Join us for an immersive workshop that bridges ancient indigenous traditions with cutting-edge neuroscience to explore the powerful intersection of cacao, psychedelics, and spiritual transformation.

In this workshop, you will discover the rich history and sacred significance of cacao in indigenous cultures, focusing on its use in ancient Peru. Learn about the temples, tribes, tools, and symbols associated with cacao, as well as its role in shamanic rituals. We will delve into the cosmovision that links cacao with psychedelic plant medicines and how these ancient practices are integrated with modern scientific understanding.

Key Highlights:

-The Sacred Role of Cacao: Explore the origins of cacao in the ancient temple of Montegrande and Chavín de Huántar, Peru, key sites of shamanic initiation dating back over 7000 years. Shamans used ceremonial cacao to connect with the divine and combined it with San Pedro cactus to induce visionary experiences.

-Cacao & Neuroscience: Understand how ceremonial cacao influences brain chemistry and supports spiritual awakening and neuroplasticity. We'll discuss the latest neuroscience research on cacao’s ability to facilitate transformational change and rewiring of the brain.

-Cacao Personality Mapping: Through biochemical mapping, we have developed a "Cacao Personality Map" to help you tailor your cacao experience to your personal needs, whether for healing, insight, or emotional clarity.

-Integrating Tradition & Modern Science: Learn how ancient practices are validated and enhanced through contemporary neuroscience, and discover how cacao can be a tool for deep inner work and to enhance both mental and physical health.

If you’re passionate about cacao and curious about its transformative potential, this workshop will expand your understanding and deepen your connection with this sacred plant. Whether you’re a cacao lover or a seeker on a spiritual path, this experience will open your mind to the possibilities cacao holds for healing, awakening, and change.

Date: Wed 30th Jul 2025, 7:00 - 9.00 pm NZST

Location: Commonsense Wellington, 147 Tory Street

Tickets: Book online from $5-15 (ultra early bird - late pre-sales)

Extras: Get 10% off all Seleno Health products after the event and a free sample cup of a creamy ceremonial cacao elixir during the workshop.

Presenter:

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.