Theresa is a Certified Cacao Ceremony Facilitator. She completed an in-depth Cacao Plant Medicine program with Heartblood Cacao. She holds a deep reverence and expanded knowledge of cacao as plant medicine.
When you register to attend Sacred Cacao Ceremony, Theresa will discuss your goals and ask you basic health questions. Cacao is safe and delicious, and understanding contraindications or cautions will ensure that your cacao experience will be meaningful and appropriate for your personal wellness journey.
Theresa has created a unique Sacred Cacao Ceremony experience which integrates multi-cultural and modern wisdoms of cacao as well as sound healing energy modalities.
~ Sacred Sunday Cacao Ceremony and Group Sound Healing
~ Exploring the Elements with Cacao: Five Week Series
Theresa only serves certified organic, ceremonial-grade, fair-trade, ethically-sourced cacao paste.
~ Ceremony Lasts Approximately 3 Hours
~ Opening Discussion and Intention
~ Cacao Preparation and Dedication
~ Integral Sound Healing Meditation
~ Drum Circle and/or Movement (Ecstatic Dance, Yoga*)
~ Integration and Closing
* If Yoga is incorporated into ceremony, a certified yoga instructor will lead
For your comfort, you should also bring the following:
~ Water bottle filled with cool water (not ice water)
~ Your favorite mug
~ Your favorite blanket or shawl/scarf/wrap
~ Snack made from dense foods (cheese, bread, meat, pasta, beans, sandwich)
~ Your open mind and loving heart
~ Optional: pillow, yoga mat, eye pillow....anything to make you feel comfortable lying down
~ Optional: zafu or bolster to sit upon
Before your Cacao Ceremony, Theresa will speak with you confidentially via phone to discuss a private plan for your group ceremony which includes your cacao dose, etc.
Most people find cacao to be a safe and beneficial ceremonial plant food. It isn't a hallucinogen and it is a very gentle, heart-opening experience. It will not make you feel out of control, paranoid, overwhelmed, jittery, or fearful.
However, cacao raises your heart rate and lowers your blood pressure. Therefore, if you have a heart condition and a 20 percent increase in your heart rate would cause a medical emergency for your body, then it is advised that you participate without taking cacao. Instead, we will create a delicious and fulfilling drink in place of cacao; and there are so many wonderful options! The theobromine in cacao stimulates the cardiovascular system rather than the nervous system. (Caffeine stimulates the nervous system...theobromine is more gentle than caffeine found in espresso, for example.)
Additionally, if you are taking certain medications, including antidepressants, we will discuss an appropriate dose for you during your confidential consultation phone call.
Please know, you can always participate in the ceremony if you choose not to take the ceremonial cacao! All are welcome!