Goddess IXCACAO & The Medicinal Benefits of Cacao and why I use this plant medicine daily! And why I use this instead of anything else on Valentines Day rather than indulging in other unhealthy chocolates!
The Goddess of Chocolate/Cocoa had humble but honorable origins as a Mayan Goddess. Named Ixcacao, she was an ancient fertility goddess, an earth goddess in a matriarchal society where gathering crops and seeing to it that everyone was fed was woman's work. A series of studies from October 1st 2013, published in Nutrition Reviews, showed that, through a systematic review, cacao was found to significantly influence cognitive function and states of mood. Some of these studies indeed reveal a marked improvement in mood state or reduction of negative moods.
The mood improvement aspect of cacao is mainly due to its inherent chemical, “Anandamide”, which is widely known as the "bliss molecule". Other studies clearly demonstrated evidence of cognitive enhancement, as well as alterations in brain activation patterns. Mood states and their associated emotions are big factors in maintaining good states of health. So as you can see, this amazing plant - the root of what has become one of the world’s favourite foods - contains a whole lot of health and medicinal benefits. We can really see now why up to this day, cacao is still widely known as a sacred plant medicine. But this is truly just touching the surface!
Cacao - A Sacred Plant Teacher
The ancient Maya considered cacao to be sacred medicine, and to this day, cacao is regarded as potent Master Plant.
In the tradition of plant medicine shamanism, it is possible to connect with the spirit of the sacred Plant Teacher that is cacao, by relating to it as a sacrament and consuming it in ceremony.
When relating to sacred cacao medicine in this way, you can unlock the spiritual benefits of a deepening apprenticeship with this Master Plant Teacher. Here are some of the benefits you can receive from cultivating a deeper, spiritual relationship with cacao, by setting specific intentions for your ritual.
Holistic Healing.
In addition to its nutrient-packed health benefits, regular ceremonial cacao consumption can more harmony and balance between mind, body and spirit, through the combination of intention setting, prayer, meditation, and dance.
Tune into any messages cacao may have for you around unhealthy habits you can release, in order to invite more health and happiness into your life.
Creative Activation.
When drinking cacao, especially when you specifically set the intention for increased creativity, you may find that you are being more open to inspiration, creativity and new ideas. New meaning and purpose in everything begins to surface, and that there are more insights to tapped into.
Deepen Meditation. When focusing only on ingesting and connecting with your cacao drink, a bigger connection to your inner spirit and wisdom is forged.
This allows for more profound levels of meditation and focus is easily maintained on the very present moment. cacao’s calming effects can really take place here, and begin remedying the imbalances of your mind and soul.
Expansion of Inner Peace.
Similar to the above, cacao allows you to be more in tune with your positive and optimistic side. You may find yourself feeling more capable of dealing and dissolving life’s difficulties and hardships. Life’s burdens and stresses will seem to lift more easily from your shoulders. Increasing Vitality. Cacao provides us with plenty of vitality and what the Maya called "Ch’ulel' - life force energy. It is an energy that provides focus and mental clarity, and if sustained, helping us to control unhealthy cravings that actually rob us of our energy levels, and allowing for a bigger channel for the above mentioned creative flow.
With all of these amazing benefits coming from one single source. It is obvious why cacao is considered to be a "sacred plant medicine", and why it was so revered and treasured by the ancient civilizations of Mesoamerica.
My favorite Cocao beverage:
INGREDIENTS:
2 tablespoons of organic raw cacao powder
2 tablespoons of either honey or maple syrup
1/4 teaspoon of Ceylon cinnamon powder
2-3 pinches of cayenne pepper
1 pinch of sea salt
1 cup + 1/4 cup almond milk
Mix together & heat. Serve & enjoy prior to meditation or healing work.
Love always, Cynthia
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