Most people know cocoa only as the raw material for chocolate. But the truth is that this plant is used for purposes other than food. The cocoa ritual, for example, is a ceremony that promotes healing of the body, mind and spirit.
With the information we separate below, you will understand more about the history of cocoa, why it is considered sacred and what benefits it offers. In addition, you will delve into the cocoa ritual, identifying where to participate in the ceremony. Check out!
The cocoa ritual
It's not just any plant that receives a ritual in its honor, is it? So what is so special about cocoa to be seen as something powerful and sacred? Explore the details of the plant's history and ritualistic use.
1) History of cocoa
Cocoa is a fruit tree native to Central and South America, in tropical forest regions. Initially, the plant was cultivated by the Aztecs, who turned the seeds into a bitter drink. Later, the Mayans and Incas began to use it as a drink in ceremonies and rituals.
When Spanish colonists invaded American territories, they took cocoa beans to Europe, bringing a new use to the delicacy. Instead of being ingested as a beverage, cocoa was transformed into chocolate, consumed only by elites.
2) Why is cocoa sacred?
The name “cacao” comes from Theobroma cacao (its scientific name), which means “food of the gods”. However, he is not considered sacred only by the symbolism of the term that names him. The Aztec, Inca and Mayan civilizations believed that this plant was medicinal, as it provided energy and well-being when ingested.
In shamanism, which preaches a reunion with the teachings of nature, cocoa is also considered sacred. In this case, it could help eliminate toxins from the body and intensify the process of self-knowledge. Another ingredient with similar functions is ayahuasca tea.
3) How the ritual works
The cocoa ritual can take place in numerous ways, depending on the region where you intend to perform it. However, in this ceremony, it is common for people to sit in a circle to ingest the cocoa drink.
The liquid is believed to help each individual open their heart, making it easier to share the desires, traumas and doubts that lie within them. When talking about all this to other people, in a welcoming environment, there is a deepening in the process of self-knowledge.
After the drinking and the dialogue, some ceremonies include a dance. According to tradition, it is this movement of the body that will take the cocoa to the whole organism, activating all the transformation that the ritual stimulates. Thus, it will be possible to know your true self, without possible harmful side effects.
Where to attend cocoa ceremonies
If you want to enjoy what a cocoa ceremony has to offer, see which places offer this ritual safely and reliably.
1) Temple of Being
Located in Ilhabela, São Paulo, the Templo do Ser spiritual retreat holds cacao ceremonies on specific dates of the year. To find out when to take advantage of them, visit the organization's website: https://templodoser.org/.
2) Inti Path
Inti Path is a group of Peruvian spiritual masters. With the mission of preserving and transmitting the Inca tradition, the organization holds cacao ceremonies in España. Find out about the dates and times of the rituals on their Instagram profile: https://www.instagram.com/inti_path/.
3) Clareia Shamanic Institute
The Clareia Shamanic Institute offers the cocoa ceremony in a different way. In this case, the process is conducted online and can even take place at your home. Unveil this possibility through the website: http://cerimoniadocacau.com/cacauterapia/.
benefits of cocoa
Now that you know the ritualistic use of cocoa and how it can help in your self-knowledge process, understand what benefits it brings to your body and mind!
1) Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action
Cocoa has polyphenols in its composition, which act in an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory way. So drinking a drink made with it can prolong the health of your body's cells and reduce inflammatory processes that are developing.
2) Blood pressure balance
Polyphenols are also responsible for balancing blood pressure, reducing it. In this way, a cocoa drink stimulates concentration and focus, favoring the connection between body and mind.
3) Increase in energy
As cocoa has caffeine in its composition, it has the power to increase the energy of those who consume it. In the ritual, this property will be especially useful for the closing of the ceremony, when it will be necessary to dance.
4) Protection of cell DNA
Cocoa is rich in flavonoids, which promote the protection of the DNA of our cells. Therefore, a drink made is one of the ways to prevent the development of cancer, improving the functioning of the body.
5) Feeling of well-being
Just like physical exercise, cocoa releases endorphins and dopamine in the body. These two compounds promote a feeling of well-being, which is even intensified with the dance at the end of the ceremony.
6) Connecting with your Higher Self
A person's Higher Self is any force greater than himself that he believes in. With the ritualistic use of cocoa, this connection between the individual and something greater than himself is intensified, bringing lightness to the spirit.
7) Stimulation of creativity
Cocoa is used to stimulate a person's creativity. This is because, in ritualistic use, it is able to unlock insecurities and traumas, which compromise an individual's freedom.
8) Development of mental clarity
During the ingestion of cocoa, in a ritual, the characteristics that a person has are reinforced, so that they do not doubt themselves. So it's easier to set plans, deal with problems and get to know yourself.
9) Induction of meditation
The cocoa drink can help to focus more on the present, and on what is happening around those who drink it. With this direction of attention, it is easier to meditate on what should be worked on.
10) Promotion of healing
Cocoa is able to promote healing in a person's mind. That's because it will help to get everything bothering you off your chest, and then move on. In this process, it will be possible to achieve inner peace.
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Taking into account all the information presented, we observe that the cocoa ritual is an ancient and very beneficial ceremony. With this rite, a person can connect more deeply with who they are, resolve issues that plague them, and even improve their own physical health. Share with others what you've learned!
