Cacao Ceremony - a creative way to connect to our higher selves

The elevator opened to a beautiful art space and a woman who said, please have a seat we’ll call you in soon, followed by a brief overview with instructions not to speak after entering the room. If you must, speak only with your eyes.  

An outstretched hand appeared from behind the grey curtain, summoning us to enter, one by one. With each invitation escaped an aroma of fragrant incense and intoxicating cacao. Oh yes, that delicious smell welcoming us as we stepped out of the elevator was melted serotonin.

The hand gesturing us belonged to Gabi, our meditation mentor, who gave her blessing, a warm hug, then released us into the sacred space. Looking around, people were stretching, dancing, drinking water, and choosing angel cards. Intuitively I selected cards from each deck spread on the altar, motivated by the messages that felt divinely chosen only for me.

After a bit of movement to loosen up, we made a circle, which is only perfect when you can see everyone on your left, and everyone on your right. Gabi’s passion for cacao is genuinely felt as she described in detail the magic in the elixir we’re about to share. Spices. Herbs. Chili. And, it’s an aphrodisiac.

We examined the creamy contents of our small glass, with our eyes, with our nose, with our tongue, with our heart. The properties of this raw bean expand perspective connecting us to our higher selves. Naturally occurring theobromine facilitates in this heart-opening, love activating, joyful experience. Cacao (kakaow), not to be confused with cocoa (koko) the powder you make hot chocolate with, is a medicinal, antioxidant-rich superfood, used in spiritual ceremonies for wellness and detox.

We introduced ourselves, set intentions, and expressed what we’re letting go of, calling in, and grateful for. Aho – from the unmanifest to the manifest. Together we drank.

Letting go of fear, calling in love, grateful to be alive. Aho!

Letting go of the stories we tell ourselves, calling in creativity, grateful for the clouds. Aho!

Letting go of perfectionism, calling in courage, grateful to be in Thailand. Aho!

Filled with warm cacao our journey begins. On the floor we connected our bodies to the Earth. We dragged our bodies, we squirmed, we rolled, we crawled, we gathered strength to stand for the first time. Close your eyes, visualize how it feels to stand for the first time? How does it feel to walk for the first time? Guided by Gabi’s persuasive prompts and thoughtfully chosen soundtrack, we let go and allowed our bodies to move without fear, without judgment, without a plan.

Moving through the elements we swirled around the room like water. Wet and slippery, water flows down, finding creative ways to meander around obstacles. Gabi encouraged us to find a partner and mirror their mystical movements, to transfer energy through expressive reflection. Look into their eyes, connect with their soul. Water is powerful, sensual, a release of emotions gushed around the room as we gave each other tsunami orgasms.

Fire burns sizzling hot. It’s dangerous and alluring. We created a circle to contain the haphazard unpredictability of fire and cast into it our fears, insecurities, and anger. Screaming, we released pain and past traumas, as we explored our inner landscape. Fueled with energy and light, we gave birth to new ideas, ignited passions, and awakened creativity.

We soared into air feeling light and peaceful. Transformed and tranquil, the energy in the room felt like pure joy. Serene smiles glided around the room like billowy clouds as we entered into the ether, the space that holds everything together. Slowly, and in a creative way, we were asked to lie down, as Gabi led us into closing meditative breathwork.

Our journey is complete.

Dancing through the elements we unleashed energy blockages, opened our hearts, connected with oneness, and turned strangers into friends. From vulnerability and braveness came peace, freedom, joy, and pure bliss. There was no denying the room was pulsing with positivity and love. So much love.

Thank you!

If you’re in Bangkok follow Bangkok Lyrical Lunacy or Gabriela Moriarty to join an upcoming 5 Element Movement Cacao Ceremony. I highly recommend this creative experience. (Or google to find a cacao ceremony in your city.)

Gabriela Moriarty is a poet who founded Bangkok Lyrical Lunacy, a monthly spoken word open mic night. She is currently studying Clinical Art Therapy and is a mental health activist and artist. She feels a deep calling to share her meditative dance practice using cacao plant medicine, which she learned in Koh Phangan with her mentor, Daisy Kaye, at The Sanctuary for three years.

Make it a date – with yourself, a friend, or lover!

Keep the high vibe going with dinner at May Veggie Home (vegan restaurant). Order a coconut; it’s essential to stay hydrated after the ceremony as cacao can be dehydrating. My favorite dishes are Vietnamese fresh spring rolls, Mieng Bai-Cha tea leaf salad, massaman curry, and don’t dare leave without having a cinnamon roll for dessert.