Why Ancient Civilizations Valued Cacao More Than Gold
Before chocolate became one of the world’s largest cash crops and world renowned in the form of a sugary sweet chocolate bar, it had a life and a history of its own. In fact, the history of chocolate, or more specifically, “cacao” dates back over four thousand years ago. In Central American cultures, cacao was highly esteemed as a food of divinity, and was used ritualistically in various cultures as an offering to the gods. The scientific name of the word “theobroma cacao” is embedded with this meaning. “Theobroma” means “gods” and “food”, and cacao refers to the tree itself. In Aztec cultures, a beverage made from cacao was called xocolatl, which is the word we derive chocolate from! Why was chocolate considered so sacred and used ceremonially in ancient cultures?
Let’s be real. Chocolate is the stuff of legends. Can you even imagine a world without chocolate? A world without valentine’s boxes, a world without late night binges on your 70% dark, a world without naughty indulgences over ganache, and flourless chocolate cake, and dear god need I say more? No, the thought is unimaginable. Although chocolate has been somewhat removed from its Mayan and Aztec roots, it no doubt still carries a potent allure and symbolic meaning in our modern world.
Cacao is a Nutritional Powerhouse
Why is it that this food is so highly coveted, even today? Turns out there is both a scientific reason, and perhaps a more esoteric one too. We now know that cacao is one of the most chemically complex foods on the planet. By many standards it is considered a “superfood”, packing an epic load of nutritional value in the form of magnesium, anti-oxidants, healthy fats, and brain boosting nutrients. It’s no surprise that chocolate is often centered around feelings of love and romance—it actually has nutrients which support heart health!
What the Mayans & Aztecs Thought About Cacao
The Mayans and Aztecs, and other contemporary indigenous communities consider cacao to be a messenger plant, providing a bridge between this world and other worlds. The cacao tree was perceived by the Aztecs to be a gift from their God. They would use it together with pscilocybin mushrooms to use in sacred religious rituals. During that time, cacao became a common form of currency in the lands the Aztecs had conquered. Cacao to them, was literally more precious than gold.
Modern Cacao Shamanism
Today there are contemporary indigenous communities in Central and South American which still use cacao in a ceremonial and intentional way. Many of these tribes and cultures prefer working with cacao, as opposed to psychedelic plants to sit in council, connect with other dimensions, and receive guidance.
In today’s neo-shamanic revival, cacao shamanism and ceremonial communal cacao is making a resurgence in the Western world. People in different “conscious communities” are finding ceremonial cacao a legal, safe way to commune and connect with a mildly psycho-active plant in an intentional way. Drawing upon inspiration from ancient cultures of the past, these communities are using high grade pure drinking cacao to commune with the chocolate god.
I’ve been to several cacao ceremonies throughout the years, and each has been totally unique. When drinking a strong, high dose of very pure cacao, there is a palpable “heart-opening” feeling. As a vasodilator, cacao opens up the blood vessels, creating a surge of blood movement and circulation in the body. This circulation and opening can then be channeled for various intentional purposes.
Some of the ways I’ve experienced cacao ceremony is with a shaman who guides each individual to uncover some core piece of themselves that needs to be surfaced and healed. I’ve sat in more communal style ceremonies where cacao is drunk and a kind of “council” is held with sharing and prayers from each member. I’ve also participated in more non-verbal styles, where the cacao is ingested and then a sound healing with crystal bowls takes place followed by meditation, allowing everyone to have a deeply personal experience with cacao. In each one, I’ve been consistently surprised at how powerful the cacao bean actually is. Even though it is not intensely psychedelic, it has the spirit and potency of a true plant teacher.
Sourcing the Best Quality Cacao
Let’s be clear -- drinking ceremonial cacao is not about melting down a Hershey’s bar and blending it with water. To truly get the nutritional and spiritual benefits of cacao, you must find a source of cacao that is truly organic, not overly heat processed, and totally pure. It’s best to choose cacao from a fair trade source that supports local communities. Sadly, cacao is such a big cash crop that many people are paid unfair wages to grow and process it.
One of my favorite cacao sources is this purely sourced, Belizean and Guatemalan ceremonial cacao. This cacao is delicious and potent on its own, simply mixed with a little bit of water, but can also be blended with other things. Cacao also is a master alchemizer, and enhances the benefits of other plants such as psilocybin mushrooms, hemp and CBD. If you’re looking to have a more personal ceremony with cacao, I suggest getting yourself one of Lulu’s all organic, artisan made chocolate bars infused with the healing powers of CBD oil.
