From the moment you open the kraft paper your senses are lit up by what this sacred plant medicine has to offer. The weight of the block. The solid strength of it. The chocolate. The notes of complexity, banana, wood, earth. Instantly you know that you have something special in your hands.
Next comes the process of making and the first sip. The smells. The changes of colour. The taste. The warmth. All of it coming together to open the heart and take you on a journey.
This is the beauty of cacao as a spirit ally. She is here to aid you in exploration — exploration of the soul and the self.
For many people, cacao is replacing coffee or becoming a morning tasty drink. But what if cacao could be more than a comfort drink? What if it could be a trusted guide on your journey of self discovery?
What is a Spirit Ally?
In many shamanic and indigenous traditions, a spirit ally is more than a symbol. It is a living consciousness that works alongside us on our life path. These allies can be animals, plants, elements or ancestral guides who choose to walk with us, offering wisdom, protection and healing.
To honour a spirit ally is to treat them as a friend, mentor and sacred presence rather than a tool to be used. When we connect with a spirit ally, we enter into a reciprocal relationship. We give respect, gratitude and attention, and in return, they offer guidance, insight and support for our personal growth.
The Mayan and Aztec Connection to Cacao
For the ancient Mayan and Aztec peoples, cacao was far more than a drink. It was considered a gift from the gods and a sacred heart medicine. The Mayans believed that cacao was discovered by the gods in the mountains and given to humanity to bring balance and harmony.
The Aztecs called cacao “xocolatl” and used it in rituals, offerings and even as currency, holding it in deep spiritual esteem. In both cultures, cacao was linked to the heart, creativity and connection. Its rich, bitter taste was seen as a way to open the emotional body and awaken deeper truths.
My Journey with Cacao as a Spirit Ally
I was introduced to cacao at a festival. I learned about its health benefits and a little about its spiritual connection. I fell in love with the story, but I did not connect spiritually. I then increased the dose and frequency. Then one day I realised I had missed the connection. I was treating cacao as just a drink.
The first time I experienced cacao as a spiritual ally was at another event. This time, the cacao supplier held space reverently. There was an awkward moment, awkward because I did not expect it. She blessed the cacao and me before I went away. This changed everything. I realised what this was really about.
Since then, I have sat patiently and waited. My personal buying has decreased, which has made it easier to remember the moments that truly matter. For example, I once used cacao for my business strategy thinking process. I was foggy and a little down. I sat with cacao and opened myself up. The pure clarity and ability to see past the negative was astounding.
I now use her sparingly. I consciously disconnect the part of me that fancies a cup of cacao from the part of me that needs the support of the spirit of cacao. Without her there would be a gap, but I am not reliant on her. This is the sweet spot for me.
How to Honour Cacao as a Spirit Ally
1. Start with the Source
Where is the cacao from? Is it a place of respect and integrity? Is it something that matters to the supplier and to the farm? By considering these elements, we look into how ethical it is.
There are two things to think about — how clear is the spiritual connection, and how fair is the practice. The farmer must be paid fairly. Their family must get a genuine chance at a good life. If we sit in this country and are willing to spend £40 on a block or bag, the farmer must get more than the standard £2 to £4 that the market pays them. With Cacao Source, our supplier, it is around £15 to £20.
2. Prepare the Space
This goes from how we store cacao to how we make it and how we serve it. Store it reverently. When you prepare it, do not rush or cook from a place of anxiety or stress. I will not allow raised voices or negative energy as I cook. Part of working with this spirit ally is learning to be mindful and slow down.
Once you have your cup, where will you drink it? Get into nature if you can, or find a place of serenity. Make this step intentional. If it is with a loved one, acknowledge the shift that is about to happen.
3. Listen and Receive
If the intention is to listen, be ready for the wisdom she brings. You might meditate or journal, or listen to the shamanic drum and journey. If you have a connection with this spirit ally, she will open you up to the messages you need to hear.
4. Give Back
Now comes your part in sustainability. It is time to utilise the heart opening properties of cacao and be grateful for what you have. Help someone with a task, offer a listening ear or share the message of cacao as a spirit ally.
Cacao in Ceremony and Everyday Life
You may know cacao from ceremony. In sacred space, you are there with cacao and the collective, and it allows you to transcend the outside world and connect with source. But cacao can also support your everyday life.
I use cacao for business strategy as I said earlier. I also use it to centre myself in this fast paced world. Not every sip must be in ceremony. This is where an ally really steps up. Once you have your connection, your ally will be there whenever you need her genuinely and honestly.
A Gentle Ally for Life
Cacao is the perfect ally for gentle changes in life — from stress relief, to heart healing, to identity shifts. She holds us softly and is always there when we need her. She has the love of a mother. If you feel particularly disconnected with yourself, try connecting with this spirit ally.
Cacao is a loving, heart opening spirit. She is there and ready to be your ally. You need only look for her, but it must be with respect and honour. Shift your perspective of cacao away from a drink to consume.
I invite you to deepen your relationship with cacao through personal practice and ritual. Start with the source, create the right space, and make sure your intention to make and consume is genuine.
If you need support in fostering this relationship, I am here for you. My cacao is sourced from the hills of Guatemala from a company that prioritises the community it comes from. We do not see personalities from them — we see the farmer families and the difference that can be made. You can find all our products in the shop.
Until we meet again, good luck with your cacao spirit ally.