Ever wondered why people exchange chocolate on romantic occasions? Like Valentines Day for example?
Long before "Willie Wonka" came around, it was known among the ancient Maya as the “food of the gods,” because chocolate, or cacao, can act as a powerful aphrodisiac that awakens the “love hormones” in the body, such as serotonin and dopamine.
A Maya legend tells us that whenever there is an imbalance between humans and nature, cacao comes from the rainforest to open people’s hearts and return the planet to a state of harmony. Some shamans therefore consider cacao the “food for the shift.” It represents the new order of love and peace, which is being cultivated right now.
With all the shifts on the planet, cacao’s power is growing. It’s therefore no surprise that ceremonies are popping up in various yoga studios, healing arts centers, and metaphysical festivals. Typical ceremonies last as long as four to six hours, and are led by either a shaman or mystic who understands the plant’s energy and effects. The cacao ceremonialist guides individuals toward unveiling their capacity for unconditional love, revealing their deepest truest selves, releasing anything that does not serve them, accessing liberation through love and ecstasy, and manifesting their most blissful lives.
"Chocolate in its purest form brings more oxygen to our brains. It increases blood flow throughout our bodies. It's enriched with high quantities of magnesium. It allows us to be stimulated and focused. It guides us on our journey to inner clarity. It brings us together, in ways we never thought possible. Cacao Lab is a bridge between modern culture and indigenous communities." - Cacao Film, Food of the Gods
In the jungle, certain shamans use cacao in its raw, unadulterated form for healing. But here in the modern world, this plant spirit—or the energy behind the form called cacao—is often overlooked as a sacred medicine.
When used correctly, cacao is said to unlock your ability to explore your personal and mystical journey from an enlightening new perspective. This medicine if consumed in a raw, unaltered form- is also said to support mental clarity, move you from your head to your heart, while producing a gentle euphoria.
Below is a film that addresses some of the fundamental questions about ceremonial cacao from the perspective of Maya Tzutujil tribe in Guatemala.
How does consuming Cacao increase ones overall happiness?
One of cacao’s active pharmacological ingredients consists of N-acylethanolamines, which, according to Drugs.com & Nick Polizzi Founder, of The Sacred Science, are “compounds found in chocolate that are structurally similar to anandamine, which is similar to the cannabinoid responsible for euphoria from cannabis. These compounds may not exert their effect by binding with the tetrahydrocannabinol receptors, but by inhibiting breakdown of endogenously produced anandamine, thus prolonging a ‘natural high.’”
Polizzi of the Sacred Science states, "Cacao’s alchemy can be subtle and its messages can come quietly. It is an excellent synergist and partnership facilitator, helping each of us to become aware of our subconscious mind. If we pay attention to these “easier” lessons, we can avoid the hard ones."
From his article, Food of the Gods he explains that psychologist, Carl Jung, describes the language of the subconscious is actually in symbols, images, and metaphors verses sounds or words. Carl Jung encourages us to notice repetitive images and also the physiological responses, like headache or nausea—seemingly common phenomena that are often ignored. Through deep meditation with the plant, its medicine can show you deeper truths about these experiences. (Don’t be surprised if you experience a proverbial “Aha!” moment.)
Sacred Science also notes some of the health & spiritual benefits of cacao.
Benefits:
• Increases blood flow.
• Contains powerful antioxidants, up to 40 times more than blueberries, which absorb free radicals.
• Boasts the highest plant-based source of iron—twice that of spinach.
• Full of magnesium for a healthy heart and brain.
• Acts as a natural mood elevator and antidepressant.
• Contains more calcium than cow’s milk per 100g.
If you feel inspired to dance with the Spirit of Cacao and share her magic, we recommend finding a ceremony led by a real shaman or mystic with ample experience to help intelligently foster the profound effects of cacao in a safe environment. If you want to simply begin using it for its many health benefits, or for communing with the plant and bringing it into your meditation, adding a scoop of our Chocolatree Organic Cacao Powder to your morning coffee is a great start.
Note: the effects of cacao are most noticeable when consumed on an empty stomach and prepared without any dairy products, as these tend to dilute its efficacy.
Note this article and images are courtesy to Nick Polizzi Founder, The Sacred Science & Short Film, Cacao Food of the Gods
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