Cacao in Ritual

 

For the last two years, we have integrated cacao into our daily lives, adding ceremonial cacao to our daily rituals, often setting intentions and sipping our cacao with intention to begin our mornings. We often bring cacao into our community events, starting women’s circles with group intention setting. 

It is an honour to share space and experience the power of connection over a cup of ceremonial cacao. There is great potency when we set our intentions in a group and as a group.

This tradition has been used for centuries to help foster a deeper connection to oneself, to others, and to the natural world. We can use it as a way to bond and support one another and grow stronger together

There’s something special about sitting down with a group of people, with a warm mug of ceremonial cacao in hand, and feeling our hearts open and those walls come down. As we sip on this plant medicine we are invited to let go of our worries, our fears, and our judgments, and to simply be present in the moment.

And as we connect, we find that we are far more similar than we are different. We share experiences, emotions, and struggles that are all too familiar. And in that shared experience, we find a sense of unity and understanding that can be truly transformative.

Whether we’re navigating the ups and downs of parenthood, struggling with our professional ambitions, or just trying to live authentically in a world that often seems at odds with our desires, we can find comfort and support in the community around us.

As we sip our cacao we recognize cacao as a plant medicine, we hold reverence for the plant and are open to the deeper guidance, or spirit that it may hold.

Setting an intention is a deeply personal and transformational practice. Trust yourself and allow your intuition to guide you as you set your intentions and bring them to life.

Some examples of intentions that we integrate into our daily rituals are

– To release self-doubt and step more fully into our power
– To connect more deeply with our intuition and inner wisdom
– To cultivate greater compassion for ourselves and others
– To invite more joy and playfulness into our lives
– To heal from past hurts and embrace a more authentic version of ourselves
– To create more abundance and prosperity in all areas of our lives

In your own rituals, as you hold your cup of cacao to your heart. Think of its journey from bean to cup, from a small family farm in Alta Verapaz Guatemala and then lovingly prepared by the Ruk’u’x Ulew Roo-Koosh-Oohh-Leh-U  (Heart of the  Earth) Mayans women’s collective in Lake Atitlán. The cacao beans are fermented in small batches, sundried, lightly roasted over a wood fire and then peeled by hand. Take a moment to set an intention as well as sip with intention.

October is a beautiful and powerful month to get together with friends and community and use the potency of group intention setting and open our hearts as we move into these cozy, winter months.

Have a beautiful week!

Xo Simone and Caitlin

COZY SEASON

Welcome to the sweetness of September! We LOVE this time of the year, when the pace feels a little less-frenzied…cozy sweaters, scarves, SPOOKY SEASON, and of course, hot beverages in our favourite mugs, to the sound of the rain falling. 

We have had a very busy summer, with a great market season! We only have three more Salt Spring Saturday markets left for this year, so If you are on the island, come stop by the stand to say hello and stock up on your favourite blends for fall. We are currently running an Autumn Stock Up Sale, with our signature blends 10% off when you purchase 4 or more. They make great gifts, and before we know it, it will be time for stocking stuffers!

This offer is available on-line as well, if you can’t make it in person.

We have had a lot of inquires into our Ceremonial Cacao. We are still waiting for shipments to arrive from Guatemala. It seems as though things are changing, and with the increase and influx of this plant medicine coming into North America, we have had some delays with paper work and border control. We anticipate to have any and all issues resolved this week, so we can continue to supply this powerful medicine with others! 

In the meantime, we have our two signature blends, Luna Cacao and Sunrise Matcha, available for all your cozy autumn days needs. 

Wishing everyone a graceful and gorgeous new season. 

All the best,

Simone and Caitlin 

Cacao Supports every Phase of your Cycle

By consciously engaging with ceremonial cacao during your monthly cycle we can support our bodies on many levels:
Creatively
Spiritually
Hormonally
and with Nutrients we may be lacking

During our Early Follicular Phase Cacao may help:

Iron Boost: essential for healthy blood flow during menstruation and replenishes the body's iron stores
Cramp Relief: high magnesium levels help relieve muscle cramps
Mood Support: anandamide "the bliss molecule" boosts mood and promotes feelings of well being
Energy Boost: a natural source of caffeine and theobromine

During our Late Follicular Phase Cacao may help:


Antioxidant Support: natural antioxidants can help protect the body from oxidative stress, which can impact ovarian health and fertility
Blood Flow Support: flavonoid content can improve blood flow and circulation, essential for optical nutrient delivery to the ovaries and uterus
Grounding: with an increase in energy and a rise in estrogen, a cacao ritual can help guide our inspirations

During our Ovulation Phase Cacao may help:

Energy Boost: natural sources of caffeine and theobromine can be helpful for women who experience fatigue
Hormone Regulation: containing estrogen and progesterone, cacao can ensure that the body is functioning properly and that the egg is released on time
Mood Support: promoting a sense of well-being can counteract stress which can impact fertility
Heart Opener:  with cacao we can be connected to our partners more deeply, this energy can also be directed to creative projects in other areas of our lives

During our Luteal Phase Cacao may help:

Mood Boost: as estrogen drops in this phase, anandamide can help increase our sense of well-being
Craving Control: flavonoids can help reduce cravings for sweet foods. Many women may have increase cravings during this phase
Calcium Support: a natural source of calcium, cacao can support bone health and alleviate early cramping

Happy Birthday to Us!

