Summer Solstice is a transitional time for reflection, to look back on the last six months and turn to the horizon...
Where have you been in this last 6-month cycle? What needs celebration, grieving, acceptance, love?
What are you calling in for the following cycle, as the days begin to grow shorter towards the Winter Solstice?
To celebrate the full moon and the solar fire power of the Summer Solstice energy, I hope you'll join me in ceremoniously enjoying cacao and expressing your voice in whatever way feels best for you – whether that be singing, mantra, sounding, freestyling, vocal toning, heart toning, om chanting, affirmations, etc.
photo by Cristie Kiley Design
My Journey with Ceremonial Cacao (briefly)
My journey of vocal empowerment and healing was deeply supported by my relationship with ceremonial cacao, which began in San Marcos la Laguna, Guatemala, in 2015.
I went deep with this plant medicine through residential trainings, retreats, ceremonies, and even a pilgrimage to the rainforests of Guatemala to visit a regenerative agroforestry project.
From daily morning sound & cacao practice, to cacao kirtans and song circles, to ceremonial work with cacao, imaginal journeying, sound healings, dance, and creative empowerment... this plant medicine is one of my closest and most beloved allies.
Here I am excited to offer one of the very first recipe/ritual posts on my website. I hope you enjoy!
A few important notes before we begin…
Different ceremonial cacao sources (and honey) will have very different flavor profiles, which may call for an adjustment to the amounts of ingredients or even which ingredients are preferred. I always encourage you to experiment to find the alchemy that delights you the most and feels aligned with your intentions.
This recipe calls for Cacao Laboratory, which has become one of my go-to everyday cacao sources for its deep, rich flavor, smooth texture, and balanced fruit notes.
ABOUT CACAO LABORATORY
My sweet friend Florencia began this brand with her brother, and I can tell you first hand that the energy of this endeavor is absolutely beautiful and in right relationship with land and people.
Cacao Laboratory partners in a direct trade relationship with small family farms in the Manarí province of Ecuador.
This delicious cacao is 100% Arriba Nacional from old growth forests being tended in traditional agroforestry ways, with no pesticides or fertilizers.
And I am super excited that I get to offer 10% off for anyone, for everything on the site:
DOSAGE + YOUR INTUITION
Ceremonial cacao at a 1 oz serving can still be a lot for some people. Soon I’ll have more information about ceremonial cacao on my site, but for now… here’s some things to note:
Please know that you can have less and still work intimately with this sacred plant medicine. If you’re sensitive to stimulants, having 1 oz at night (or even 3/4 oz) could be a lot. Tune into your intuition and your body. I would not go above 1.5oz.*
If you are working with ceremonial cacao in heat (especially if it’s dry climate), be sure to hydrate A LOT. Drink more water than you think! Cacao can dehydrate you and move liquids through you.
If you have specific, basic questions about cacao, contraindications, or dosage, you can reach out via my contact page.
*Ceremonial cacao is 100% pure cacao, unlike the small amounts you will find in candy bars and hot chocolate mixes. Please note that anyone with health conditions should consult their physician. Those on SSRI medication should not have pure cacao in larger or even potentially medium quantities.
MAKING SACRED SPACE FOR YOUR RITUAL
Cacao gets the blood and energy moving, which can include emotions, inspirations and straight up life force pulsating through you!
Making space for this ritual is important, and could be a few hours of dedicated time to flow. You might explore art, dance, song, writing, entrepreneurship dreaming, hiking, etc. I often find that if I don’t do something with all that energy (and sometimes strong emotion) it can create unbalanced energy in my body, and I will feel anxious and a bit discombobulated.
The Recipe
Since cacao is already so warming, I love to use cardamom and rosewater in the hot weather, to cool things off a bit. You can even let it sit overnight in the fridge and enjoy it cold (after a good shake or stir), though it will definitely be thicker due to its high fat content.
This blend is classic and simple, and I hope you love it as much as I do.
ingredients
1 oz pure ceremonial-grade cacao from Cacao Laboratory
1/4 tsp vanilla bean powder or 1/8 tsp extract
a few hefty dashes of fine ground cardamom
1/4 to 1/2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp rosewater
6-7 oz. good water, hot but not boiling
Dash of Himalayan pink salt or sea salt
This will make a thicker cup of cacao. Add water and adjust honey to preferred taste and texture.
photo by Cristie Kiley Design
preparation & ritual
Combine all in a blender and bless with some prayers and love!
Pour into your favorite cup or mug, or take in a thermos to a favorite spot in nature.
With gratitude, invoke an intention and enjoy the brew as you feel the warmth and activation of solar power flow through your veins and central channel.
If outdoors, you may like to offer some to the land with prayer for reciprocity and right relationship. If you have an ancestral altar, you can even leave some there for your ancestors to nourish them and share the medicine.
Take some time to reflect: What actions are you inspired to take in this moment, in these next six months? What are you inspired to create or express? How can the solar energy of the sun and your inner fire support you?
You’re invited to the rest of your time in whatever way feels most inspiring, nourishing and supportive for you on this beautiful full moon and solstice transition.
Pro Tip: You can store this in the fridge for a few days! You can even prepare it, then let it sit overnight to let the flavors meld. At times I make a batch of a few servings in advance.
Blessings for a beautiful cacao ritual, Summer Solstice & Full Moon!
Curious about exploring ceremonial cacao more deeply, in a 1:1 setting?
I offer embodiment and healing work with cacao in two forms:
Soul Voice & Ceremonial Cacao 1:1 Mentorships
Cacao Embodiment Journeys (personal ceremonies)