"I was recently treated to a cacao ceremony with Renee. Her intentionality and presence supported me in reconnecting with myself in a very grounded way. I left feeling calm and mindful."
"My first cacao ceremony was gentle and nourishing. I felt all the good clarity of a caffeinated drink without any of the winding up urgency or stress. And it was delicious! I didn’t know what to expect but Renee kept it relatable. A highlight for me was the drumming meditation when Renee verbally queued us, then drummed us through, a journey; after, we all opened our eyes to a buck that had walked up to the window during the drumming!!! As valuable as the insights were from the morning, even more valuable was the sharing. I look forward to doing this again and again."
A Shamanic Cacao ceremony is a sacred space where we work with the spirit of cacao to open our hearts and minds in service of insight and healing. Setting a clear intention for the ceremony directs the healing energy. We drink ceremonially prepared cacao and allow the gentle, loving medicine to clear our minds and open our hearts. From this place, just-right healing can occur, sometimes in surprising ways.
Sacred Cacao is not a hallucinogen, and you will remain lucid throughout.
Renée’s cacao ceremonies bring a welcoming atmosphere, gentle guidance, plenty of space for your own process. She combines shamanic traditions with her years of healing work to set a tone of welcome, healing, humor, and transformation. Perfect for both beginners and the experienced journey-er, many enjoy regular ceremonies for needed re-sets in their busy lives.
Ceremonies begin by setting sacred space. Renée will use her shamanic tools to energetically prepare the space before ceremony. Once all guests arrive, she will offer a sacred tobacco clearing and blessing. Tobacco, considered the most powerful plant on the planet by many indigenous traditions, clears old energy and creates powerful protection. For the ceremony, the protection of tobacco and other tools create a sanctuary space to relax and renew.
Once participants have received their tobacco clearing and blessing, Renée will open the ceremonial container by calling in the directions. Next, we pray our intentions into the cacao and begin to drink. Ceremony time includes meditation, drumming and sharing. The ceremony itself lasts two to two and a half hours. Afterwards, we share a meal and community time.
A medicinal cacao ceremony is a sacred ritual that uses pure cacao as a powerful plant medicine to open the heart and deepen your connection to yourself and others. During the ceremony, Renée guides you through a journey of intention-setting, meditation, and mindfulness practices, helping you tap into the transformative energies of cacao. The experience is designed to promote emotional healing, clarity, and spiritual awakening.
Cacao has been used for centuries in spiritual rituals for its heart-opening properties. The ceremony can help you release emotional blockages, gain insight into your true self, and connect with deeper layers of your consciousness. Participants often report feeling more open, loving, and connected, with greater clarity and a sense of peace and purpose.
To prepare for the ceremony, it's best to come with an open mind and heart. Avoid heavy meals, caffeine, and alcohol for a few hours before the session, as they can affect your body's sensitivity to cacao. Wear comfortable clothing and bring a journal to write down any insights or emotions that arise during the experience. It’s also helpful to set a personal intention for the ceremony to guide your journey.
While cacao is generally safe for most people, those with certain health conditions—such as heart issues, pregnancy, or sensitivity to stimulants—should consult their healthcare provider before participating. Renée uses high-quality, ceremonial-grade cacao, which contains a natural stimulant (theobromine), so it’s important to ensure it’s right for you. Let Renée know if you have any health concerns or dietary restrictions before the ceremony.
During the ceremony, you may experience a range of feelings, from emotional releases to heightened awareness and deep relaxation. Cacao can gently uplift your mood and help you connect with your inner self and the energies around you. After the ceremony, many participants feel a sense of calm, inner clarity, and emotional balance that can last for days, along with a renewed sense of purpose and inspiration.
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