Ceremonial cacao, the revered food of the gods, is a sacred plant cherished by the ancient civilisations of Mesoamerica. She was seen as a divine gift from the gods themselves, shared as a plant medicine, and honoured by our ancestors as nourishment for body, heart and spirit.
Many of us feel disconnected from ourselves, our communities and nature. We seek deeper meaning and more profound connection, but often find it hard to know where to begin. The ancient wisdom that once guided our ancestors has become hidden behind modern distractions, leaving us longing for real spiritual and emotional nourishment.
Imagine feeling more grounded, centred and connected to the world around you. Imagine a space where you can explore ancient traditions and modern wellness practices that support your journey of self-discovery. This is not just a dream. It is a possibility that cacao can open for you, guiding you back to a place of balance and harmony, both on your own and in community.
My name is Sharon Fernie and I am the founder of Herbal Cacao, where we share high-quality ceremonial cacao blends with herbs, spices and mushrooms. I have a deep passion for holistic wellness and ancient traditions, and through Herbal Cacao our mission is to support our community on their journey of self-discovery and spiritual growth, while spreading awareness of the profound benefits of ceremonial cacao and other medicinal herbs, adaptogens and mushrooms.
Through Herbal Cacao, I want to create a space where people can connect with themselves and each other on a deeper level: to be the love, share the love and spread the love.
Here in the Herbal Cacao Journal, I explore the fascinating world of active medicinal compounds, rituals, ancient healing practices and modern wellness, often woven together with experiences from my own life. So whether you are experienced or just beginning your holistic journey, this is your invitation to deepen your understanding of sacred plants and their profound effect on body, mind and spirit.
Cacao, the food of the gods, was revered by the Olmec, the Maya and the Aztecs as a divine gift for body, heart and spirit.
Why is cacao called the food of the gods?
The botanical name of the cacao tree is Theobroma cacao. Theobroma comes from Greek and means "food of the gods". The name was given in 1753 by the Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus, but it echoes what the peoples of Mesoamerica had believed for thousands of years: that cacao was a gift from the divine. The word cacao itself comes from the Maya word kakaw.
Discover more about her name and her magic in the 10 magical wonders of Theobroma cacao.
The sacred story of cacao in Mesoamerica
People in Mesoamerica have been preparing cacao for a very long time. Archaeologists have found traces of cacao in pottery from the Gulf Coast and the Pacific coast of Mexico dating back more than 3,500 years, from the time of the Olmec and their neighbours. Later, the Maya and the Aztecs made cacao a central part of their spiritual and social life.
In Aztec legend, the feathered-serpent god Quetzalcoatl brought the cacao tree from a sacred mountain to the people, a gift that was honoured as a bridge between heaven and earth. Today, the cacao tree is still a sacred symbol for Indigenous communities in the ancient Maya lands.
Cacao was honoured as a bridge between heaven and earth, with the plant spirit, Espiritu Cacao, believed to carry divine knowledge and healing to those who drank her.
Espiritu Cacao and the Maya cacao drink
The Maya have prepared this food of the gods for thousands of years. They ground the cacao beans and mixed them with water to create a sacred, slightly bitter drink, often enriched with spices such as chilli and flowers. This drink was shared during ceremonies and rituals to bring people together and to honour the gods and the ancestors.
In Maya belief, the plant spirit of cacao, Espiritu Cacao, carried knowledge and healing from the gods to those who drank the sacred beverage. Cacao was part of life's most important moments, from weddings to ceremonies for newborns. Among the Aztecs, cacao was even part of the rations of warriors on long campaigns, valued for the strength and energy she gave.
A living tradition today
This tradition has never stopped. In Maya communities today, cacao is still used in ceremonies, offerings and family celebrations, and traditional healers and midwives use her as part of their care, for example for women after giving birth. These are traditional practices that have been passed down for generations, not medical treatments, and they show how deeply cacao is woven into the fabric of life.
The Maya shared cacao in many rituals, from weddings to ceremonies of strength, to open hearts and bring people together.
One thing is certain: the Maya revered cacao for her nourishing, heart-opening and joyful qualities, a tradition we honour and continue at Herbal Cacao. Our cacao comes from Indigenous Maya families in Belize and Guatemala. Read more in the difference between our 3 cacao origins.
Bring the food of the gods into your own ritual
You don't need a temple to honour cacao. A simple ritual at home is enough:
- Warm 20 g of ceremonial cacao slowly with water or plant milk.
- Hold your cup and take 3 deep breaths.
- Give thanks to the land and the hands that grew your cacao.
- Set an intention and drink slowly, letting her warmth settle in your heart.
Read more in how to use ceremonial cacao.
Join me in the Herbal Cacao Journal as we celebrate and explore the rich heritage and transformative power of ceremonial cacao. Together, we can cultivate a life filled with love, healing and spiritual growth.
Ready to taste the food of the gods? Discover our Natural ceremonial cacao
Frequently asked questions
Why is cacao called the food of the gods?
The botanical name Theobroma cacao means "food of the gods" in Greek. It was given by Carl Linnaeus in 1753 and reflects the ancient Mesoamerican belief that cacao was a divine gift.
Who first used cacao?
Traces of cacao in pottery show that people in Mesoamerica were preparing cacao more than 3,500 years ago, in the time of the Olmec. Even older traces of cacao use have been found in the Amazon of Ecuador.
What is Espiritu Cacao?
Espiritu Cacao is the plant spirit of cacao. In Maya belief, she carries knowledge and healing from the divine to those who drink cacao with intention.
How did the Maya drink cacao?
The Maya ground cacao beans and mixed them with water and spices into a slightly bitter, frothy drink that was shared in ceremonies, celebrations and offerings.
Sources and further reading
- Coe, S. D. and Coe, M. D. (2013). The True History of Chocolate. Thames & Hudson.
- Powis, T. G. et al. (2011). Oldest chocolate in the New World. Antiquity, 85(328).
- Zarrillo, S. et al. (2018). The use and domestication of Theobroma cacao during the mid-Holocene in the upper Amazon. Nature Ecology & Evolution, 2, 1879 to 1888.
