If you’re here, that means you just discovered about 100% Ceremonial Cacao and want to learn how to make it! And we’re not talking about just any cacao. As a practitioner of Keith’s Cacao this is the one I LOVE to share. There are other cacaos out there you can try. It’s my belief and understanding (and it’s been studied) that Keith’s is the most potent that there is (has a super high Theobromine content). I know people that have tried other types of cacao and said that it felt more scattered and was not as enjoyable as Keith’s. Experiment for yourself!
If you haven’t gotten cacao yet, you can get 5% off every order with my code FREEMASHA at keithscacao.com.
I’ve been sending out an email with instructions on how to make cacao so frequently now, that I’ve decided to put it all here for easy access. Cacao is spreading like wildfire, and I like it!!
Cacao's amazing benefits:
Cacao Benefits: 5 Reasons to Start Drinking Ceremonial Cacao Today
Why Drink Coffee, When You Can Drink Cacao!
Adrenal Fatigue: The Case For Switching From Coffee To Cacao
Important info regarding drinking cacao for ceremony/at home:
28g/1oz is a daily dose, 42g/1.5oz is a ceremonial dose. You can play with different amounts to see what feels best for you. *please be mindful of your dose based on some factors listed below
No caffeine intake for 6 hours before or after as it can be overstimulating
No dairy products on the day of the ceremony/drinking, as they counteract the benefits of cacao and can cause stomach aches
Fast 2-3 hours prior to ceremony/drinking cacao for an optimal experience. Listen to your body. For low blood sugar eat a snack. Whole foods. I drink on an empty stomach in the mornings.
No mind-altering substances the day of ceremony: alcohol, marijuana, psychedelics, etc.
*** if you are on any MAOI-based anti-depressants and SSRI-based anti-depressants please let me know
*** if you have any heart conditions let me know, or best to start with half-dose and take from there
When in doubt, use your intuition
Reach out to me if you have any questions!
When making ceremonial cacao this is most important:
When you make it, you want to be intentional with it throughout the whole process.
Just as the way the cacao is grown and brought to us with intention, you want to be present and in the moment with cacao — when you chop it into pieces, when you're making it on the stove, and when you drink it. The energy and attention you give to it, is what she will give back. You can ask her for guidance in working with her.
*** Update *** For about a year I made it the way I’m suggesting below. Now I’ve started to use my Bullet blender as they suggest here and it’s now my favorite way for my morning cup of cacao. It comes out really smooth and creamy and blended. Yum. Either that or you can use an immersion blender.
Here are some suggestions when making ceremonial cacao:
Bring your intention into it from start to finish.
Create your ritual around making cacao. ex: Light a candle, burn some sage or incense to clear the energy around the area, listen to inspiring music while you're making it., sing to the cacao if you want to!
Boil some water. Make an herbal tea base if you'd like (I like to use organic rose petals). Let it cool a bit, you don't want the water to be boiling.
As water is cooling, measure out the right dose and chop up your cacao.
Put the cacao into the pot, add a little bit of water over the smallest flame and let the cacao melt into a paste with a wooden spoon. Once there is a paste, add the rest of the water.
Add whatever spices you want... raw honey, cinnamon, cayenne, tiny bit of coconut oil... and anything else you're feeling called for. Mushroom powders, oils. I love using Anima Mundi products and also Four Stigmatic mushrooms.
You can whisk it or blend it.
Say a little prayer, invite the cacao spirit in, set an intention, and then drink :)
How to make cacao with a blender:
https://www.keithscacao.com/blogs/keiths-cacao-blog/how-to-prepare-and-store-ceremonial-cacao
Here’s a playlist I like to play when making cacao:
And you can use whatever speaks to you:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6LSbp1LuPl1iwFwu6WfR8K?si=UvU_dlClTIi1kxYrIWiILw
Mama Cacao medicine song by Maile Moon* who introduced me to Keith’s Cacao and is one of my trusted astrologers. Thanks Maile!
Setting an Intention:
To have the most heart-opening and healing experience with your daily cacao practice or in ceremony, set an intention, a clear and sincere statement about what you would like to receive and/or heal. Sit in silence and allow it to emerge from the ground of your being rather than your mind. If nothing comes, simply ask for Mama Cacao to bring you the medicine you most need in this moment. Capture your intention in a journal to reflect on later.
Some possible intentions to ask for:
- Creative inspiration
- Honoring of self (needs, self-love, acceptance, being seen)
- Inner healing
- Trust of self and others
- Wisdom and guidance
- Insight and clarity
- Connection to ancestors or loved ones who have passed
Well, those are all my tips for now. Have fun!!! And you can track any of my upcoming cacao ceremonies on my instagram. I am so grateful and honored to be sharing this plant medicine with you.
Oh and how about a couple videos to leave you with. One is a 10-minute meditation with Keith himself that you could do after you drink your cacao. And the second video is just a golden video to watch, about the process of becoming more of who you really are.