A poignant exploration of the usage of chocolate in ceremony and ritual in the modern world
This thoughtfully considered book offers a framework for sharing cacao ceremonies in different settings in a respectful, considerate and embodied way.
In the modern world of the twenty first century, many people never have the opportunity to visit the forests that are the ancestral home of the cacao tree, and so might never meet a cacao tree. Considering this, Ceremonial Cacao provides a guide to connect to the cacao plant through ceremony wherever you may be.
The book initially begins with an exploration of the history of cacao, as well as its significance in health and medicine. Moving on, it guides the reader through cultivating daily practice through altar building, free writing, breath prayer, pelvic rocking and more.
Ceremonial Cacao concludes with detailed instruction about how to create, design and share your own ceremony, including some example rituals.
Part I: Entering the cacao orchard
A modern cacao ceremony
What this book is and what it isn’t
What is cacao?
Who is this book for?
Our brothers and sisters, the trees
How is Cacao Made?
The Transformational Power of Ceremony
Part II: Meeting Cacao: An Ancient and Modern History
A Short Stroll through the Cacao Grove
The Journey of Cacao to the Modern World
What does ceremonial grade mean?
Cacao cosmovisions
A medicine of the heart
Our first ceremony together
Part II: Cacao and Health
The Chemistry of Cacao
Understanding Cacao Contraindications
Dosages
Creating Irresistible Elixirs
Part III: Cultivating Practice
The Foundation of the Path
A Daily Practice
Altar building
Elemental alchemy
Awakening the Senses
Free Writing
Breath Prayer
Pelvic Rocking
Part IV: Holding Space For Others
What Is Holding Space?
What kind of something is that something?
Supporting people to navigate their experiences
Part V: Sharing Ceremony
The Inspiration to Share
Choosing a venue
Designing a structure
Creating an invitation
Preparing The Medicine
Creating Sacred Space
Opening the Space
Closing The Ceremony
Part VI: Rituals to Share
An introduction to Somatic Experiences
Somatic Experience #1: Herbal Foot Soak
Somatic Experience #2: Chair Yoga
Somatic Experience #3: Breathwork
Part VII: A Closing Prayer
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