Why Cacao Is the Missing Ingredient in Your Manifestation Practice
When I stumbled—or perhaps was guided—into the world of ceremonial cacao, I expect that what would begin as a curious sip would turn into a transformative journey. For years, ceremonial-grade cacao has been a central part of my personal and professional practice, and I’m continually in awe of its transformative power. This sacred plant medicine has been more than just a ritual for me; it’s a bridge to creativity, a guide to inner wisdom, and a heart-opening force that connects me to the co-creative energy of the universe.
When I prepare and sip cacao, it becomes a grounding yet uplifting ceremony—a moment to pause, set intentions, and ask for guidance. Often, I’ll ask the universe, “What needs to be expressed through me at this time?” And without fail, cacao brings clarity and inspiration, reminding me of my connection to something far greater than myself. This deep relationship is why cacao is an integral part of our signature ritual, and why I’m passionate about sharing its profound properties. Let me tell you why this ancient, heart-opening plant medicine might just be the missing piece you’ve been searching for!
The Sacred Roots of Cacao
Before we dive into the "how" of cacao, let’s take a moment to appreciate its incredible lineage. For centuries, cacao has been revered by Mesoamerican cultures as a sacred gift from the divine. The Mayans called it kakaw and regarded it as the “food of the gods.” For them, cacao wasn’t just a drink; it was a bridge between the physical and spiritual worlds, used in ceremonies to connect with the divine, open the heart, and inspire courage.
When I learned about these ancient traditions, it all clicked for me. Every time I drink cacao with intention, I feel that same sacred connection—to nature, to my inner wisdom, and to something far greater than myself. Sipping cacao isn’t just a ritual; it’s an act of honouring these ancient roots while inviting their transformative energy into our modern lives.
Our cacao partners work directly with Asháninka growers who make up one of the largest indigenous groups in the Amazon rainforest. These forest guardians have tended cacao orchards for generations as part of their traditional way of life. Our cacao comes from the Central Highlands of Peru, where growers have long sustained their communities through harmonious relationships with the forest - their wisdom is woven into the the very fabric of this cacao and at Bloom & Believe we are honoured this project and collaborate with these communities in preserving their cultural, economic and spiritual sovereignty.
Cacao: The Heart-Opening Elixir
Let’s talk about what makes the chemistry of cacao so magical. Unlike coffee, which jolts your nervous system into overdrive, cacao’s active compound, theobromine, works gently to stimulate and improve blood flow to the heart. When I sip cacao, it’s like a warm hug from the inside out—an instant feeling of relaxation, expansion, and, most importantly, connection.
This heart-opening energy is exactly why cacao is so powerful for manifestation. Manifestation thrives on love, gratitude, and possibility—the kind of high-vibration emotions that cacao naturally amplifies. For me, starting a ritual with cacao allows me to shift out of self-doubt or fear and fully embody the energy of my dreams. It’s like my intentions become more alive, more tangible, more real with every sip.
One fascinating example of the magic of the chemical compounds of cacao is the relationship between cacao and the mood-boosting neurotransmitter dopamine. While cacao itself doesn’t contain dopamine, it does contain phenylethylamine (PEA), a compound that triggers the body’s internal production of dopamine. This process enhances feelings of pleasure and well-being, the perfect compliment to any manifesting journey - the ability to support both physical and emotional wellness!
The Many Gifts of Cacao
The benefits of cacao don’t stop at the heart; they ripple through every layer of our being—physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual. Let’s break it down:
Physical Benefits
Cacao is packed with nutrients like magnesium, iron, and antioxidants that nourish your body from the inside out. It boosts circulation, relaxes muscles, and creates a grounded yet energised state—the perfect balance for manifesting with clarity and focus. Cacao also contains theophylline, a milder stimulant than caffeine or theobromine which relaxes the muscles around the lungs and opens airways, making it useful in asthma treatment, as well as its ability to enhance blood flow to the heart.
Emotional Benefits
Cacao contains anandamide, the “bliss molecule,” and phenylethylamine (PEA), known as the “love molecule.” These compounds help uplift your mood and bring emotional clarity. I’ve found that cacao makes it easier to feel the emotions of my dreams—as if they’re already real—and that emotional resonance is everything when it comes to manifesting.Theobromine is the most abundant alkaloid in cacao. It increases heart rate, promotes relaxation and enhances mood.
Mental Benefits
With cacao in hand, I often experience heightened focus and creativity during my rituals. It’s like the mental clutter clears, and I can see my path forward with fresh clarity. I’ve had some of my biggest breakthroughs during cacao ceremonies—the kind of intuitive nudges that feel like whispers from the universe. Long term studies show that regular consumption of cacao improves cognitive abilities like problem solving and memory as well as reduces the rate of neurological disorders such as dementia. These brain-boosting effects of cacao are attrzibuted to its high flavanol content, which helps improve blood flow to the brain.
Spiritual Benefits
On a soul level, cacao creates a meditative space where we can release blocks, reconnect with our higher self, and realign with our purpose. It’s like every sip is an invitation to explore our inner world and remember our connection to something greater. Cacao promotes a deeper connection to community, healing, and ritual practices, further enriching your experience. Cacao enhances our connection to nature’s intelligence through its traditional farming and spiritual practices, promoting ecological harmony.
The Science of the Heart: Expanding Your Energetic Field
One of the most profound aspects of cacao is its ability to expand the heart’s energetic field. Did you know that the heart’s electromagnetic field extends several feet beyond your body? And when you’re in a state of love or gratitude, that field becomes even more expansive.
I’ve felt this firsthand during cacao ceremonies. It’s like my intentions radiate outward, connecting with the vibrational energy of the universe. This is where the magic happens: when your energy aligns with your desires, synchronicities begin to unfold. People, opportunities, and resources show up almost effortlessly, as if they were waiting for you all along.
The Magic Is Already Within You
Every time I drink ceremonial cacao, I’m reminded of a simple yet profound truth: the magic isn’t in the cacao itself. It’s in you. Cacao is a tool, a guide, a loving ally that helps you remember your own power, your own connection to the infinite possibilities of the universe.
So, the next time you’re feeling stuck, uncertain, or just in need of a little inspiration, reach for cacao. Let it open your heart, elevate your energy, and remind you that the universe is your co-creator. The path to your dreams is already unfolding—one intentional sip at a time.
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