Cacao Circles: A Space for Connection, Healing, and Heart Opening

Why gathering in ceremony with cacao is a practice of deep listening and presence.

In a world that moves fast, gathering in a cacao circle is a radical act of slowing down. Unlike grabbing a cup of coffee on the go, a cacao ceremony invites you to pause, connect, and receive. It’s an intentional space where we come together in community, honoring the wisdom of this sacred plant and allowing it to guide us inward.

Cacao has been used in ceremonial settings for centuries, particularly in Mesoamerican traditions, as a way to open the heart, deepen connection, and enhance meditation. When shared in a group setting, its effects are amplified—creating a sense of warmth, clarity, and emotional release.

Together we explore:
🌿 Guided meditation and intention setting to connect with the energy of cacao
🌿 A restorative sound bath with crystal singing bowls
🌿 The power of shared energy in community

This is not just a “gathering.” It’s a space where you can tune into your heart, find clarity, and allow yourself to be fully present. If you’ve been craving deeper connection—within yourself and with others—consider joining my next cacao circle. You don’t need any prior experience, just an open heart and a willingness to receive.

👉 Upcoming Cacao Circle: Sunday, March 23rd in Palm Desert - Equinox Cacao + Sound

Ceremonial Cacao: Benefits, Contraindications & Preparation

What is Ceremonial Cacao?
Ceremonial cacao is pure, minimally processed cacao paste made from whole cacao beans. Unlike commercial chocolate, it retains its natural fats and nutrients, making it a sacred plant medicine traditionally used by Indigenous cultures in Central and South America for spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being.

Benefits of Ceremonial Cacao

• Heart-Opening: Cacao contains theobromine, a natural stimulant that gently enhances mood and energy while promoting emotional connection.

• Mental Clarity & Focus: Theobromine and antioxidants support cognitive function and reduce mental fog.

• Nutrient-Rich: High in magnesium, iron, and flavonoids, cacao can support heart health, reduce inflammation, help fight disease, and promote relaxation.

• Spiritual & Emotional Healing: Used in ceremonies and meditation, cacao helps deepen self-awareness and connection to intuition.

Contraindications

• Heart Conditions: Theobromine can increase heart rate and may not be suitable for those with serious cardiovascular issues.

• Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: While generally safe, consult a healthcare provider before consuming in large amounts.

• Antidepressant Use: Cacao interacts with MAOIs and SSRIs, potentially intensifying their effects. It is not recommended to drink cacao if you are taking these prescribed drugs.

• Caffeine Sensitivity: Can cause jitteriness or insomnia in those sensitive to stimulants. Drink small amounts or avoid completely.

**Please consult your medical doctor for official guidance on your own health and personal needs in relation to cacao.

How to Prepare Ceremonial Cacao

1. Measure: Use 15–40g of ceremonial cacao per serving.

2. Heat Water or Plant-Based Milk: Warm 6–8 oz of liquid, avoiding boiling to preserve nutrients.

3. Blend: Stir cacao into the warm liquid until smooth, using a whisk or blender.

4. Enhance (Optional): Add cinnamon, cayenne, honey, or vanilla for extra flavor and intention.

5. Set an Intention: Before drinking, take a moment to breathe, set an intention, and connect with the spirit of cacao.

Enjoy as part of a meditation, journaling practice, or mindful ritual.

Join an upcoming cacao circle and stay in the loop for Bella’s branded cacao, coming soon!

Cacao: More Than a Drink, It’s a Ritual

How this sacred plant medicine can help you reconnect with your heart and intuition.

I recently returned from a week-long immersion with cacao in Guatemala. I’m a pretty open person, but this experience blasted my heart open in more ways than I can explain. It has been a few weeks since I’ve been back and I’m still unfolding the teachings.

The biggest question I’ve gotten - what exactly IS cacao?

Cacao is so much more than a trendy wellness drink—it's an ancient heart-opener, a plant medicine used ceremonially by the Maya and Aztec cultures to connect to the divine. When prepared with intention, cacao becomes a bridge back to yourself, helping you slow down, breathe deeper, and move with greater awareness.

Unlike coffee, which stimulates the nervous system, cacao nourishes it. It contains theobromine, a gentle energy booster that enhances mood and focus without the jitters. It’s also packed with magnesium, which helps relax muscles and ease stress. But beyond the science, cacao carries an energy that invites us to soften, to sit with ourselves, and to listen.

A simple way to create a cacao ritual:

1. Prepare your cacao with intention (blend ceremonial-grade cacao with hot water, a touch of sweetener, and a pinch of spice).

2. Sit in silence with your cup, setting an intention for your practice.

3. Sip slowly, noticing the warmth and how it makes you feel.

4. Journal, meditate, or simply breathe and be.

Cacao is a beautiful tool for self-reflection, creativity, and heart-centered living. If you feel called to experience it in a deeper way, join me for an upcoming cacao gathering, I’ll be leading more of these spaces in the new year. This is an invitation to slow down, connect, and receive.

Looking forward to connecting soon through cacao!