Shamanic Journey & Cacao Ceremony | Hastings

After connecting together we will begin the evening with Radha leading a beautiful Cacao ceremony with the highest quality cacao imported from South America. This ceremony is a great way to nuture our bodies, open our heart space and prepare us for the journey ahead.

/// CACAO CEREMONY ///

The tradition of drinking ceremonial cacao originates in the ancient culture of the Mayas in Central America, who called it "ku-ku", "above sacred". It was believed to carry the spirit of Fertility and Abundance, Love and Pleasure. Cacao is among the top most nutritious and cleansing foods, used for centuries to heal, to open the heart and the senses and to establish a deeper connection to the soul.Cacao is packed with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and nutritious value which enhances and sustains body, mind and spirit. 

Cacao is considered to be

• a powerful aphrodisiac
• a mood enhancer 
• an antioxidant
• protects the heart
• densely packed with nutrients - the most pharmacologically complex food in nature!
• improves the memory
• reduces heart disease and shed fat
• boosts immunity
• cuts through the mental clutter, enhancing focus and concentration
• enables a connection to self and to the heart
• enhancing self-expression, creativity and connection
• creates a state of euphoria that makes everything seem brighter and more fun
• moderates pain perception
• assists in regulating appetite and mood
• increases blood flow and nutrition to the brain, heart and skin
• heightened awareness, focus and intensified sensations
• enhances consciousness & spirituality as well as workplace productivity, creativity and art, athletics and physical training and an overall healthy living

Following the cacao ceremony we will be moving into the shamanic journey led by Steve

/// WHAT IS SHAMANIC JOURNEY ///

The Shamanic Journey is a method of accessing inner wisdom through the drum, taking you into a self-guided deep meditative state. It is derived from a practice done by the healers / shamans of indigenous shamanic cultures. It is performed to gain insight and effect healing, and has been a common practice of many indigenous cultures for thousands of years.

/// ABOUT THE SHAMANIC PRACTICE ///

The Shamanic Journey is one of the most remarkable visionary methods used by humankind to explore the hidden universe otherwise known mainly through myths and dreams.

During this experiential intro workshop, you will be introduced to core shamanism and common methods of shamans to enter non ordinary reality for problem solving and healing.

You will connect with your inner senses and be initiated into shamanic journeying, aided by the sound of a drum and other techniques for experiencing shamanic states of consciousness and for awakening one's soul and dormant spiritual power. 

Travel outside of time and space into another reality and make contact with compassionate helping spirits, such as teachers and power animals, for personal wisdom and to gain knowledge to help create a better world.

There will be time to communicate your own stories, discoveries and insights for those who wish to share. Sharing is a beautiful way to learn from others' experiences.

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/// IN THIS WORKSHOP YOU WILL LEARN HOW TO ///

• Set more powerful intentions 
• Create your own karakia/prayer
• Set up sacred space for ceremony
• Connect with your spirit helpers for personal wisdom
• Develop trust in yourself and connect to your inner wisdom
• Enhance your innate creativity 
• Generate the momentum to get unstuck in some area of your life
• Calm your body & mind

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/// WHAT YOU WILL RECEIVE ///

• A life-changing practice for spiritual inquiry that fits easily into even the busiest schedule
• Tools and tips for framing questions and interpreting your journey experiences
• Being able to make the distinction between interpreting the often symbolic language of intuitive wisdom and engaging in magical thinking
• Explore and relate to unfamiliar fields of consciousness safely

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/// YOU WILL FIND THIS WORKSHOP ESPECIALLY BENEFICIAL IF YOU ///

• Seek to develop trust in yourself and your connection to your inner wisdom
• Are eager to enhance your innate creativity or generate the momentum to get unstuck in some area of your life
• Are ready to step into, and live the rest of your life as, your authentic best self
• Have burning questions about who you really are and your place in the world

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/// WHAT TO BRING ///

• Water bottle - please come well hydrated, and continue to drink after the ceremony as cacao is diuretic 
• Wear comfortable clothing 
• A yoga mat
• A pen and a notebook to capture your experiences
• Cushion and/or blanket
• Warm socks (optional)
• An object of meaning

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/// WHAT TO AVOID ///

• Coffee for at least 6 hours prior 
• Mind-altering substances on the day of the ceremony 
• Alcohol, THC, etc. 
• Reduce the intake of dairy products on the day of the ceremony 
• Avoid eating large amounts of food 2-3 hours prior to the ceremony (unless you have blood sugar issues and have a snack)

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/// HEALTH PRECAUTIONS ///

If you have any questions please get in touch with Radha on radha.heartawakening@gmail.com to ensure your safety during the workshop.

• Antidepressants (some medications interact with the MAO inhibitors in Cacao and that reaction can create side effects, such as headaches)
• Food sensitivities (if you’re sensitive to fermented foods, Cacao will not be a good option for you)
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding (there are no known contraindications, in fact, Cacao would likely support breastfeeding and nourishment of expecting mothers. So just tune into your own body and have a smaller dose, if needed) 
• Animals (keep Cacao away from any animals, including your pet friends as it contains natural compounds that are great for humans but deadly for animals) 

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/// THE EXPERIENCE ///

Every person’s experience in a ceremony is different and each ceremony will be different. Set the right intention and then let go. Trust that you will receive the exact medicine needed for the moment.

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/// ABOUT THE FACILITATORS ///

Steve Hill from Inner Oasis:

Steve has been passionate about Indigenous spirituality since the early 80’s. After discovering the medicine man ‘Rolling Thunder’ by Doug Boyd he went down the Shamanic rabbit hole. Most of the experiential teachings he received back then were of Native American origin through Cherokee Denise Linn and later Lakota Wallace Black Elk. 

In the early 90’s Steve met with shaman Terri Batten who he trained with for many years. Terri had trained with Sandra Ingerman who is the educational director of the Foundation for Shamanic Studies.

For over 20 years Steve has held circles for shamanic journey guiding people to embrace their own power and answers to the questions that arise on their journey of self-actualization. 

This exploration of the non-ordinary realities has transformed the lives of many and is a deep passion for Steve and his connection to spirit. For the last 3 years he has further immersed himself into working with transforming mindsets and altering states through breath.

Radha from Heart Awakenings:

Radha was among the first people to bring cacao ceremonies to New Zealand. She encountered the cacao plant in ceremonial context in 2012 while living in its native lands of Central America for several years. It was love at first sight and her relationship with the spirit of this superfood grew as she learned how to prepare the rich cacao drink from the tree to the cup. Having participated in various ceremonies facilitated by shamans, healers and friends in Mexico, Guatemala and Peru, Radha started facilitating ceremonies herself in 2014 in Europe. An experienced space holder being a yoga teacher and a retreat facilitator, she loves sharing her passion for community, authenticity and self-knowledge in combination with the cacao spirit. Radha serves only the best quality ceremonial cacao by chocolate shaman Keith Wilson.