How to Prepare Ceremonial Cacao
- Begin by smudging yourself, the space, and the ingredients to create a sacred and energetically clear environment.
- Take a moment to connect with your breath, bringing awareness and presence to each inhale and exhale.
- Center yourself in your heart and connect with your intention. Hold it with gratitude and love in both your mind and heart.
- For a dose of 40 grams, use 8 oz of water. For doses of 20 or 30 grams, use 6 oz of water. Warm the water on the stove, being careful not to let it boil.
- With a knife, chop between 20 and 40 grams of cacao per person. While chopping, maintain focused intention and keep your thoughts and heart aligned with love. You can sing along to high vibration music as you work with the cacao, as it resonates with this nurturing plant.
- Mix the chopped cacao with the warm water (not boiling) in a bowl or vessel.
- Optionally, you can add spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, vanilla, chili or any other spice to enhance the flavor. You may also add honey or another natural sweetener (try not to use lots of sweetener to keep the bitterness of the cacao). As you whisk the mixture, hold your intention in your heart.
- If preparing a single dose, you can use a small thermos to mix the cacao. Shake it well and then serve it into your cup. Make sure to mix it continuously while drinking to prevent the cacao solids from settling at the bottom.
Instead of water, you have the option to use oat milk, coconut milk, almond milk, or any other plant-based milk, excluding soy milk. It is also advisable to avoid using cow's milk as it may hinder the absorption of the beneficial properties of cacao. Please note that in traditional Mayan cacao ceremonies, water is typically used as the base for preparing the ceremonial cacao.
Furthermore, it is worth mentioning that Judit, during her cacao ceremonies, follows the traditional Mayan practice of using water as the base for preparing the ceremonial cacao.
Furthermore, it is worth mentioning that Judit, during her cacao ceremonies, follows the traditional Mayan practice of using water as the base for preparing the ceremonial cacao.
How to Drink Ceremonial Cacao
Expressing gratitude for the cacao you are about to consume is a beautiful practice that deepens your connection with this sacred plant. Before taking your first sip, please take a moment to hold the cup in your hands and offer thanks to the cacao for its nourishing and transformative properties. Reflect on the journey it has taken from the earth to your cup, acknowledging the efforts of all those involved in cultivating and preparing it. By expressing gratitude, you honor the wisdom and healing energy of the cacao, creating a harmonious exchange and setting the intention for a profound experience.
Enjoy this nurturing plant medicine!
Picture taken in Guatemala during my cacao training.