Cacao Ceremony

Both digital and in-person

We live in a world that rarely invites us to pause. To notice. To listen.

These ceremonies are an invitation to do exactly that.

Guided by ceremonial cacao and the timeless rhythm of the moon, we gather to cultivate the conditions where clarity, creativity, wisdom, and insight can naturally emerge. The moon doesn't tell us who we are—it simply offers a rhythm, a mirror that helps us better understand where we are within the cosmic energetics as play.

Each ceremony is inspired by the current lunar phase and zodiac sign, using their archetypal themes as a framework for self-inquiry. Through breathwork, movement, meditation, sound, journaling, and ceremonial cacao, we create space to quiet the noise and reconnect to the gold within.

For those new to ceremonial cacao—welcome. For those returning—welcome home.

Wherever you are in your personal journey, this ritual invites you to arrive exactly as you are. This is an inclusive space for all who feel called to participate.

As the moon changes, so do we. No two ceremonies are ever the same.

A snake-shaped incense holder with smoke rising from it, placed on a white surface next to a small gray box, with some black objects and paper nearby.

Upcoming ceremonies

From Aspen to Carbondale

The Bucky Dome
Aspen Meadows Resort · Aspen, CO
Sunday, August 211:00a – 1:30p Reserve Your Spot
Sunday, August 3011:00a – 1:30p Reserve Your Spot
Sunday, September 2711:00a – 1:30p Reserve Your Spot
Sunday, October 1811:00a – 1:30p Reserve Your Spot
The Kiva
True Nature Healing Arts · Carbondale, CO
Sunday, July 12 Reserve Your Spot
Sunday, October 11 Reserve Your Spot
Sunday, November 15 Reserve Your Spot
Sunday, December 13 Reserve Your Spot

Kiva ceremonies are booked through our partners at True Nature Healing Arts.

The Experience

What to expect

A journey of deep presence, expansive gratitude, and focused intention.

A small bowl of ground coffee beans next to a package of Amazonian legacy cacao powder on a dark speckled surface.

The Cacao

Amazonian Gold

With every cup, you journey to the birthplace of cacao deep within the Ecuadorian Amazon. Reverently sourced from regeneratively grown wild-strain cacao, Amazonian Gold is among the purest single-origin ceremonial cacaos available, naturally rich in minerals and trace elements. Crafted to nourish the body, awaken the heart, restore balance, and reconnect you with your innate vitality and deepest nature.

Known as a heart-opener, cacao is an amplifer, an activator, and a gentle reminder of our deepest truths.

Learn more about Legacy Cacao HERE.

A woman dressed in white sitting on the floor with her hand over her chest, wearing jewelry, with a table in front of her that has bowls and food items, and white curtains in the background.

The Experience

A Journey

Our time together begins by slowing down. Through ceremonial cacao, breathwork, gentle movement, meditation, and guided reflection, we create space to step away from the constant demands of everyday life and become more present with ourselves.

Together, we contemplate meaningful questions and explore themes that invite reflection on where you are, what you're moving through, and what may be asking for your attention.

We'll close with a guided sound journey and journaling to integrate your experience, capture fresh insights, and carry them into your daily life.

Person holding a notebook and writing with a pen, wearing multiple bracelets on their wrist.

the preparation

What To Bring

Dress comfortably for both ease of movement and feeling cozy to rest and relax at the end.

Please bring:

Yoga mat

Favorite mug for cacao

Journal + pen

Optional:

Water bottle

Blanket

Meditation cushion

Testimonials

What participants are saying…

“Nicole has a natural gift for holding space where people feel both deeply connected to one another and gently guided back to themselves. Her presence is effortless and grounding, and the cacao ceremony left my whole group feeling so peaceful and more connected to our hearts.” - Caroline 

“A moment to feel tranquility while grounding in community and the lessons within. Nicole’s authenticity marries a careful understanding of tradition with the curation of a moving, heart-centered experience. An incredible guided journey, rooted in self and directed by the heart.” - Daya

“Whether this journey takes you down the path of grappling with the dissonance of disconnected points in your life or a spiritual encounter, one can expect a genuine connection with the perspectives of self and the guidance of shared experience.” - Sanjay

“Nicole created such a beautiful and meaningful cacao ceremony. It was deeply moving, incredibly relaxing, and felt like a truly spiritual experience. She has a calming presence and guided us with such warmth and authenticity. I left feeling grounded, open hearted, and grateful. It was one of the most memorable experiences I’ve had at the Aspen Institute.” - Julie

Two dirty hands holding a large handful of cocoa beans over a dark surface.

The Why

Why ceremonial cacao?

For thousands of years, cacao has been honored by Indigenous cultures throughout Central and South America—not only as nourishment, but as a plant that supports presence, connection, and wellbeing.

Modern research has helped us better understand why.

Ceremonial cacao contains more than 300 naturally occurring compounds that work together to support both the mind and body. Among the most studied are:

  • Anandamide – often called the "bliss molecule," associated with feelings of ease and wellbeing.

  • Phenylethylamine (PEA) – supports the release of neurotransmitters involved in motivation, focus, and positive mood.

  • Tryptophan – an amino acid the body uses to produce serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in emotional balance.

  • Theobromine – cacao's primary active compound, known for providing a gentle, sustained sense of energy while supporting healthy circulation.

  • Naturally occurring caffeine – present in small amounts to complement the effects of theobromine without the intensity many people associate with coffee.

Rather than creating an intense stimulant effect, ceremonial cacao is often experienced as calm alertness—helping many people feel more present, emotionally open, and mentally clear. While everyone's experience is unique, this gentle shift in awareness is one of the reasons cacao has remained a treasured ceremonial plant for generations.