart as caffeine, allowing for an increased flow of blood and oxygen throughout the body. This physical sensation can also be felt emotionally, as the heart chakra (the energy center associated with love and compassion) is said to open and expand. This can lead to a greater sense of love and connection not only with others but also with oneself and the world around us.
My soul longs for deep heart connection and communication. And as a fellow human, I’m sure you’re in the same boat. That’s how we’re intrinsically wired.
Recently I offered a Rise & Shine cacao ceremony at a Sound Healing retreat in Monterey on behalf of The Shift Network.
Before we began the ceremony I asked how many of the participants had never attended a cacao ceremony before. The majority of the circle shyly raised their hands. This was a first for most of the participants! We definitely explored regions beyond their comfort zones as we meditated, prayed, sang, danced, and harmonized together in a circle. This is where my soul feels most at home.
The intention and focus placed on the ceremony creates a sacred space for inner exploration and connection with the divine.
The ritualistic aspect of the ceremony allows for a release of your mind’s constant chatter and distractions, allowing for a deeper connection to the present moment and the self. Drinking cacao in a ceremonial setting can have a profound impact on your spiritual well-being. Cacao opens the heart, facilitates intuition, and create a sense of community and interconnectedness, make it a valuable tool for personal and spiritual growth.
Drinking cacao in a group setting can have a profound impact on your sense of community and interconnectedness. The sharing of this powerful medicine in a safe and supportive space can lead to a greater sense of trust and vulnerability with others, allowing for deeper connections and a sense of belonging.
The wonderful news is that you don’t have to be in a circle with others to create a cacao ceremony or work with this divine medicine. The key is remembering that life is a ceremony. We can create our own rituals and sacred space with cacao in our own homes. Some folks have swapped their morning coffee for ceremonial cacao. Many people around the world are using this medicine to open their hearts and experience all the benefits without needing to be in a ceremony or circle with others.
I personally love micro-dosing with plant medicine and the cacao has an incredible ability to bring the medicine through the blood-brain barrier to ensure you’re receiving all the amazing benefits. Paul Stamett’s offers a microdose protocol that includes using flushing niacin. I’ve found that myself and many others aren’t a fan of the “flush” effect. My understanding is that Indigenous traditions have used the cacao for a similar effect and to activate the medicine without the uncomfortable sensations from niacin.
One of the top questions I hear about ceremonial grade cacao is what makes cacao ceremonial? This cacao can be grown in many different parts of the world yet what makes it ceremonial is the intention focused when planting, tending, and harvesting the medicine. There are earth angels who are singing, praying, and caring for the cacao whilst cultivating the medicine. You can feel the heightened vibration of the medicine that has been fully loved up. It is also important to find a reputable source for your cacao, as not all cacao is created equal and some may be treated with chemicals or other harmful additives.
Find what cacao blend tastes and feels best to you. You’ll create your own recipe based on your personal preferences. You can use the ceremonial grade cacao by cutting it up small and warming in a small pot along with your favorite type of milk; coconut, cow, almond, oat…whatever you enjoy. You can also use a fair trade cacao powder if that’s more accessible for you. Option to add a bit of cacao butter. Sweeten if desired with honey, monk fruit, stevia, etc. If you have a relationship with food-grade essential oils or flower essences please include. Whisk with Love.
To create your own cacao ceremony, hold your medicine to your heart and set an intention. This can be for your day or even for your life! Breathe or whistle onto your cup or chocolate to infuse the medicine with your own prayer and blessing. Always offer a prayer of gratitude to the master plant teacher and spirit of Cacao, as well as to the many hearts and hands who helped you receive the medicine. Offer gratitude for the myriad of blessings and miracles that are supporting you in both the seen and unseen realms in every moment of your precious life.
By setting your intentions and pausing your life to drop into ceremonial space you are connecting with the entire universe.
You’re not only setting the tone for your day but for your life and your purpose here on this earth at this moment. There isn’t another soul just like you in all of creation. You are a gift. Your presence and your prayer are medicine for our world.
Whether you’re already drinking cacao or you’re interested in bringing this plant ally into your world, now is the time to create your life as ceremony. Carving out time for yourself is truly a gift! No worries if you’re a busy parent or have a challenging schedule. Even if you only have 15 minutes. Start there. Keep it simple. Do you what you love! Write in your journal, stretch out, enjoy a walk in nature, and put on your favorite songs to sing, and dance along!
The Dalai Lama says,
“Every day, think as you wake up, today I am fortunate to be alive, I have a precious human life,
I am not going to waste it. I am going to use all my energies to develop myself,
to expand my heart out to others;
to achieve enlightenment for the benefit of all beings.
I am going to have kind thoughts toward others,
I am not going to get angry or think badly about others.
I am going to benefit others as much as I can.”
Please note that drinking cacao ceremonially is not a replacement for professional help or traditional therapy, but rather a supplement to aid in one’s personal and spiritual growth. Check in with your medical care provider if you’re using either MAOI’s or SSRI’s as cacao is pumping extra blood and oxygen into the heart and it’s important to ensure you’re safe. Some have used a smaller amount of cacao with their medicine to find the balance yet its always important to ask first.
Please reach out if you’re interested in sourcing some excellent ceremonial-grade cacao or if you wish for more information about micro-dosing. You’re welcome to schedule an integration session with me to share about your intentions, and where you’re at, and to ask any questions. I’m offering ceremonies regularly in Grass Valley, California.
Scheduling link here: www.ShamamaWise.com
Gratitude & Love,
Lindsey Wise