April marks our first year of business as Pacha Powder Organics.

Pacha Powder Organics was brought to life through two mothers who were each at crossroads. Simone had just finished treatment for breast cancer, and Caitlin had finished her second year of maternity leave in two years. Both were looking for coffee and alcohol alternatives, searching for something to replace the caffeine jitters, but still wanting a morning ritual that went beyond simply tea, and a nighttime wind down that didn’t include the habitual glass or two of wine. We became obsessed with Cacao, Matcha, functional mushrooms and adaptogens. The blends quickly formed themselves, and then Ceremonial Cacao became the spotlight for its high level of antioxidants and countless benefits. Legend has it that Mama Cacao will present herself when one is ready.

Pacha Powder Organics is more than just superfood ingredients, it’s now a community, bringing people together to share these incredible offerings from the earth.

The vision is strong; to craft an AM or PM ritual that will leave you feeling uplifted, connected and inspired.

We are so proud of how far we have come and excited for what’s ahead!

xo Simone and Caitlin

Ceremonial Cacao Recipes

Here are some of our favourite Ceremonial Cacao Recipes 

We haven’t given specific amounts for ceremonial cacao in each recipes, please use this guide to adjust your recipe depending on intention:

  • 15-20g (1-2 tablespoons)  Great for everyday use. Journaling, music, artwork, creativity, bringing beauty to your day
  • 35g- Movement, yoga, meditation
  • 45g- Best for ceremonial work, deep integrative meditation, mindful journey
 
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Traditional

 

Ceremonial Cacao

Dash of Cinnamon

Dash of Cardamom

Dash of Cayenne

Honey to taste

6-8oz hot water

Blend for 20-30 seconds until smooth and creamy

Set your intention, sip and enjoy slowly

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Power

Ceremonial Cacao

Tsp Maca

½ scoop Collagen

½ scoop Bone Broth

Dash Cinnamon

Dash Cayenne

Honey to taste

6-8z water

Blend for 20-30 seconds until smooth and creamy

Set your intention, sip and enjoy slowly

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Rose Heart Opener

Ceremonial Cacao

1tbsp edible dried rose petals or 1tsp rose powder 

1tsp Vanilla powder

Splash of milk of choice

Maple syrup to taste

6-8oz hot water (or use steeped rose tea instead of powder or petals)

Blend for 20-30 seconds until smooth and creamy

Set your intention, sip and enjoy slowly

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Calm

Ceremonial Cacao

1tsp Lavender powder

1tsp Ashwagandha

Dash Cinnamon

Maple syrup to taste

6-8oz hot water

Blend for 20-30 seconds until smooth and creamy

Set your intention, sip and enjoy slowly

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Sacred Smoothie

Ceremonial Cacao

1tsp Maca

Dash Cinnamon

Dash Cardamom

Dash Chili

Honey to taste

6oz hot water

Blend and then chill in refrigerator 

Once your cacao has set (thick mousse like texture) remove from fridge and place in a blender with 

½ frozen banana

1 tbsp almond or peanut butter

Handful of ice cubes

1 cup milk of choice

Hello March

March 6th, 2023

March is here! Spring will arrive later this month, and we could not be more excited to finally celebrate the equinox. We have a couple exciting events this month, and we are looking forward to hosting more cacao circles, yoga journeys, and crystal bowl sessions! With warmer weather upon us soon, we are hoping to join together in some lovely outdoor, beach settings as well. Our Mama’s Cacao Circles we held last year at Beddis Beach were quite well received, so let us know if this is something you’d like to experience with us again! 

We have been working hard this winter, developing two new superfood latte blends, AND ceremonial cacao spice blends that you can add straight to your cacao, add sweetener of choice, blend, sip and love! We anticipate you will enjoy these as much as we do.

Next month is the return of the Salt Spring Saturday market, where you can find our take home packs, bricks of ceremonial cacao, and our signature Luna Cacao and Sunrise Matcha blends by the cup to go! We had so much fun at the market last year, and it was amazing to have the opportunity to connect with you all face to face. 

Stay tuned to our Instagram and newsletters for exciting updates! Have a blessed and beautiful spring,

❤️ Simone and Caitlin

Keep That Matcha Fresh

We love our Sunrise Matcha Blend and we want to make sure it stays as fresh as possible once it gets home to where ever you call home. We want to ensure that your matcha doesn’t lose it’s vibrant green colour, overall freshness, and potent health benefits.

We want to First, here are matcha’s worst enemies (avoid at all cost!)

