Text by SERAP Kara · Picture by rachael gorjestani

To me, Cacao and the circle belong together. 20, 50, or 100 people in a circle radiate great power when harmonised. There are rituals that we experience better in groups and with other people. I believe that Cacao is one of those plants that need spiritual togetherness and community to work its full magic.

And perhaps you have had this experience before. You received a ceremonial Cacao in a group. You go home and prepare a ceremonial Cacao. You set an intention, go on a journey, and feel that the experience altogether is much more subtle.

Traditionally, Cacao was part of important social events such as births, weddings, and coronations. Its ceremonial use only for self-discovery, detached from its spiritual connection, is a new phenomenon. However, healing begins within the Self. When you feel nurtured and aligned, you will be able to share your energy with others. 

We dedicate this edition to the magic teachings of the circle.

The circle has been used for generations by various communities and traditions for healing, health, and wellbeing. In traditional circle gatherings, people come from the four directions, contemplate on a topic and then return to share their insights with their communities. 

I love the circle. Here I feel the energy flowing evenly in one direction, from one person to the next. A good circle unites opposites, squares, harmonies and feelings, opinions, and perspectives. 

And then there is that one moment when the energy harmonises. Everything flows evenly, from one person to another. What was mine or yours a moment ago is now one while separation dissolves completely. The circle then has a heartbeat, a rhythm, and a breath offering unity.

Circles in Astrology
Circles are the foundation of astrology because everything that exists in the cosmos operates in motions and patterns of circles. The planets, sun, stars, galaxies - all are shaped in the form of circles or spirals; they all move in a circle.

Yin & Yang in Chinese Cosmology
A circle is associated with the 'void' in Chinese cosmology, representing the space before anything existed. Out of this void emerged the yin and yang, the feminine and masculine, light and darkness, rotating together to begin the formation of our universe.

Medicine Wheel

The Medicine Wheel has been used by generations of various indigenous tribes for health and healing. Different tribes interpret the Medicine Wheel differently. It may be divided into four or eight equal parts. The directions can represent either the four directions, the four seasons, the four stages of life, or else, as well as Father Sky, Mother Earth, and Spirit Tree.

Equinoxes are points of balance on the wheel of the year, dividing the circle in half, creating a balance between the highest and lowest point. These days also mark a place of balance between the light and the darkness. This is a time of the great tides. A sacred gateway of the year. An energetic portal that emphasises achieving greater balance within oneself, and in relationship to the outer world, inviting us to open to the forces of balance & oneness on the inside and outside through ritual, prayers, and offerings.

While the Fall Equinox marks the point of diminishing sunlight, it is also a time of harvest where we celebrate all that has come to fruition in the bright light of summer; an invitation to express gratitude for the bounty of summertime. Honouring both the abundance and the waning energies around us.

With the diminishing light, we begin to slow our pace to orient ourselves toward the fall and winter, as awareness shifts to become more internally focused. When we attune our body, mind, and spirit to the natural cycles of the earth, we harmonise our health, relationships, and life by becoming more sustainable, supportive, and abundant. We may step into rhythm with the pace of nature’s journey as our own lives go through cycles of harvest, death, and rebirth.

For those of us in the Northern hemisphere, the days are now going to become shorter, darker, and colder. We are preparing to enter the inner world, the realm of shadow and fertile darkness. We are invited to journey within and face our inner darkness, to embrace its many lessons. Honouring both the light and the shadow is an integral part of life and being - there is no hierarchy between the two. We exist on a spectrum, we are indeed cyclical beings.

Imagine you are celebrating your birthday, a special occasion, or a rite of passage. You create a ritual and invite your guests into circle. You invite each person to say words from the heart or speak a blessing. No comments are allowed, but a moment of silence before the 'talking stick' is passed to the next person. This ritual can take as little as an hour while creating a wonderful connection between your guests. 

Today we are not used to communicating with attention. In a sharing circle, we are invited to bring back attention, to speak from and listen with the heart. A good sharing circle is like medicine. When you speak, you can trust that what you are saying is the right thing, even though it may not be what you originally wanted to say. Something also happens when you listen with compassion and observe what is touched inside of you. 

A good circle follows rules. It is advisable for one person to lead the sharing circle, share the topic and mark the beginning and end of the circle with a sign. This person can also tell how much time each person has to speak. A talking stick can be helpful, an altar can support the power of the centre of the circle. Speakers should say the essentials in the first person. The others listen without commenting, interrupting, or judging. The circle is closed at the end. 

Sitting in circle and ceremony with Mama Cacao has taught me a lot about conscious, sacred ways of communication and interaction with others. When I recently started a new job, I wondered:  How can I bring these circle culture customs that I am so familiar with into my workspace, and especially into the meeting culture?

I soon realised that there are many opportunities to weave what I had learned in circles and ceremonies into my daily work life. I want to share some of them here with you:

Be fully present.
Our fully committed presence is probably the greatest gift we can give to one another. So maybe next time you’re in a meeting or attending a presentation - stop scrolling through your phone, stop answering emails, and just give the person in front of you your undivided attention. Consciously listen to what they have to say.

Name a 'master of ceremony'.
In every circle and ceremony, there is a 'master of ceremony‘, someone who holds the space and leads the other participants through the time together. I made the experience that it makes a great difference to have a 'master of ceremony’ in your office meeting, as well. Someone who takes the lead; who keeps an eye on the time; who cares for equal participation of all attendees; who simply holds the space.

Text by SERAP KARA · ARTWORK BY ALEXIS ARONSON · Picture BY Tarun Ram

We are delighted to be In Circle with Sandrine Giacobino from London, UK. Sandrine is a facilitator of metaphysical anatomy healing, an abdominal and fertility massage therapist, yoga teacher, and Cacao lover. Sandrine integrates Cacao's medicine into women's circles where she offers womb work and the 13th Rites of the Womb, among others.

Serap & Sandrine talk about the gentle medicine of Cacao especially in women's circles, the power of feminine energies, and how the Cacao Mother resonates with the intelligence of the womb. Sandrine will speak about her why, and share subtleties, experiences and practices that support the respectful use of Cacao in womb and women's work

In Circle with Sandrine · Cacao in Women's Circles will be available as a pre-recorded video and audio lesson for download at the end of September in Cacao Mama's offerings. Visit Sandrine Giacobino: https://www.sandrinegiacobino.info/

Cacao can be lovingly combined with yoga, dance, sound, bodywork, and womb work. Each healing art requires a unique setting which may raise questions about quantity, timing, or logistics. We invite experienced teachers to join us IN CIRCLE and share their expertise and vision.