CACAO CIRCLES

THE CACAO CIRCLE EXPERIENCE

Each cacao circle is a living, breathing experience—no two gatherings are ever the same.

We begin by arriving together in presence, sharing ceremonial cacao as a way to open the heart and soften into the moment. From this place, we set a collective intention guided by the wisdom of the Maya Cholq’ij calendar and the energy of the day.

Each day carries a specific Nawal (Uwach Q’ij)—a sacred force that influences the qualities, emotions, and themes available to us. Rather than following a fixed structure, the circle unfolds in relationship to this energy. It becomes a space of listening: to the day, to the body, and to what is asking to be seen within.

Through meditation, reflection, and gentle guidance, we are invited to explore how the day’s energy is moving through our own lives. Some circles may feel expansive and expressive; others may call for stillness, introspection, or release. All are held with intention and care.

There is no pressure to share or perform—only an invitation to be present with yourself, in a space held by community. In witnessing ourselves and each other, something begins to shift. What felt separate begins to reconnect. What felt unclear begins to reveal itself.

Cacao supports this process as a quiet ally—grounding us, opening us, and helping us stay with whatever arises. It reminds us that reflection does not have to be harsh to be transformative, and that awareness, when met with compassion, naturally creates change.

Each circle becomes a doorway: into deeper self-understanding, into alignment with natural rhythms, and into a shared experience of connection that continues to ripple beyond the space.

What To Look Forward To

Each circle will include:
  • Ceremonial cacao
  • Meditation & reflection
  • Sound healing
  • Connection to the energy of the day through the Maya Cosmovision
  • Community sharing & integration

Upcoming
Cacao Circle

Cacao Circle | ROOTED actions
July 10th | 13 T'oj
7-9:30 pm
Queensbridge park, LIC

Join us in ceremony under the sacred offering energy of 13 T'oj of the Maya Cholq’ij calendar under the wise trecena of N'oj.

Held on the day of 13 To'j within the trecena of No'j, this circle arrives at a moment of cosmic completion. To'j carries the energy of gratitude, payment, and reciprocity — the sacred acknowledgment that all of life is in relationship and that what we give and receive must be held in balance.

The number 13 marks a threshold: an invitation to settle what is owed to ourselves and our path, and to release it with honesty and a full heart.

Under the guiding intelligence of No'j, we are called into clarity — shedding the mental patterns and inherited beliefs that obscure our inner wisdom. We gather to offer gratitude, restore balance, and open to the higher mind that is always seeking to guide us home.

Join Us

Cacao Circle | Central Park
Solstice of Truth & Liberation Ceremony
June 21st | 7 Tz’i | 12:30pM-3:00pm

Join us beneath the open sky for a Summer Solstice cacao ceremony guided by the energy of 7 Tz’i through the Maya Cholq’ij calendar and held within the liberating fire of K’at.

Tz’i is the energy of justice, balance, loyalty, and spiritual truth—supporting us in restoring harmony within ourselves and in the ways we relate to others. Combined with the reflective energy of 7, this day offers a sacred pause to witness the past, the future, and where we stand now with honesty and clarity.

As we welcome the turning of the season, this ceremony becomes an opportunity to release what keeps us out of alignment, reconnect with our integrity, and rise into the next chapter of life with greater balance, truth, and liberation.

Through ceremonial cacao, meditation, and sound healing in nature, we gather in community to reflect, release, and renew together beneath the light of the Summer Solstice.

Join Us

Cacao Bliss Bundle Pass

RESERVE YOUR PASS

The Cacao Bliss Bundle was created for those who feel called to return to the circle again and again, allowing the wisdom of cacao and the guidance of the Maya Cholq’ij calendar to unfold more intimately over time. Each ceremony carries a unique energy based on the sacred day, offering new reflections, teachings, and opportunities for transformation with every gathering.

This bundle includes 3 cacao circles to be used within 6 months, inviting you to build consistency in your practice while remaining connected to community, ceremony, and yourself.

As part of this offering, you will also receive a $10 discount toward a Sacred Circle of Nawales Reading—a personalized Mayan astrology reading that offers insight into your birth energies, life path, strengths, challenges, and spiritual growth.

Whether you are seeking clarity, emotional balance, deeper self-understanding, or simply a place to reconnect with your heart, this bundle offers a gentle invitation to walk the path of ceremony more intentionally.

Come as you are.
Return as often as you need.
Let cacao guide you back to yourself, one circle at a time.

The journey with cacao is not a single moment—it is a relationship that deepens with time, intention, and presence.

