Let’s discover how in ceremonial doses raw cacao and therapeutic-grade essential oils you are able to experience a powerful heart opener that paves the way to transformation through self-love…

What is a cacao ceremony, and when do people seek this medicine out?

A cacao ceremony is an opportunity to connect to yourself and open your heart. Because of cacao’s ability to increase your connection to your inner self and your heart, it aids in any transformational shift you are working towards, whether you are looking to deepen your understanding of who you are, release old patterns and traumas, or move into a more self-confident space.  Check out my blog post on the benefits of connecting to ‘The Spirit of Cacao’.

So what is cacao?

Cacao is not cocoa. Cacao is the raw and naturally fermented, unheated form of chocolate, while cocoa is cacao that has been heated. Processed chocolate is made with roasted cocoa, sugar, milk, and other ingredients that turn it into a solid food and studies have found that by adding dairy this actually blocks the absorption of antioxidants in chocolate.

Cacao has been used for centuries to heal the mental, physical and spiritual body. It is a natural and ancient plant medicine, with a high concentration of vitamins, minerals and is a powerful antioxidant. Cacao also increases blood flow (oxygen and nutrients) to the brain as well as induces the release of feel-good endorphins

Is raw cacao a psychedelic?

Chocolate wasn’t popular as a psychoactive in the 60s because it’s not actually psychedelic (although many experience visions and powerful journeys in my ceremonies). It is gaining a lot of popularity now, because of all the shifts on the planet.

Cacao ceremonies are a type of shamanic healing – which is one of the oldest holistic healing practices used by indigenous cultures all over the world. These types of healing ceremonies work with rebalancing energies in the body to regain health. However, unlike other shamanic experiences, drinking cacao will not make you hallucinate or give you some sort of ‘out-of-body’ psychedelic experience. 

How do my ceremonies go – what’s the run of play?

I honor the cacao with meditation and inner reflection. In the ceremonies that I hold space for, we begin by sitting in a sacred circle, honoring the cacao spirit, and humbly asking for our intentions to be heard. We serve the cacao in liquid form and drink together.

Depending on what’s being called for, I intuitively offer storytelling, meditation and/or card reading. We then enter into a sharing with each other, of what we want to let go of and what we are calling in, which creates an intention for our journey. This is a very safe and intimate space, and the people that attend always surprise themselves at how they are able to open up to strangers, especially when they start to realize they we are all a mirror for each other, all just human beings with the same fears and sufferings, the same hopes and dreams.

From time to time I invite co-facilitator to join the guidance so we can move into deeper Body Work with for example the usage of Sound Healing, Pilates or Yin yoga which stimulates the body deeply and is at the same time very soothing and relaxing, you will be able to deeply integrate your experience. The poses are held between 3 – 5 minutes and are done with the muscles as relaxed as possible.

I add therapeutic-grade essential oils to my Cacao mix, each blend is specifically attuned to the theme and individual needs. During these inner journey’s you will also learn how therapeutic-grade essential oils can be used as a natural alternative for physical ailments, alongside spiritual and emotional development.

We most of the time end with a dance, during which the cacao activates within the body and the heart, allowing a truly transformative and ecstatic process to unfold.

The divine drink which builds up resistance and fights fatigue. A cup of this precious drink permits a man to walk for a whole day without food.

– Hernando Cortés, 1519

My top 4 theme’s that I like to offer….

Sacred Plant Medicine Integration Ceremony

This cacao ceremony is specifically designed for those who are in need of some psychedelic or plant medicine integration work. This journey is specifically designed to help you find clarity, and process some of the more confusing aspects of your experiences. Cacao is the perfect medicine to dive deep and integrate other medicines while remaining fully conscious and aware.

Couples Ceremony

Both individuals must be committed to improving their relationship while looking inwardly at their own individual strengths and weaknesses. Knowing their traits and habits that make their partner tick could have a positive effect on making personal and relationship changes. Couples Cacao Ceremony isn’t meant for one partner to unload anger, resentment and other damaging behaviors toward his or her partner. It’s about unlocking solutions based on love, dedication and more.

Moon Medicine Journey’s

Together we will dive deep into Cacao, open our hearts and see how we can best serve humanity and Mother Earth. When a group of people comes together, with the right intention, we can change limiting aspects of the collective field.  As we reach the peak of a Full Moon let’s utilize the energy to really make an impact on this planet and set clear new intentions for our personal wellbeing.

Deep Trauma

When we go through deep trauma, the trauma can stay in our energy fields for many years, even once we have emotionally and mentally healed from the experience. This unique Cacao ceremony is designed to help heal the vibrations of any deep trauma you have experienced. In a very gentle and loving way, Cacao will release the trauma around the heart and in your energy field so that you can let go of the past and move forward more empowered and liberated. These sessions are designed for one on one or smaller group work.

Precautions:

<3 Wear something comfortable.

<3 Eat light before the ceremony.

<3 If you are on antidepressants please let me know since cacao and certain antidepressants do not mix and can have harmful side effects.

<3 Drink lots of water. Cacao is a diuretic and without proper hydration, headaches can occur.

<3 Avoid coffee at least 4 hours prior to the ceremony.

<3 You’ll also need to arrange a quiet, gentle evening for after the event as symptoms of physical and emotional detoxification can arise unique to each individual.

Note: If you are on anti-depressants, mood stabilizers, using St. John’s Wort or any natural supplement containing 5HTP (check the label), it is not advisable to participate because the combination of raw cacao and such substances could be harmful.

Cacao Praise

“I have over the years experienced many ceremonies and gatherings. Some very extreme and some very gentle. I have also experienced many Cacao ceremonies but no more so vital than the ceremony held by Natasja. It is apparent that the setting up and the structure of her ceremony is highly effective. I feel safe and vulnerable enough to let go and grow. Her guidance and presence in the ceremony guide you to meet yourself. Her alchemy is transformational and as a mentor myself, I feel there is always a powerful shift in energy and my awareness during and after the ceremony. I have been privileged to experience the impact she has had in my life and honored to know her as one of today’s magnificent guides.”

– John from U.K.

WANT TO ORDER AND MAKE YOUR OWN CACAO, CHECK THIS OUT!

I am available for (private) groups or individual bookings, connect with me…

In-Joy,
Natasja

What you see before you, my friend, is the result of a lifetime of chocolate.

– Katharine Hepburn