Cacao: Its Medicine & Mysticism
- Linda Crider
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
As you might guess, this post is not going to be about the delights of chocolate! I freely admit to being among those who consider themselves to be chocoholics, but perhaps there is something more deeply satisfying about the Cacao plant that helps to keep so many of us captivated and happily addicted.
Costa Rica herbalist Adriana Ayales explains that various Mesoamerican cultures, the Mayans and the Aztecs in particular, understood the spiritual as well as physically nurturing gifts that Cacao offers to humanity. This plant has been an integral part of the Mayan economy and a revered substance often included in religious and spiritual ceremonies. The Aztecs, in turn believed that they were given Cacao by their snake god, the "feathered serpent," Quetzalcoatl.
Check out this 5 minute video overview of Cacao's history and the importance of maintaining and honoring its sacred purpose. ➺➺➺➺➺
Adriana also tells us that as a physically healing medicine, Cacao has been documented in historical texts over one hundred times for its ability to revitalize "the nervous system of exhausted patients, improve weakness and mental fatigue, stimulate[s] the kidneys and help[s] with digestion and elimination."
That must be due to the caffeine content you say? Reasonable enough, but consider how Quetzal, the colorful national bird of Guatemala featured on the left side of the plant medicine card above is one of the most revered symbols depicting the heavenly gift of divine love. He is partnered here with an open Cacao pod pictured under a crowned heart. This suggests what Adriana calls"light language" meant to enliven the spirit. Considering Cacao's ability to energize the body, you might conclude that it also improves spiritual fatigue and acts as an initiator to higher consciousness, moving us another step forward on our spiritual paths.
Note the key word on the card: "initiation."
In my plant medicine work, I've come to realize that plants who have been on the earth far longer than we humans are now stepping up to be the teachers or initiators. They are the green elders who act as way showers toward greater levels of wisdom that we are now more than ever so much in need of.
Thinking back several years ago to when I began writing this blog series, I had the honor to participate in a Cacao ceremony. Such a unique experience was what first inspired me to explore connecting to the spirits of this and many other plants. I consider it a defining moment in my personal spiritual development, and one that I'm anxious to share with whoever it resonates with.
On a more practical, everyday level, the health benefits of regular consumption of Cacao are available in many delicious forms such as chocolate bars with higher percentages of cacao-- at least 70% (although I've been know to sometimes squeak by with as little as 55%). You can easily find cacao as raw nibs, powders and in other confections. Since late winter temps still bring chilly evenings in some parts of the world, here's a simple, but healthy hot chocolate recipe using raw cacao powder.
As always, thanks for letting me share my thoughts and journey with you. I welcome your input, so if you want to submit a comment, scroll down to the bottom of this post. If you are interested in booking a personal session, you can do this here:
You can also contact me via email at: my.plant.allies@gmail.com
For now, here's wishing you wellness, wisdom and bloomin' vibes!
Your writings are always fascinating and informative. Thank you, Linda. Blessings to you!