Cacao is an entheogen (also known as plant medicine), a class of psychoactive substances found in plants, which when taken in specific doses, release naturally produced chemicals in the body that can invoke a change in consciousness. An entheogen causes you to become inspired or to experience feelings of spiritual inspiration. - “Cacao brings you to the door but doesn’t push you through it” (Keith, The Chocolate Shaman) - Cacao activates a remembering and access to self-knowledge - Opens and clears creative and energetic channels - Gently brings to the surface subconscious beliefs and shadow aspects - As an adaptogen, it meets you where you are (adaptogens are substances that prompt a natural rebalancing within the body’s physiological state) - As an entheogen, it takes you to another level When working with cacao in ritual and ceremony, you may find that you are in a slightly altered, heart-centered space. Cacao gently dissolves your ego structure and removes your conditioned defenses, so you feel more open, spacious, and at ease. You may find that you want to stay in that space because everything feels more whole. Maintaining that feeling of integral wholeness and connection to your true self or essence is vital to self-realization. Most people report some or all of the following: - A sense of ease, calm and deep relaxation; heart-centered, open, and grounded. - A sustained boost of energy and mental focus without the crash we usually get with caffeine. - An increased heart rate and greater awareness of one’s heart center or heart chakra. - Greater ease of identifying and releasing self-created limitations and emotional blockages. - Eyes well up with tears at the first sip of cacao, signifying the release of blocked emotions finally allowed to flow.  - Feeling bliss or joy, a rush of creativity or focus, a desire to sing or dance. Cacao can also gently bring to the surface subconscious beliefs or unconscious shadow aspects, inviting you to look at and work with them. Cacao is known as a medicine of the heart, opening a new depth of human connection, both to yourself and those around you. As cacao’s active compounds are released in the body, an enhanced feeling of embodiment – a heightened sensitivity and activation of the senses –encourages a return to the pleasure of being fully present in the body and accessing its wisdom. With cacao, you may experience a physical or emotional release (detoxification). Before cacao takes you deeper, it often helps you release what’s in the way. You may receive messages from a guide or feel the presence of the cacao spirit.