The Heart & Mind of Cacao: Exploring Ceremonial Traditions With Neuroscience

Name: The Heart & Mind of Cacao: Exploring Ceremonial Traditions With Neuroscience
Start: 2025-02-01T10:30:00+13:00
End: 2025-02-01T12:30:00+13:00
Location: Taste Nature

Schedule

Sat Feb 01 2025 at 10:30 am to 12:30 pm

UTC+13:00

Location

Taste Nature | Dunedin, OT

Join us for a transformative workshop that bridges the wisdom of ancient indigenous cultures with the insights of modern neuroscience. In this immersive experience, we will explore the powerful intersection of cacao, psychedelics, and spiritual transformation, highlighting the profound impact cacao has on both the mind and spirit.
Cacao has been revered for centuries in indigenous cultures, particularly in ancient Peru, where it played a central role in sacred ceremonies and shamanic rituals. During this workshop, you’ll embark on a journey through the rich history and spiritual significance of cacao. Learn about the temples, tribes, tools, and symbols associated with cacao and its use as a catalyst for spiritual awakening and transformation.
Through engaging discussions and hands-on experience, we will explore how cacao was prepared and consumed by ancient tribes in Peru for ritualistic purposes, particularly as a means of spiritual rebirth and brain transformation. You will also learn about the ways cacao aligns with other psychedelic plant medicines in fostering expanded states of consciousness and deep personal growth.
We will then bridge this ancient knowledge with contemporary scientific understanding. Discover how modern neuroscience is uncovering the ways in which cacao can positively impact the brain—enhancing mood, focus, and emotional healing—and how its effects overlap with those of other sacred plant medicines.
As part of this workshop, you will also participate in the traditional preparation and ceremonial serving of cacao, allowing you to experience firsthand its powerful effects and sacred use.
This workshop is ideal for those interested in the intersection of ancient spiritual practices and modern science, and for anyone seeking a deeper connection to the transformative power of cacao. Whether you’re new to cacao or a seasoned practitioner, this event will offer new insights, experiences, and tools for personal growth and healing.
Key Takeaways:
-Explore the rich history and spiritual significance of cacao in indigenous cultures, especially in ancient Peru.
-Learn how cacao was used in shamanic rituals for spiritual rebirth and brain transformation.
-Discover the fascinating overlap between cacao, psychedelics, and modern neuroscience.
-Experience the ceremonial preparation and serving of cacao in a traditional context.
-Gain tools for personal growth and transformation through the power of cacao.
-Come ready to connect, learn, and awaken the spirit of cacao in a space where ancient wisdom and modern science come together in profound ways.
Pre-sales $10 (ultra earlybird - limited numbers)
Pre-sales $15 (Earlybird -limited)
Pre-sales $20 (Standard -limited)
Door sales $25 (if available)
Includes a sample of a pure ceremonial cacao elixir. Please bring a cup and cushion.
Presenters:
Sally Huapaya (Peru) is a native Peruvian of Andean descent, with a Bachelor in engineering and ancestral knowledge of traditional Peruvian medicinal plants and Andean cosmovision. Working with wisdom keepers, teachers, archaeologists, historians and famers in Peru and Mexico she has compiled the most comprehensive information of the ancestral journey and meaning of cacao. She shares this through workshops, her online cacao course and in-person cacao initiations in Peru at their annual retreat. Come along and hear the untold story of cacao from indigenous wisdom holders.
Dr Corin Storkey (PhD – Med Chem) has over 20 years of academic and research experience, specialising in understanding how plant medicines interact with the brain and body. He holds a PhD in medicinal chemistry from the University of Melbourne. He has previously overcome chronic fatigue syndrome and promotes an integrative and holistic approach to managing chronic health conditions. He currently leads the New Zealand based Andean/Amazonian plant medicine research program that studies ancestral plants and substantiates their traditions through biochemical analysis.
Pamela Chipana (Peru) A Peruvian educator of Andean and Amazonia cosmovision and ancestral knowledge. Pamela has a family lineage of Chankan-Andean ancestors and wants to share the sacred traditions surrounding Peruvian master plants and inspire people to create a healing connection with them, connect to their roots, and give love and respect to Pachamama – the provider of all medicine. Pamela will be teaching you the principals of Andean and Amazonian cosmovision and how to apply them to your practice with cacao. Pamela is also a Yoga instructor and hosts retreats in Peru connecting people to the plants and medicines of the Andes and Amazon