As reflected through the wisdom of the Maya Cholq’ij calendar, each day carries its own sacred tone and energy, allowing every cacao circle to unfold as a unique living experience. No ceremony is ever the same—each gathering evolves in relationship to the spirit of the day, the intentions brought into the space, and the collective journey shared in community.

Each circle is approximately 120 minutes and include:

Opening and intention setting
Ceremonial cacao serving
Guided meditation or journey
Reflection based on the day’s Nawal
Optional sharing and integration



Comfortable clothing
A journal and pen
Water
An open mind and heart

We recommend eating lightly 1–2 hours before the circle and staying well hydrated. 

Cacao is a natural plant medicine that contains theobromine, a gentle stimulant that can increase heart rate and circulation.

Please consult with a healthcare provider or reach out before attending if you:

  • Are pregnant or breastfeeding
  • Have a heart condition or high/low blood pressure
  • Are sensitive to caffeine or stimulants
  • Are taking antidepressants (especially MAOIs or SSRIs) or other medications that may interact

We serve cacao in moderate, ceremonial amounts and can always adjust your portion or offer an alternative if needed. Your well-being and comfort are always prioritized—please listen to your body and honor what feels right for you.

safety considertations

What to expect

how to prepare

You are invited to come as you are. No prior experience with cacao or the Maya Cholq’ij calendar is needed—only a willingness to be present.

A embodied immersion of the Mayan Calendar in the Heart of the Maya World in Copan, Honduras. One of the largest sacred Maya lands preserved today. Nestled among the ancient ruins of one of the Maya world's greatest cities, Sacred Copan is an immersive retreat honoring the living wisdom of Mayan tradition — its calendar, rituals, and sacred cosmology — guided by Andrea Bertucci and a beloved Mayan teacher, Nana Marina Cruz and her team. Designed with community at its heart, this retreat offers tiered pricing to welcome both local Honduran participants and international guests into one shared, transformative experience.

LEARN MORE

November 14th-November 19th



Dive Deeper in Honduras

In the land of time and cosmic connection

Maya Rituals in a Maya Land Retreat

FAQs

Is CACAO PSYCHOACTIVE? Stimulant? caffiene?

WHAT IS CACAO?

WHO CAN DRINK CACAO?

I HAVE CERTAIN MEDICAL CONDITIONS, CAN I DRINK CACAO?

HOW SHOULD I PREPARE?

I WANT TO JOIN, BUT I'M FINANCIALLY UNABLE. HOW CAN I JOIN?

Is CACAO Vegan?

What is the difference between cacao circle and ceremony?

What is the Nutritional value of cacao?

WHAT IS CACAO?

Cacao is purest version of "chocolate." It's is 100% pure cacao. More than chocolate it is an ancient mesoamerican natural medicine shared in moments of celebration, ceremony, mediation and community. Cacao in combination with other herbs have been used to treat ailments of the body. Cacao is circles and ceremonies serve to open the mind into a more calm and heart-centered state of mind. This encourages open communication, honest reflection and contemplation and integration. 

The cacao we use at Ray of Bliss is fair trade, 100% pure criollo cacao from Ixmucane Cacao prepared by the Cruz family in Lago de Atitlán, Guatemala. We serve cacao following the Maya Cholq'ij Calendar and Maya Cosmovision traditions.

FAQs

Is CACAO PSYCHOACTIVE? Stimulant? caffiene?

WHAT IS CACAO?

WHO CAN DRINK CACAO?

I HAVE CERTAIN MEDICAL CONDITIONS, CAN I DRINK CACAO?

HOW SHOULD I PREPARE?

I WANT TO JOIN, BUT I'M FINANCIALLY UNABLE. HOW CAN I JOIN?

Is CACAO Vegan?

What is the difference between cacao circle and ceremony?

What is the Nutritional value of cacao?

EVERYONE! Everyone can drink cacao from food-eating babies to older adults. Cacao is safe for everyone to enjoy. Pregnant women and persons can drink cacao too. For cacao circles and ceremonies the ceremonial dose is modified to suit your bodily conditions.

WHO CAN DRINK CACAO?

FAQs

Is CACAO PSYCHOACTIVE? Stimulant? caffiene?

WHAT IS CACAO?

WHO CAN DRINK CACAO?

I HAVE CERTAIN MEDICAL CONDITIONS, CAN I DRINK CACAO?

HOW SHOULD I PREPARE?

I WANT TO JOIN, BUT I'M FINANCIALLY UNABLE. HOW CAN I JOIN?

Is CACAO Vegan?

What is the difference between cacao circle and ceremony?

What is the Nutritional value of cacao?

