Cacao Circle

(Two low-income tickets are available for those who need them - including anyone experiencing financial hardship, receiving benefits, or from a marginalised background)

- About Cacao and Ritual -

Seeds from the Theobroma Cacao tree are the primary ingredient in many chocolate products commonly sold all over the world. Knowledge of the spiritual and healing aspects of this plant, however, is limited within our mainstream culture in the west.

Ancient civilisations such as the Olmecs, Aztecs and the Mayans, held Cacao in high regard - some even using Cacao seeds as currency. They acknowledged the heart opening quality of Cacao and ritually ingested a drink with ground Cacao seeds as the base.

When drank ritually, this wonderful plant can support us in:

Opening our hearts

Increasing energy / focus / concentration

Connecting with our feelings and needs

Receiving clarity on life

More ease with creative flow; joy, happiness and calm

Or the effects may be subtle..

I suggest coming into the space with curiosity, openness and flexibility as each persons experience can differ.

- What to expect -

The gathering begins with intentions and prayer to open the space, you'll be smudged using plant smoke - Frankincense/Resin/PaloSanto/Sage etc. - to purify any energy not in harmony with your wellbeing.

We'll drink Cacao together, share healing songs and i'll lead a guided meditation journey to connect with yourself and the spirit of Cacao. There will also be grounding practices and possible space for journalling and sharing reflections /intentions with the group. Speaking things out within a friendly supportive group, feeling seen and heard, can be very healing and uplifting! Each gathering is guided intuitively and may flow slightly differently to another.

- Potential contraindications -

Ceremonial amounts (42g) of Cacao are not recommended if you:

• Are taking anti depressants - SSRI or MAOI based
• Have a serious heart condition, very high blood pressure or epilepsy - Cacao is a vasodilator and increases the heart rate
• For pregnant and breastfeeding women - A smaller amount is reccomended due to the stimulating nature of this plant

(If any of the above apply to you, are welcome to join us and simply avoid Cacao or have a smaller amount. Please check with your healthcare practitioner if you have concerns - Any questions regarding contraindications get in touch and we can discuss your personal situation)

Notes:

- If you have an allergy to almonds please let me know as i use almond milk in the Cacao drink. (I'll use a different plant based milk to accommodate you if needed)

-Ensure you are hydrated beforehand and drink plenty of water after. I'll provide water during the gathering but feel free to bring your own to have on hand

-I suggest avoiding other strong Cacao products or caffeine/coffee on the day due to potential overstimulation and nausea

-The Cacao drink is vegan and sweetened with date syrup

- Please bring -

• A yoga mat and cusion/blanket if possible - there are a few available in the space but it would be helpful for attendees to bring their own to ensure everyone is comfortable

- Optional -

• A journal and pen for any notes you wish to take

• An offering for Cacao - This can be anything from dried or fresh herbs, flower/s, crystals, stones, tobacco, shells. We will put our offerings together in a bundle and after the gathering i'll find a spot in nature to bury them in the ground or release into the waters/river/sea. Gifting something back to the earth can be a beautiful way to cultivate a more intimate and reverent connection with mother nature

Location

Earthlings - The healing Cafe

94 Buckingham St, Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 5QR

(Parking available on surrounding streets)

Please arrive a little before 1pm to get settled in the space together.

- Financial transparency -

Your contribution covers venue hire, travel costs, Ceremonial Cacao/drink ingredients, space decoration, my time during event and preparation before/after..

In giving payment you are supporting me to offer these events; helping more people to receive this wonderful heart medicine and the joy of gathering with others in community.

Two low-income tickets are available for those who need them (including anyone experiencing financial hardship, receiving benefits, or from a marginalised background)

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- Cacao Circle facilitator -

I'm an artist, embroidery teacher and sacred ceremony facilitator based in the north east of England. I offer safe and non judgemental community gatherings, bringing people together with intention to keep the beauty of life and human connection alive.

Over the last decade i've explored ancient wisdom teachings and healing traditions from indigenous cultures around the world. I want to empower others with the knowledge and practical tools i've learnt to increase our sense of autonomy and inner power. Living in a time where our focus and attention can be so easily manipulated and misused, i believe it's important to learn how to live from a strong, connected centre and truly care for and value ourselves and each other with love, compassion and patience.

Gathering together in love, community and shared non judgemental, messy humanness is vital for the collective wellbeing of our human family! Wishing all to have access to this.

Elyse x

Connect with me...

Instagram:

@elysebenjamin

Facebook:

www.facebook.com/kinhealingspace

Or contact by email:

elysebenjaminart@gmail.com