  1. Oxygen
  2. Moisture
  3. Heat/UV Light

Here are some tips for keeping your matcha fresh:

  1. Consume your Matcha as fast as possible
    • don’t open your matcha until you are ready to use it. Once you open that package, your matcha will start to lose its freshness
    • consumed opened matcha within 1-3 months
    • bulk buying and concerned about running out? Store UNOPENED  matcha in a Tupperware or other airtight containers in the freezer
  2. Keep that Oxygen out!
    • open your package when you are ready to make it and seal it as soon as you can. Minimized the amount of time it is exposed to oxygen.
    • always use clear, dry utensils when portioning
    • because matcha is so finely ground there is more surface area and it is more prone to oxidization
  3. Keep it Airtight!
    1. make sure your packaging is sealed completely
    2. your packaging should be airtight and opaque to block out any sunlight
    3. airtight containers will not only keep your matcha fresh but will help avoid clumping or drying out
  4. Store matcha in a cool dark place
    • matcha really wants to live in your cool, dark pantry where the temperature stays consistent
    • live somewhere hot and humid? Try the fridge (the fridge is a great option however matcha can pick up tastes and smells from food around it. It can also pick up moisture from the fridge if it is not properly sealed or left too long. If your matcha does live in the fridge make sure you let it get up to room temperature before you use it!)

Happy Whisking!

Simone and Caitlin

Cacao and Spirituality

January 24th, 2023

Cacao and Spirituality

Cacao is known for its grounding nature. It can help us reconnect to the earth, inspire us to be in the present and to slow down.

Here are some ways in which cacao can help with our spirituality.

1. Cacao opens the heart allowing us to connect with ourselves, others, and our environment

2. Cacao heightens meditation by opening the gateway to our inner spirit and wisdom. It allows up to focus and be present.

3. Cacao enhances energy flow through our bodies. Theobromine found in cacao gives us a longer and softer energy boost that we can carry with us through our day.

4. Cacao clarifies your mentality by increasing our self awareness. Allowing our creativity and talents to present themselves and presenting our true gifts.

5. Cacao brings peace by allowing you to be calm and present, good energy flowing in and negative energy flowing out of your body

6. Cacao heals the soul by bringing awareness to things that have been holding you back and allowing you to give yourself the love and strength to let go

7. Cacao is also rich in minerals which act as strengthening and nourishing agents. They shield our cells, and ultimately our energy from any negativity or dense energy.

Happy New Year

January 03, 2023

Happy New Year! As we settle into the first few days of 2023, we already feel a collective lightness from leaving 2022 behind. It was a powerful time of transformative change for many people. We have found we are wanting not to set a series of resolutions, but rather commit ourselves to living this year unapologetically and with authenticity.
Cacao is the perfect tool to facilitate change and to become in tune with what feeds you on a soul level. The next time you sit with your cacao, give yourself some time and space to journal for a few minutes.
What was my biggest accomplishment in 2022?
What can I leave behind?
What can I bring forward into this New Year?
What is my personal mantra for 2023?

Cacao is a heart opener, and can bring emotions to the surface. Sit with this, and let the cacao guide you.

Ceremonial Cacao New Years Recipe:
25-35grams Ceremonial Cacao
½ tsp Ashwagandha
½ tsp Maca root
Dash of cinnamon
Dash of Cardamon
Dash of chilli or cayenne
1 tsp Honey
6-8oz Hot (not boiling) water
Place all ingredients in blender for 20-30 seconds. Pour into your favourite ritual mug. Take your time, sip with intention, and journal what comes through.

We wish everyone all the best for 2023!
With love,
Simone and Caitlin

Our Journey to Cacao and Matcha

December 19th, 2022

As we sit here watching the snow fall and the lights twinkle on the Christmas tree, we realize it’s nearly been one year since the idea for Pacha Powder was born! This has been an incredible learning experience for us, and the business has grown and shaped organically into what it is today. We are so proud of everything we do and when we get positive feedback that we’ve touched someone’s day, or made an impact for their lifestyle, it makes all the blood, sweat and (a few) tears completely worth it.

Last year as Simone was receiving treatment for breast cancer and Caitlin had come off her second round of maternity leave in two years, we were both searching for coffee and caffeine alternatives. We felt our nervous systems needed something nourishing. Something we knew our bodies would thank us for. We began to experiment with Cacao, Matcha, and various adaptogens.

We noticed a change almost immediately! Gone were the coffee jitters, anxiety, and inevitable afternoon crash. We began to look forward to our Cacao and Matcha routines, and wanted to share this new found light with others. We have been extremely well received since officially launching in April of 2022 and we have big visions for 2023! We use our blends and Ceremonial Cacao daily, and we are so proud to hear others do the same. If we can uplift and inspire someone’s day, we feel like we have achieved what we set out to do. Thank you so much from the bottom of our hearts for all of the support! Stay informed through our upcoming newsletters for cacao recipes, new blends, events and more! Thank you again and Happy Holidays.

All our love,

Simone and Caitlin