17 North Beach Street
Nantucket, MA 02554
(508) 228-1515
DRINK UP
Ana Romero describes the powerful effects of cacao ceremonies.
What is a cacao ceremony?
It is a sacred traditional ritual where you drink cacao in its purest form and meditate. Cacao is a sacred plant medicine, and the purpose of this ceremony is to connect to its spirit. Cacao invites you to go deep into your meditation and open your heart to those around you, and ultimately it is an experience that cannot be fully translated into words.
What is a cacao ceremony like?
I hold cacao ceremonies as intentional gatherings where we sit together in a quiet space, drink cacao, set an intention and begin the meditative process that will allow you to open your heart and mind to the possibilities cacao has to offer you. There is often sound in the form of music, chants or sacred medicine songs; some journaling of the messages received; and some sharing if one is called to. You can create your own personal ceremonies and do them on your own or share with your loved ones from that space of heart resonance. There are many ancient Indigenous traditions that have been working with this sacred medicine for thousands of years, so ceremonies vary in design according to the facilitator and tradition they follow.
What are the health benefits?
It has been my experience that cacao will meet and offer herself to whoever is called. Cacao can be an ally for anyone who is interested inploring their deeper self, becoming more loving, compassionate and aware. Cacao is a beautiful, powerful, ancient medicine that reminds us how to ground into and live from our heart space. On a more physiological level, there is a unique compound found in cacao called theobromine, which translates to “food of the gods,” that spiritually and physically opens your heart. It is both uplifting and grounding. Cacao has forty times the antioxidants of blueberries, and it is rich in iron, magnesium and zinc. It is a plant-based source of calcium (more than cow’s milk). If anyone is working with more acute mental or physical health issues, they can consult with their health provider prior to attending a ceremony.
How have these ceremonies impacted you on a personal level?
As a caregiver working with a lovely lady named Grace here on island, I have found that presence, compassion and patience are paramount for this type of job. Through this relationship I have learned immensely about what it is to hold space from the heart. This is its own ceremony. Working with cacao and serving it to other caregivers has taught me how to show up for myself and others from a nourished space instead of a depleted one. And this is what I hope to offer through my ceremonies: that we can each create sacred space for ourselves and from that space we can show up to serve life and to serve love in a more sustainable, grounded way.
What else do you offer in your space?
I offer cacao gatherings and private sessions at my shop Land of Lulo here on island. Located at 2 Union Street upstairs, it is a space where you can procure ceremonial cacao and other sacred tools that support the creation of your own personal rituals. You will find artisanal incense, smudges, altar pieces, candles, crystals, handcrafted jewelry designed by me, as well as unique Indigenous treasures from my native Colombia.
Ana Romero works out of her shop Land of Lulo located upstairs at 2 Union Street.
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