I'VE HAD ENOUGH - I CAN'T DRINK SACRED CACAO ANYMORE

I have had enough. I'm sorry but I just can't stand to drink sacred cacao anymore. Imagine this: you are attending yet another wellness retreat, new age workshop or spiritual gathering. The scent of palo santo lingers in the air, and a crystal singing bowl the size of a small car is being prepared for a sound bath. And there it is - the inevitable pot of “sacred cacao.” The facilitator calls it a “heart-opening elixir,” and you can’t help but internally sigh.

Now, don’t get me wrong, cacao is incredible. It’s rich, steeped in history, and undeniably delicious. The Mayans and Aztecs treated it like gold, using it in rituals and even as currency. Fun fact: 100 cacao beans could buy you a turkey back in the day. Try pulling that off at Woolworths today. But in today’s wellness and spiritual scene, cacao has been overhyped to the point of cliché. It’s become the pumpkin spice latte of spiritual events: predictable, overused, and often unnecessary.

Here is why I am starting to think sacred cacao ceremonies have started to lose their shine.

The “Heart-Opening” Sales Pitch

If I had a cacao bean for every time I have heard that cacao “opens your heart chakra,” I would be swimming in beans like Scrooge McDuck in his money pit. Yes, it contains theobromine, a compound that can create a gentle mood lift. But let’s not kid ourselves: this isn’t a magic potion unlocking some mystical cosmic wisdom. At its core, it’s an elevated version of hot chocolate.

It’s Become Ubiquitous

Cacao seems to be the default addition to nearly every spiritual event, class or workshop. Inner child trauma workshops? Cacao. Couples therapy sessions? Cacao for everyone. Full moon gatherings? More cacao. Breathwork in a yoga studio? You guessed it: cacao. No matter the theme or purpose, a sacred cacao ceremony inevitably finds its way in. It’s as if wellness events can’t exist without it, even when it feels completely out of place.

The Overly Serious Rituals

The ceremonial aspect of cacao often feels overly theatrical. The dimmed lights, whispering voices, the burning of incense, the slow passing of mugs, the intense eye contact: it can all feel a bit much. Let’s be honest: if someone handed me a Tim Tam to go with it, I might open my heart faster than with the cacao alone.

It’s Lost Its Novelty

When you experience your first cacao ceremony, it can feel meaningful, even transformative. But after attending several, the magic starts to wear off. What once felt special now feels routine, like the inevitable “namaste” at the end of a yoga class.

There Are Other Options

Cacao isn’t the only way to create meaningful connections or rituals. Why not try herbal teas? Or incorporate unique, locally inspired flavours? Better yet, maybe skip the drink entirely. Some of the most profound experiences don’t rely on props or tools - they come from the energy, vibration and connection in the room.

Let’s Get Creative

The overuse of cacao isn’t just tiring: it’s uninspired. Wellness and spirituality are meant to thrive on fresh ideas, yet cacao has become an easy fallback. If it were a hit song, it’d be overplayed on every radio station 24/7. Giving cacao a break might allow us to rediscover its beauty someday. In the meantime, let’s think outside the box (ceremonial mug?) and explore new ways to foster connection and healing.

Sacred cacao, when approached with care and authenticity, can be a lovely tradition. But wheeling it out at every event like a party staple diminishes its meaning. Maybe it’s time to give cacao a rest and make space for something fresh. Let’s keep our spiritual gatherings vibrant, our rituals innovative, and our hearts open: no special chocolate beverage is required.

And hey, if you are really looking for a crowd-pleaser, how about some sacred Tim Tams? Just an idea.

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