Heart Awakening Cacao Ceremony in Hastings - Harvest

Autumn, the most nourishing of seasons, the time of harvest.

Great time to contemplate on what was sawn and what we can reap. We're inviting you to do this in the context of a Cacao Ceremony, a one-off special event.

~WHEN & WHERE?

14th April, Sunday, 4pm

Location: The Chameleon Club, Hastings

~WHAT IS A CACAO CEREMONY?

The tradition of drinking ceremonial cacao has its origin in the ancient cultures of the Mayas and Aztecas in Central America. It was used to evoke IXCACAO - goddess of Chocolate, Fertility and Abundance. She was also known as the "Queen of Love and Pleasure", connected with the energy of the HEART.

In a ceremonial circle we will share a cup of bitter delight and allow it to awaken our Heart and soul.

We will guide you through a heart awakening meditation and will hold space for music, devotional singing, dancing, storytelling, sharing... in one word, for MAGIC.

~WHY IS CACAO A MEDICINAL PLANT?

Cacao is an aphrodisiac, mood enhancer, and antioxidant that protects the heart and is densely packed with nutrients. Cacao is a nutritional powerhouse, proven to be the most pharmacologically complex food in nature. It can improve your memory, reduce heart disease, shed fat, boost immunity, and create loads of energy.

Cacao contains the neurotransmitters serotonin, tryptophan and dopamine - the chemicals responsible for feelings of wellbeing, as well as anandamide, known as the bliss molecule that leaves us feeling blissful and euphoric, moderating pain perception, as well as assisting in regulating appetite and mood.

When high quality raw cacao beans are prepared for ceremony, all the mood enhancing neurochemicals in cacao become particularly active. It increases blood flow and nutrition to the brain, heart and skin, and the whole body is nourished. People report heightened awareness, focus and intensified sensations.

Sacred Cacao ceremony participants all share raw cacao is heart opening and an amazing meditation aid. We use a mix of Keith's cacao, renowned as one of the finest ceremonial grade cacao pastes, and a cacao grown in the lands of Oaxaca, Mexico - which bridges the cultures of the Mayas and The Aztecas

~WHAT IS REQUIRED?

Contribution of $30 per person, $50 for two

BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL!!!

We have limited spots and, more importantly, we need to know the number of participants in order to prepare the right amount of the cacao drink.

To book, please contact Radha on 020 4077 5534 or radha.heartawakening@gmail.com

& send your payment to 38-9018-0631442-00

(If you have prepaid and you can't attend you can nominate someone to come in your place)

For the ceremony itself, please wear comfy clothes and bring a cushion or a blanket to make sure you're relaxed and comfortable.

Bring an instrument, a story to share, a poem to read, a song to sing. Bring your most authentic self.

Drink a lot of water before and after ceremony to avoid dehydration and avoid eating 2 hours prior.

And a WARNING:

If you have a chronic heart disease, are pregnant or breastfeeding please get in touch beforehand to discuss if you are able to join the ceremony, as cacao can increase blood pressure and the heartbeat.

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Facilitated by Radha and Phill

Radha was among the first people to bring cacao ceremonies to New Zealand. She encountered the magic of the cacao plant while living in its native lands of Central America for several years. Her love for this amazing super food grew as she learned how to prepare the rich cacao drink from the tree to the cup. Having participated in various ceremonies facilitated by shamans, healers or friends in Mexico, Guatemala and Peru, Radha started facilitating ceremonies herself in 2015 in Europe. An experienced space holder being a yoga teacher and a retreat facilitator, she loves sharing her passion for community, authenticity and self-knowledge in combination with the cacao spirit.

Phill is a professional musician and an awarded composer whose skills create a very special sound base for the ceremony. He loves storytelling and community circles and his grounding, calming presence is the very backbone of these ceremonies.