Cacao Across Time: Ethics, Ceremony & Ritual
This post is a class syllabus and progress tracker for part of my “adult-school” curriculum. Overview here.
Subject: Culinary Arts & World Studies
Course Title: Cacao Across Time: Ethics, Ceremony & Ritual
Dates: Monday September 1st to December 22nd.
Learning Objective: Study the history, ethics, and cultural significance of cacao while practicing preparation and personal ceremonial rituals.
Requirements for A+ Grade:
Ceremony Attendance
Attend 5 cacao ceremonies ✓
Minimum of 3 different facilitators to experience a variety of instructional methods and atmospheres ✓
Journal reflections on each ceremony and share below ✓
Research, Study and Media Consumption
Purchase high-quality ceremonial cacao
Watch 5 hours of cacao-related videos
Listen to 5 hours of cacao-related podcasts
Journal reflections for all media consumed and share below
Practice
Prepare cacao at home 5 different ways (recipes, ratios, techniques, music, energy)
Final Capstone Project
Host intimate cacao ceremony at home with loved ones
Document the experience with photos and notes
Ask for feedback from attendees
$300 Grant:
Ceremony Ticket $15 x 5 = $75
Transportation to Amsterdam $10 x 6 = $60
High-quality cacao (price TBD)
Ingredients for enhancing cacao (price TBD)
Resources:
Cacao Ceremony Attendance:
#1. Cacao & Meditation (Bluebirds Haarlem) ✓
Friday Sept. 12th at 5:30pm with Helene
Notes: Card pulled was “cave” which really resonated with me in this season of pregnancy. I’ve been feeling called to slow down, nest and retreat within, especially as we move into fall. I love how Helene plays the drums, triangles, and chants. Her ceremonies feel very powerful and help connect me to my ancestors.
#2. Cacao & Yoga Nidra (Bluebirds West) ✓
Friday Sept. 19th at 5:30pm with Hailey Noa
Notes: Hailey held and facilitated the space in an experienced way. I thorough enjoyed that a full cup of cacao was offered (some ceremonies it’s only 1/3-1/2 full). The yoga nidra part was incredible and put me into a vibrating trance. As she finished up the guided meditation, she sang and played the ukulele. All around a very euphoric experience that made me both cry and smile. Afterward, I was overcome by feelings of self-love and gratitude. It made me remember that 25 year old Allison would be elated to know she lives here. I really liked Hailey’s energy and the way she guided the ceremony along. Card pulled was “you are nature” which can felt like a sign of pregnancy support that my body is preparing for birth and knows exactly what it’s doing.
#3. Cacao & Yoga Nidra (Bluebirds West) ✓
Friday Sept. 26th at 5:30pm with Hailey Noa
Notes: My first impression was how much more I liked her outfit and aura this time. She looked stunning and like someone who hosts a cacao ceremony. Everything that she had control over, she did well. My only complaint was that there was a large dog barking in the building next door and it was very distracting. The cacao recipe was different this time, with a lot more cayenne so it was super spicy. I loved it, but a lot of attendees were struggling (coughing, sipping water, sipping super slow, etc). I can learn from that - when I make cacao for a group, avoid making it too spicy.
#4. Cacao & Yin Yoga (Bluebirds Haarlem) ✓
Sunday Sept. 28th at 4:00pm with Araliya
Notes: The energy of the attendees was super scattered because there was a marathon happening in the city so multiple people were late. I could see and feel how unsettled people were (fidgeting, deep breathing, looking around). I think the instructor could have done a better job of acknowledging this to help everyone really relax and drop into the space before beginning. She did mention that this was “less of a ceremony.” I’m not exactly sure why but it did feel more casual, especially by doing yin after instead of yoga nidra. There was no musical instruments, singing, tarot cards, etc. I really liked the yin poses she chose and it felt good, but again, more casual / less ceremonial.
#5. Cacao & Yin Yoga (Bluebirds Haarlem) ✓
Sunday Oct. 12th at 4:00pm with Araliya
Notes: I liked this way better than the one I went to of hers on the 28th. This time, the mats were arranged in an oval “sun-ray” pattern (instead of ladder style). I think this is a much better layout for cacao and sound baths because of the circular energy. It makes it seem like more of a cohesive group experience. She added mushrooms to the cacao (chaga, lion’s mane and cordyceps) which I really enjoyed. My favorite part came after we drank the cacao, she asked us to get on our feet. We did a few stretches and then shook out our body. I love shaking, as it really helps me release pent-up stress and tension. It also helps me connect more to my physical body. I wish every yoga class did this at the beginning as it really helped ground me into the space.
#6. Cacao & Meditation (Bluebirds Haarlem)
Friday Oct. 17th at 5:30pm with Helene
Notes: Helene also sets up the room with the mats in a “sun-ray” pattern which I enjoy. She brought all her instruments tonight including drums, triangles, and feathers. It was a fully sold out close so there were a lot of participates. Thankfully, I got the edge spot so I was really able to be in my own bubble. Hayes was dancing around so I sat instead of lying down, which actually helped me stay more present. I love Helene’s vocals and chants. They are so powerful and tribal. I drew two cards. The first was Angel’s Trumpet, which is about catharsis and rebirth - signaling a death of the old self or worn-out habits. There’s a variety of ways this could resonate but what speaks to me in this moment is particularly is how I have used travel as a coping mechanism in the past. Earlier today, when I was getting a massage and booked it for the next few upcoming weeks, I was reflecting on my relationship to routine. I simultaneously really enjoy it but it’s also tough for me. I strive so hard to be grounded, organized and in a nice rhythm but then this other part of me “feels bored” and wants to book a trip. Since I can’t travel right now (close to my due date), I’m forced to stay put and it’s actually been so good for me. I don’t think I’ve had this much routine since high school. In the last few years, having any commitments on my calendar gave me anxiety but now I am starting to receive a lot of joy from having things to look forward to each week. The second card was Shadow Self, which speaks to that part of me that wants to run away when life is going so well because I’m not used to how safe it feels. I need to acknowledge that I don’t have to run anymore, I deserve the life I’ve created for myself and I don’t need to be stressed.
Hosting My Own Cacao Ceremony:
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