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.
join us
Cacao Circle | ROOTED actions
June 19th | 5 Q'nail
12:30pM-3:00pm
Join us in ceremony under the nourishing energy of 5 Q’anil through the Maya Cholq’ij calendar and the liberating trecena of K’at.
Q’anil is the sacred seed—the energy of fertility, nourishment, creation, and maturation—guiding what has already been planted toward fuller expression. Combined with the movement and action of 5, this gathering invites us to consciously tend to the dreams, projects, relationships, and transformations asking to grow within our lives.
Held within the sacred fire of K’at, this ceremony also becomes a space of liberation: releasing entanglements, fears, and limitations that prevent us from moving forward with clarity and trust.
Through ceremonial cacao, meditation, and sound healing, we gather to nourish what is becoming and to take aligned action in devotion to its growth.
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.
Each circle is approximately 120 minutes and may 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.
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.
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 IN 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?
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 IN 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 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 IN 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.
