Your Ethical Cacao Source
Because of how frequently I am asked if I distribute Cacao, I am so excited to be able to recommend an ethical source for it as an affiliate. Soul Lift Cacao is one of the only two sources that I go through to obtain quality Cacao, as their ethos and integrity is in alignment with mine. I am happy to say that the Cacao I obtain from them is the only Cacao that I serve in my ceremonies, as its quality, potency, and effect is the absolute best that I have ever experienced.
I am a very picky person when it comes to the quality of anything that I put on or in my body - especially when it comes to plant sacraments. I will only ever recommend companies and products that meet my personal expectations and standards, and Soul Lift does so in wonderful ways.
About Soul Lift & Cacao
Cacao: the "O.G." of chocolate
Cacao is the natural form of chocolate before it is adulterated. It comes in the fruit that is shown in the picture two photos below and is taken through an ancient process that can involve hand-peeling, fermenting, and roasting the Cacao beans, to then rolling them out with a rolling pin to create a paste. This paste is then formed into a block in which it solidifies. When we prepare Cacao to be served, we most commonly craft a hot beverage out of it - which is where modern civilizations got the idea of "hot chocolate."
Traditionally, Cacao is served in sacred ceremony as a plant medicine/sacrament. It has been utilized for thousands of years for all types of physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual wellness & healing, and is generally called upon for heart-healing. I learned a story in my studies years ago that told us an ancient legend/prophecy of Cacao and its purpose on Earth. To read more about this, visit the Cacao section of my Plant Sacraments page by clicking here.
Cacao is incredibly beneficial on a nutritional level as well, and incredibly healthy - especially when compared to modern, adulterated "chocolate." Known as a "superfood," it is a rich source of antioxidants, fat, carbohydrates, protein, polyphenols like flavanoids (that are antioxidants), minerals like calcium, magnesium, sulfur, copper, iron, zinc and potassium, oleic acid (a heart-healthy essential monounsaturated fat), fiber and vitamins E, B2, B1, B5, B3 and B9. Cacao is indicated in the lowering of blood pressure, inflammation reduction, heart and cardiac system health, and much more.
The combination of Theobromine (known as the food of the gods) in Cacao and the release of Anandamide (the bliss molecule) in our brains makes Cacao an ancient medicine for nourishing the body, releasing depression, and activating joy.
The Heart of Soul Lift
Founded by Nick Meador, Soul Lift Cacao is a small business out of Portland, Oregon, that has built itself on the intention of "making delicious ceremonial Cacao available in the U.S. and beyond, in a way that promotes mindfulness, supports sustainable farming, and protects indigenous traditions." They "only source from small family farms and collectives with sustainable practices and no GMOs," which are all important to me as well.
Nick and his team foster authentic relationships with their suppliers, who all also incorporate indigenous Mayan traditions in their practices. Because of being aware of the "harm [that] has been done in the hot and humid parts of the world where Cacao grows," it is also important to SLC that all of their suppliers have safe working conditions and above-average pay. They operate from a place of "seeking to remedy the wrongdoings of the past by having a net positive impact on the people and places that produce our Cacao."
Nick and his team find so much importance in educating their customers and followers. - something that I often find lacking in the rapidly growing "plant medicine" sphere. Those who purchase from Soul Lift are informed of where their Cacao comes from, what the differences between sources are, how to prepare it properly, and what the effects on the body, heart, and mind are. They even teach what questions to ask someone who is selling or serving Cacao in order to determine if they are in integrity and properly educated themselves.
I feel that this level of integrity, intentionality, and ethical standards is so valuable to have in a "market" that is quickly becoming saturated with people that are not following safe practices because of just seeing this sacrament as "chocolate." Cacao is a powerful South American plant medicine that should be treated like any other.
Soul Lift's Values
Holistic Wellness:
Supporting people to build a healthier lifestyle according to their unique needs.
Sustainability:
Having a net positive impact, within and without.
Accountability:
Taking responsibility for our actions, and looking at the big picture so that we can remedy the wrongdoings of the past.
Spiritual Evolution:
Guiding people to unlock their destiny and maximize their life purpose.
Wonder:
Fostering a state of awe and curiosity about the mystery of life, and how that is enriched by Cacao.
LavaLove Cacao
My First Choice, Always
I am proud to share that LavaLove Cacao is the only type of Cacao that I serve in my ceremonies. While all of the different Cacao options that Soul Lift carries have their own benefits, cultivation methods, processing styles, and energetic makeups, I have the strongest and most intimate connection with the spirit that LavaLove brings. I have never felt the spirit of Cacao in a more present, expansive, heart-opening way than when I am sitting with LavaLove Cacao, and I always recommend the medicine that the Mendoza family so lovingly provides for us.
Made with criollo Cacao beans, LavaLove is potent, flavorful, and of the highest quality. Criollo Cacao was the "original" species of Cacao cultivated by the pre-Colombian peoples of Mesoamerica. Criollo translates to "native," or "of local origin," and is said to be the type of Theobromine Cacao that was ingested by the ancient gods. It is rarer than the other types of Cacao, said to make up only 0.01 to 3.0% of all Cacao grown in the world. Criollo Cacao is also lower yielding, slower growing, and much more expensive than other types. It is generally only harvested for ceremonial Cacao production, and also for use in luxury chocolate.
In my book, there is just no comparing this type of Cacao with others. Not when it comes to taste, texture, quality, effect, experience, etc. If you're a ceremonialist or student of Cacao, try Lava Love out.
Now Offering Mini Tarot Readings on Demand!
Mini Tarot Readings are a great way to get quick and direct insight or guidance around your current emotions, circumstances, or questions. The cards will show me the energies that are the most alive & important for you.
Just click the button below, make your choice of between two and five cards, and submit your payment & contact information. I will send you a photo of the cards that I pull for you, along with a voice recording of me delivering your reading. All readings are sent within 72 hours of purchase, though I intend to perform them the same day.