I HAVE CERTAIN MEDICAL CONDITIONS, CAN I DRINK CACAO?

Yes. Depending on the conditions you have the ceremonial dose will be adjusted. 
Diabetic? Yes, you can have cacao, our cacao does not have sugar. 
Pregnant? Yes, your ceremonial dose will be adjusted. Maya women drink cacao throughout their pregnancy and even up to the moment of childbirth to ease birth. 
Gall Bladder? Yes, due to the high fat content it is recommended to consume a lower dose than ceremonial. 
High or Low Blood Pressure? Yes, for those with high blood pressure it is most beneficial as it can naturally lower blood pressure. For those with low blood pressure or those taking blood pressure medications or heart medications your dose will be modified. 
Ulcers? Yes, you can drink cacao, your ceremonial dose will be modified. However, if you are taking antacids or have recently finished treatment you can attend the circle or ceremony without consuming cacao. 
Taking SSRIs? Yes, your ceremonial dose will be adjusted. 
On Antibiotics? Depending the antibiotics you are taking will determine if you are able to consume cacao. 
We recommend you always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before consuming cacao. You can always join the gatherings and not drink cacao. You will gain the benefits of the collective prayer.


FAQs

Is CACAO PSYCHOACTIVE? Stimulant? caffiene?

WHAT IS CACAO?

WHO CAN DRINK CACAO?

I HAVE CERTAIN MEDICAL CONDITIONS, CAN I DRINK CACAO?

HOW SHOULD I PREPARE?

I WANT TO JOIN, BUT I'M FINANCIALLY UNABLE. HOW CAN I JOIN?

Is CACAO Vegan?

What is the difference between cacao circle and ceremony?

What is the Nutritional value of cacao?

Is CACAO PSYCHOACTIVE? Stimulant? caffiene?

Cacao is not a psychedelic, psychoactive or hallucinogenic. It is a grounding sacred beverage to bring clarity, contemplation and calmness. 

Yes, cacao contains caffeine, but in relatively small amounts compared to coffee. In ceremonial cacao there is  45g per 6-ounce serving, whereas a standard cup of coffee has around 95 mg-150mg.

Cacao has theobromine is a vasodilator (widens blood vessels) increasing circulation and heart stimulant, offering a calmer energy boost without the spike-and-crash of caffeine.

FAQs

Is CACAO PSYCHOACTIVE? Stimulant? caffiene?

WHAT IS CACAO?

WHO CAN DRINK CACAO?

I HAVE CERTAIN MEDICAL CONDITIONS, CAN I DRINK CACAO?

HOW SHOULD I PREPARE?

I WANT TO JOIN, BUT I'M FINANCIALLY UNABLE. HOW CAN I JOIN?

Is CACAO Vegan?

What is the difference between cacao circle and ceremony?

What is the Nutritional value of cacao?

What is the Nutritional value of cacao?

FOOD OF THE GODS

Cacao contains the alkaloid theobromine, which translates literally into “Food of the Gods” – theos, meaning "god" or "divine", and broma, meaning "food"

Similar to caffeine in terms of energetic impact but impacting the cardiovascular system rather than the nervous system. Theobromine increases energy and focus without the anxious “buzz” one gets from ingesting caffeine. Cacao is a fabulous alternative to caffeine!

ANTIOXIDANT

Cacao in its purest form rates #1 on the USDA antioxidant food scale at 55,653 ORAC ahead of blueberries, goji berries, and pomegranates. It also contains the highest amount of naturally occurring magnesium

FAQs

Is CACAO PSYCHOACTIVE? Stimulant? caffiene?

WHAT IS CACAO?

WHO CAN DRINK CACAO?

I HAVE CERTAIN MEDICAL CONDITIONS, CAN I DRINK CACAO?

HOW SHOULD I PREPARE?

I WANT TO JOIN, BUT I'M FINANCIALLY UNABLE. HOW CAN I JOIN?

Is CACAO Vegan?

What is the difference between cacao circle and ceremony?

What is the Nutritional value of cacao?

What is the Nutritional value of cacao?

BRAIN POWER

Cacao increases blood flow to the brain by 10-15%, creating higher levels of mental agility, and improving awareness and focus

NUTRIENTS

Calcium - Bone problems, circulation, vericose veins
Potassium - Helps with nerve function and helps muscles contract.
Magnesium - Highest plant based source known 
Regulating muscle and nerve function, blood sugar levels, blood circulation 

Cacao contains potassium, phosphorous, copper, chromium, zinc, iron and high levels of magnesium which contribute to cardiovascular health. 

FAQs

Is CACAO PSYCHOACTIVE? Stimulant? caffiene?

