Cacao Ceremonies are one of my favourite rituals to nourish and connect with myself and my body. Cacao supports clarity, opens the heart, and invites us into deeper connection. It can help us access creativity and express ourselves from a place of truth and love. For more on how Cacao has supported me, read My Story with Cacao.

There’s something quietly powerful about carving out space just for yourself. A moment to soften and listen.

A personal cacao ceremony doesn’t need to be elaborate or performative. It’s a gentle ritual. A return. A way of using what you already have — your presence, your breath, your intention — as the foundation for something meaningful.

Here is a practice you can return to anytime you feel the need to ground, process emotions, or set intentions.

Your personal cacao ceremony

Below is my guide on how to prepare your personal cacao ceremony. Inspired by my own experience working with cacao personally and with my clients since my first sip in 2021.

Rooting in Your Own Wisdom

I encourage you to approach this practice with care, respect, and awareness of its cultural origins.

Cacao has deep roots in Indigenous Mesoamerican traditions, where it has been used ceremonially for generations. Rather than borrowing or imitating traditions that are not our own, we can honour them by acknowledging their lineage and engaging with humility.

At the same time, I encourage you to turn inward, and backward, toward your own heritage, culture, and lived experience.

There is a wealth of wisdom there.

Let this practice be a doorway into reconnecting with your own roots, rituals and ways of making meaning. Ways that feel authentic, nourishing, and true to you.

These practices aren’t here to change who you are, but to help you remember, love, and nurture your connection to who you already are, where you come from, and the wisdom of those in whose footsteps you walk.

Step 1 | Prepare Your Space

Choose a space that feels calm and supportive. This might be a quiet corner of your home, or somewhere outdoors where you feel connected to nature.

If you’re indoors:

Cleanse the space in a way that feels good to you (this could be with incense, palo santo, or simply opening a window).
Play music to inspire the mood of your practice: grounding, energetic, joyous, shadow work.
Or, let silence and breath be your guide
Personalise your practice with journal prompts or sit with a meaningful object (like a crystal or personal talisman)

If you’re outdoors:

Let nature ground and inspire you. Notice the sounds, the air, the feeling of the earth beneath you
Allow your surroundings to naturally guide you

Personally, I love bringing this practice to Lesnes Abbey Woods. There’s something about being surrounded by ancient woodland, on this historic sacred site, that deepens the experience.

The most important thing is that the space feels intentional and nourishing to you.

Step 2 | Prepare Your Cacao

Traditional-Style Cacao (simple & grounding)

Ingredients:

10g-50g cacao* (chopped, grated or discs)
100-250ml hot water (not boiling)
Spices (Optional): A pinch of cayenne pepper, cinnamon or chilli.
Natural sweetener (optional): 1 tsp raw honey, maple syrup, agave or coconut sugar.

Method:

Heat your water, ensuring it doesn’t boil to avoid burning the cacao.
Melt the cacao by adding Pour in a small amount of hot water to form a paste.
Mix thoroughly using a whisk or traditional molinillo, until it becomes frothy.
Add any flavourings and sweetener to taste.
Serve in your favourite cup

My Personal Blend (heart-opening & comforting)

Ingredients:

10g-50g cacao* (chopped, grated or discs)
100-250ml hot water or plant milk
60-100ml hot water (for infusion)
Dried lavender + rose (for tea infusion)
Pinch of cayenne and cinnamon
Dash of vanilla
Natural sweetener (optional)

This version is softer, more aromatic, and feels like a hug.

Take your time here. Sip slowly. Let yourself arrive.

Method:

Heat your water, ensuring it doesn’t boil to avoid burning the cacao.
Melt the cacao by adding Pour in a small amount of hot water to form a paste.
Mix thoroughly using a whisk or traditional molinillo, until it becomes frothy.
Add any flavourings and sweetener to taste.
Serve in your favourite cup

* Dosing Guide

10g — gentle

20–25g — meditational

30–45g — ceremonial

Step 3 | Open Your Ceremony & Begin Your Practice

This is your time. A space to slow down, to listen, and to be with yourself.

Let this be a sanctuary a moment of peace and clarity within the busyness of life.

Hold your cup close to your heart.
Take a deep breath in, noticing the scent.
Exhale slowly.

Set an intention or, if you’re not sure what to set, simply remain open to the messages you may recieve.

Simple opening prayer/script

I give thanks to the heart of the sky
I give thanks to the heart of the earth
I give thanks to the heart of the fire
I give thanks to the heart of the water
I give thanks to the cacao spirit and all beings working for my highest good
I give thanks to all that brought this plant medicine to me
And to myself, for being open to receive
Ohm Shanti Shanti Shanti
(Peace, peace, peace)

Then begin to drink your cacao.

Sit With Your Intention

After drinking, allow yourself a few quiet moments.

You might gently reflect or journal around:

What am I ready to release?
What am I calling in?
What does my body or heart need right now?

Let whatever arises be enough. There is nothing to force here.

Step 3 | Close Your Practice

Closing the practice is just as important as opening it.

Take a moment to offer gratitude to the cacao, to your guides (however you understand them), and to yourself.

Simple Closing prayer/script

I give thanks to the elements, the guides, and the cacao spirit
Thank you for accompanying me on this journey
Thank you for the gratitude awakened in my heart
Thank you to my heart
And to all that brought me to this moment

Ohm Shanti Shanti Shanti
(Peace, peace, peace)

A Final Note

This practice is yours.

It doesn’t have to look a certain way. It doesn’t have to be perfect.

What matters is that you show up with honesty, curiosity, and care.

That in itself is powerfully healing.

⚠️ Contraindications for Ceremonial Cacao

Cacao is a natural, plant-based substance, but it can have physiological and psychological effects. Please read the following guidance carefully before consuming.

Do not consume ceremonial cacao, or consult a qualified medical professional before use, if you:

Are taking MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors)
Are taking SSRIs, SNRIs, or other antidepressants (cacao may amplify effects; use only in low doses with guidance)
Have a heart condition, irregular heartbeat, or cardiovascular concerns
Have high or unstable blood pressure
Are sensitive to stimulants (cacao contains theobromine and small amounts of caffeine)
Are pregnant or breastfeeding (low doses may be permissible, but seek advice from your healthcare provider first)
Have a history of severe anxiety, panic disorders, or psychosis, as cacao may intensify emotional states

Possible effects may include:

Increased heart rate
Headaches or nausea (especially at higher doses or if dehydrated)
Heightened emotional sensitivity

If you experience any discomfort, stop consumption immediately and seek medical advice if needed.

General guidance:

Stay well hydrated before and after consuming cacao
Avoid combining cacao with alcohol or other stimulants
Start with a lower dose if you are new or unsure

Important Note

The information shared here is for educational and wellbeing purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any medical condition. I am not a medical professional, and cacao should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. By participating in this practice, you acknowledge that you are responsible for your own health and wellbeing and that you will consult a qualified healthcare professional if you have any concerns.

Practising in Community

While personal rituals are deeply nourishing, there’s something powerful about gathering in shared intention.

If you’d like to be guided through this experience — held in a carefully curated space with music, sound, and gentle facilitation — we encourage you to join one of my cacao ceremonies.

At Bayleaf Yoga, these sessions combine ceremonial cacao with meditation, breath, and crystal bowl sound to support emotional release, nervous system regulation, and a deeper connection to self.

Learn more & Explore upcoming events

Spaces are intentionally limited to keep the experience intimate.

How to Create Your Personal Cacao Ceremony