Learning the Art of Making, Preparing and Serving Cacao

Originally published at MindfulPlayUK | Renegade IT Consultants Limited

A different kind of article this time but that is how I roll!

?

This past weekend was wonderfully amazing and a long time coming. I participated in the Embodied Cacao Ceremonial Training created and facilitated by Rhonda Spence at her beautiful retreat space in Angus, and my body, mind and spirit is still overflowing from the experience.

Cacao is the raw material from which chocolate is made. It comes from the cacao tree, which is native to Central and South America. The cacao pods, which grow on the tree, contain cacao beans and pulp. These beans are roasted, fermented, and ground to create cocoa powder or cocoa mass, which are the primary ingredients in chocolate. Cacao is rich in flavonoids, which are antioxidants that have been linked to various health benefits, including improved heart health and cognitive function.

The training kicked off with a powerful cacao ceremony on Friday night surrounded by an incredible group of women. It was a really lovely experience and so different to other cacao ceremonies I have attended. This ceremony was to be the basis of what we were going to learn the rest of the weekend

Saturday was a surprisingly glorious summer day, and so we took full advantage of it by holding the entire class outside in the garden. Imagine learning about shamanic practices with a cacao theme amidst the sounds of birdsong and a gentle breeze – pure bliss! The day was further enriched by a visit to the ancient Carlungie Earth House and a refreshing stroll on Monifieth beach as the haar came in.

On Sunday the haar was still in but luckily we were in the kitchen, learning how to sacredly acquire, prepare and serve Mama Cacao. It definitely had a “witches around the cauldron” feel to it.

This weekend was such a gift, sharing the space with fellow alchemists who will go on to facilitate their own cacao ceremonies. Thank you, Rhonda, for sharing your knowledge, your home, and your beautiful energy with us. It was an absolute honour to be a part of this experience. This training was truly beyond anything I could have imagined. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

?

If you're looking for a wonderfully magical, awe-inspiring and cacao-insightful training that will deepen your connection to yourself and Mama Cacao, then I wholeheartedly recommend this?experiential training with Rhonda. You won't regret it!

If you want to experience a cacao ceremony, please get in touch. I will be adding it to the list of services available on my website soon.

If you are interested in learning more about how I can help you, please drop me a message on?LinkedIn, or?get in touch?to find out more.