Theobroma Cacao  originated in the Amazon and found its way into Mesoamerica (Central America and Southern Mexico)  by Olmec, Mayan, and later Aztec traders. The powerful merchant castes of these peoples traded Cacao all the way from what is now Peru to modern-day New Mexico . Through the efforts and explorations of the early Olmec and Maya, Cacao found its way to Mesoamerica, where it started to evolve in the distinct external conditions of the area. A powerful and unique ancestral strain of Cacao developed itself in the Soconusco (the Pacific coastal plains of Chiapas and Guatemala) and during the following centuries, the Cacao native to this area became highly sought after. Many battles were fought to reign over the Soconusco and to access its abundant Cacao crops.

To this day, the Soconusco is still famed for its powerful and invigorating Cacao. Because Cacao cross-pollinates very easily, it is increasingly hard to get the original Cacao strains from the region, now divided between the states of Chiapas (Mexico) and Suchitepequez (Guatemala). Having said that, the Cacao we source in the Guatemalan Bocacosta (Suchitepequez) is incredibly high in theobromine, the prized active ingredient that creates heightened awareness, strengthens the body and allows for increased focus, connection and creativity.

Historically, Cacao was used for lots of different purposes and reasons and it was a prized commodity that functioned as the main currency in Mesoamerica for many centuries. Cacao was mainly used by rulers, priests and warriors, and it was the main drink for special occasions such as weddings, political meetings, Mayan ceremonial ball games and ritual veneration events. It was used as a tonic and medicine plant to empower rituals with Spirit connection and has been a deeply honored plant since its introduction into Mesoamerica as early as 1000 B.C. We at One Spirit enjoy hosting ceremonies in the same spirit of gratitude, and in remembrance of our cosmic origins. We provide high-grade ceremonial Cacao from Guatemala. The producers of all of the  Cacao we sell are ethically and socially engaged businesses, working in harmony with the land and humanity.

You might assume that Cacao was used traditionally as a ceremonial drink, just like we drink it in the West, but it isn't just that. Because giving offerings is such an important part of Maya spirituality, and Cacao being such a strong and sacred plant, the most valuable use of it (in Maya traditions) is not just to drink it, but to offer it as a nourishment to the spirits through the sacred fire. This is a gesture to show our willingness to honor and remember the spirit realm where we originate from. Like this our prayer becomes  nourishment for all of existence on all three levels: the central spirit which is pure and void potential, the non-physical energies at work or in transformation, and the physical, third-dimensional realms.

Ceremony is an important part of human existence: in it, together we learn, we honor the spirit of all that is, we thrive together. Cacao is most certainly not a necessity for creating a loving ritual or ceremony, but it is a great door-opener: a lovely and generous plant teacher that can help you connect to body and heart. Cacao rituals can be anything your heart desires, and can be conducted alone, with your friends or lover, or in a group setting working with any kind of intention.

We participated in many Cacao rituals with transformational teacher and Cacao shaman Keith Wilson. Find out all about Keith and his shared resources in support of your Cacao journey here

Cacao Practitioner Training

Online - Dates to be confirmed

Our Signature Embodied Immersion into Cacao Ritual

Cacao is an ancestral medicinal plant which has been used by indigenous cultures of the Americas since over three millennia. Join Cacao medicine carrier Shadi Terra for 5 weeks of guided transformative journey and find your own deep connection with the powerful teacher plant of Cacao.