In January, I always sleep like a bear and feel low on energy. I tend to turn inward and get absorbed in responsibilities. I lose a certain lightness and carefree quality that I only recall from summer—for example, the feeling of freedom in my body in light clothing, contact with nature, or swimming in a river. The sense of trust and abundance I feel in summer allows me to relax, simply be, and receive.

I've known ceremonial cacao for a long time and used to associate it with dance and social gatherings. Recently, I took part in a tribal ceremony where we drank cacao, played instruments (or at least I tried), and sang South American songs. "Today I feel I will heal my little heart here—I need it," I shared my intention with everyone. The combination of cacao medicine, songs about love and nature, along with deep conversations and hugs, connected me with others in the circle and helped me rediscover a sense of home within myself.

We shared how challenging it is to be a young person of working age today. From early on, we were raised and prepared for something that now looks completely different in reality. We also talked about how difficult relationships are right now and how easily we point out each other's flaws—how we separate instead of coming closer. Understanding and acceptance, the feeling that we are in this together and that we all essentially face the same issues, is what helps us release fear and realize that we are not alone.

Everyone longs to be accepted within their tribe. We sat together in a circle, drinking cacao, the fire crackling in the fireplace, and even when we touched on difficult topics, we felt that no one was separate. Thanks to cacao, we were able to open up without the need to always be the one who does everything right. It's easy to judge someone. Sometimes it's enough to listen—and the heart responds.

Even though many of us have been on this path for quite some time, we admitted that in certain areas we are still "asleep," and even when we occasionally wake up, we easily forget again. We get pulled back—by "dopamine," for example, which is everywhere, from social media to addictions and the need to "have what others have." We also struggle with our own issues and often allow them to isolate us from our true needs and desires.

Cacao can warm us from the inside and touch the places where our deepest feelings, desires, and passions reside. I love these tribal sharings. And this time, I decided to devote myself to exploring the effects of this hot, earthy, bitter-sweet delicacy—and to you, my clients—because I want to share the effects that cacao brings, so that you too may open your hearts.

The Effects of a Ceremonial Cacao Ritual

So why do we drink cacao? What does it bring us?

As I wrote above, in winter we tend to close in, conserve energy, and hold it within ourselves. These are natural defense mechanisms of the body, which also influence our psyche. The cold from the outside closes us on the inside as well—meaning we become more "stiff" emotionally and psychologically.

Fénix Cacao is an original Amazonian Chuncho ecotype from the heart of wild nature. It is a direct descendant of ancient trees—unbred and not cross-pollinated with Criollo or other varieties. It actually predates them. This is the rarest form of original Amazonian cacao, originating in Peru.

Medicinal cacao is connected with the "invocation" of the spirit of cacao. By creating the right environment—set and setting—for deep inner work, this medicine allows us to dissolve coldness, emotional closure, and fear—our personal as well as collective blocks. Simply put, we open much more deeply into our emotions and true feelings. We release control. Cacao opens the heart and invites us into sensitivity and vulnerability.

In recent years, ritual cacao drinking has spread here as well. However, not every environment allows us to truly use its effects for inner work. The combination of a cacao drinking ritual followed by a tantric touch ritual, which I will guide you through, is my personal experiment. Cacao and touch together form a union of two medicines for self-discovery.

So—do you dare to try?