WHAT IS CACAO?

WHO CAN DRINK CACAO?

I HAVE CERTAIN MEDICAL CONDITIONS, CAN I DRINK CACAO?

HOW SHOULD I PREPARE?

I WANT TO JOIN, BUT I'M FINANCIALLY UNABLE. HOW CAN I JOIN?

Is CACAO Vegan?

What is the difference between cacao circle and ceremony?

What is the Nutritional value of cacao?

What is the Nutritional value of cacao?

Cacao is the highest plant-based source of iron known, with 13.9 mg per 100g, which is more than beef (2.5 mg) and spinach (3.6 mg). However, cacao contains non-heme iron, which is not as easily absorbed by the body as heme iron found in animal proteins. To maximize the benefits of cacao's iron, you can consume it with vitamin C.

BLISS
Cacao contains Anandamide or the “Bliss Molecule.” Anandamide is an endocrine liquid that your body produces when you feel a workout “high”. It is a natural pleasure molecule located in the cells of the nervous system.

Anandamide, the bliss molecule and other components in cacao actually inhibit the breakdown of the body’s own cannabinoids, meaning that cacao helps to keep your stress-relief system regulated for longer and with better results. CBD supplements act similarly by attaching to endocannibinoid receptors in the body, rather than the brain. The result? A full-body calm.

FAQs

Is CACAO PSYCHOACTIVE? Stimulant? caffiene?

WHAT IS CACAO?

WHO CAN DRINK CACAO?

I HAVE CERTAIN MEDICAL CONDITIONS, CAN I DRINK CACAO?

HOW SHOULD I PREPARE?

I WANT TO JOIN, BUT I'M FINANCIALLY UNABLE. HOW CAN I JOIN?

Is CACAO Vegan?

What is the difference between cacao circle and ceremony?

What is the Nutritional value of cacao?

What is the Nutritional value of cacao?

Endocannibinoid receptors - They act like traffic cops to control the levels and activity of most of the other neurotransmitters in our brain.This is how they regulate things: by immediate feedback, turning up or down the activity of whichever system needs to be adjusted, whether that is hunger, temperature, or alertness. The ECS regulates and controls many of our most critical bodily functions such as learning and memory, emotional processing, sleep, temperature control, pain control, inflammatory and immune responses, and eating. 

To stimulate these receptors, our bodies produce molecules called endocannabinoids, which have a structural similarity to molecules in the cannabis plant. The first endocannabinoid that was discovered was named anandamide after the Sanskrit word ananda for bliss. 

FAQs

Is CACAO PSYCHOACTIVE? Stimulant? caffiene?

WHAT IS CACAO?

WHO CAN DRINK CACAO?

I HAVE CERTAIN MEDICAL CONDITIONS, CAN I DRINK CACAO?

HOW SHOULD I PREPARE?

I WANT TO JOIN, BUT I'M FINANCIALLY UNABLE. HOW CAN I JOIN?

Is CACAO Vegan?

What is the difference between cacao circle and ceremony?

What is the Nutritional value of cacao?

What is the Nutritional value of cacao?

MOOD ENHANCER
Cacao is natural mood enhancer releasing serotonin and dopamine which can help with easing depression and releasing negativity

Serotonin
Neurotransmitter responsible for Serotonin release in our gut. 
Associated with happiness, focus, and calmness, serotonin can create a long-lasting feeling of well-being. It also helps regulate digestive functions, body temperature, and appetite, and can help with sleep maintenance. This neurotransmitter is vital for feelings of contentment and love, and has been explained by some to be the reason that eating chocolate is so pleasurable. 
Many antidepressants (SSRIs) work by blocking the re-uptake of serotonin, but cacao may naturally help boost the body’s serotonin production to yield antidepressant effects without the need for prescription drugs.

FAQs

Is CACAO PSYCHOACTIVE? Stimulant? caffiene?

WHAT IS CACAO?

WHO CAN DRINK CACAO?

I HAVE CERTAIN MEDICAL CONDITIONS, CAN I DRINK CACAO?

HOW SHOULD I PREPARE?

I WANT TO JOIN, BUT I'M FINANCIALLY UNABLE. HOW CAN I JOIN?

Is CACAO Vegan?

What is the difference between cacao circle and ceremony?

What is the Nutritional value of cacao?

What is the Nutritional value of cacao?

Dopamine
Associated with motivation and reward, dopamine can create a feeling of pleasure when released in the brain. It also controls body movements and coordination, and can help with wakefulness. 

Phenylethylamine (PEA) 
Cacao is an aphrodisiac as it releases our “love” molecule PEA
Linked to both the feeling of falling in love and the “runner’s high” 

Hormone-like substance produced at the early stages of attraction that provokes the dizzy sensation some people feel when they're falling in love. 

FAQs

Is CACAO PSYCHOACTIVE? Stimulant? caffiene?

WHAT IS CACAO?

WHO CAN DRINK CACAO?

I HAVE CERTAIN MEDICAL CONDITIONS, CAN I DRINK CACAO?

HOW SHOULD I PREPARE?

I WANT TO JOIN, BUT I'M FINANCIALLY UNABLE. HOW CAN I JOIN?

Is CACAO Vegan?

What is the difference between cacao circle and ceremony?

What is the Nutritional value of cacao?

What is the Nutritional value of cacao?

Triggers the release of norepinephrine, which helps the body respond to stress, dopamine
And other chemicals that play a role in depression and other mental health disorders. 

People who don't make enough phenethylamine naturally may therefore be helped to prevent mood disorders by taking it as a supplement. 
People use phenethylamine for athletic performance, depression, obesity, and other conditions

MINERALS

Raw cacao has more than 300 phytochemicals and nearly four times the antioxidant power of regular dark chocolate, and contains protein, calcium, carotene, thiamine, riboflavin, magnesium, and sulfur.

                     truly a cup of bliss

FAQs

Is CACAO PSYCHOACTIVE? Stimulant? caffiene?

WHAT IS CACAO?

WHO CAN DRINK CACAO?

I HAVE CERTAIN MEDICAL CONDITIONS, CAN I DRINK CACAO?

HOW SHOULD I PREPARE?

I WANT TO JOIN, BUT I'M FINANCIALLY UNABLE. HOW CAN I JOIN?

Is CACAO Vegan?

What is the difference between cacao circle and ceremony?

What is the Nutritional value of cacao?

What is the difference between cacao circle and ceremony?

In honoring the Maya Tz'utujil traditions and guidance (the lineage Ray of Bliss follows) a cacao circle is a gathering with the community to align our intentions, prayer and reflection with the Cholq'ij calendar. 

A ceremony is when there is a sacred fire in which offerings are given connected to the Maya Cosmsovision and the Cholq'ij calendar. Ceremonies are led by Ajq'ijs (spiritual guides) and fire keepers for healing, opening paths, clarity and support in life situations.

FAQs

Is CACAO PSYCHOACTIVE? Stimulant? caffiene?

WHAT IS CACAO?

WHO CAN DRINK CACAO?

I HAVE CERTAIN MEDICAL CONDITIONS, CAN I DRINK CACAO?

HOW SHOULD I PREPARE?

I WANT TO JOIN, BUT I'M FINANCIALLY UNABLE. HOW CAN I JOIN?

Is CACAO Vegan?

What is the difference between cacao circle and ceremony?

What is the Nutritional value of cacao?

* We recommend that participants wear comfortable clothing of their choosing or preference. In consideration for the elders, we kindly ask for your clothing to cover the belly button, shoulders, and knees during the circles or ceremonies. Ceremonial clothes welcomed and encouraged.

​* Avoid coffee, matcha and other caffeinated beverages at least 3-4 hours before our gathering. Best to avoid all day, if you can.

​* Do not consume alcohol, cigarettes, marijuana, vape, tobacco or any other plant medicine or mind altering substance before or during the circle. We kindly, ask to be present to the medicine of cacao.

​*  Have your meal at least 3-4 hours before our gathering.

​What to Bring
*  In following ancestral tradition, each participant is strongly encouraged to bring flowers to contribute to the community flower altar.  

Recommended
* Fruits, vegetarian snacks to have blessed and shared in community.
* Sacred items to have blessed on the alter during the circle.

HOW SHOULD I PREPARE?

FAQs

Is CACAO PSYCHOACTIVE? Stimulant? caffiene?

WHAT IS CACAO?

WHO CAN DRINK CACAO?

I HAVE CERTAIN MEDICAL CONDITIONS, CAN I DRINK CACAO?

HOW SHOULD I PREPARE?

I WANT TO JOIN, BUT I'M FINANCIALLY UNABLE. HOW CAN I JOIN?

Is CACAO Vegan?

What is the difference between cacao circle and ceremony?

What is the Nutritional value of cacao?

I WANT TO JOIN, BUT I'M FINANCIALLY UNABLE. HOW CAN I JOIN?

We would love for you to join us and we know life sometimes brings us challenges. One way to join us is to volunteer your time. Help us with setting up, creating content (photography or videography), and breakdown and clean up. We will let you know which volunteer options are available.