Winter Solstice Cacao Ceremony w/ Astika & Sarah

The Winter Solstice is a time to go inward.  Often we are distracting ourselves with all of the christmas things that keep us busy..... this is an evening for yourself, to be present.  That is the ultimate gift!

Join Sarah, Astika and other sweet souls ~ as we gather together in this beautiful sacred space we know as Karma Healing ~ to celebrate the Winter Solstice. Sharing Cacao- a warm beverage made from ceremonial cacao to help open the heart and nourish the body.  Sipping the cacao with our intentions of what we would like to bring into the Winter season.   We will unite together and lift our spirits through song, a gentle yoga flow, with sound healing and guided meditation.  

What to expect: 

- Teachings of the Winter Solstice 

- Connection with others, in a place of love 

- Sharing a cup of warm ceremonial cacao 

- Discussion around the journey of the cacao bean and the process it goes through as its transformed into cacao paste 

- Learning about the health benefits of cacao, the history & origins of this sacred medicine, and how we use it in ceremony. 

- Sharing 2-3 songs together as we connect to the cacao medicine. You can sing with us, play an instrument, dance, or just listen as you enjoy your cup of cacao. 

- Gentle Yoga Flow- Soft movement and breathwork with ways to modify

- making it suitable for everyone.  No yoga experience necessary.  Great for beginners :) 

- Sound Healing during the yoga & meditation ~ with crystal singing bowls, guitar, voice-mantras, tongue drum, chimes and other healing & soothing sounds  

What to bring: 

- Small cup or jar for cacao 

- Yoga mat - Blanket 

- Pillow 

- Miracle Balls if you have them! (If not, we have some so no worries!) 

- Water - Journal and pen (optional) 

- Eye covering 

- Item for the alter (optional) 

- Instrument (optional) 

-Yourself, as you are :) 

 (we have bolsters/cushions to sit on and use for yoga, but bring your own if you'd like!) 

 ~About Cacao~

Cacao/Coco/Kakaw is the fruit from the Theobroma Cacao tree, which literally means ‘food of the gods’. It is used by native people in Mesoamerica as a sacred drink. Cacao has a rich history of being used as a powerful medicine. There are many mysteries around cacao and how it was used in ceremony. It is also loaded with major health benefits, making it a very nourishing & soothing drink!

The cacao drink we will be having will be made with ceremonial grade cacao paste, spring water, some spices, a small amount of coconut milk and a little bit of maple syrup. It is a little bitter but still delicious!

We believe in good, high quality, authentic Cacao~ We see the time and energy that goes into the growing/harvesting and processing of the cacao fruit before it turns into cacao paste.  We believe the humans who are working hard to bring us this sacred medicine, should be fully supported and appreciated with the utmost respect~  The cacao we will be sharing together in ceremony, is sourced directly from a medicine woman in Guatemala. She grinds the cacao into a paste with love present in her heart.   

About the Facilitators

Meet Astika: 

Astika is a yoga teacher, hypnotherapist, and a bit of a chocolate enthusiast. Astika believes Cacao is one of nature's greatest gifts.  She sees it as medicine that can help you heal & open the heart, move energy that is stagnant in the body, lift your spirit, and see Life as a journey worth celebrating. She started making chocolate a few years ago, mostly to save money from all the fair trade chocolate bars she way buying :P It ended up turning into an art form that she absolutely loves! Working with organic raw cacao paste & butter ~ and creating healthy and delicious treats, she has further deepened her connection and appreciation with cacao, and has greatly expanded her love for chocolate.  Astika has been working alongside her medicine teacher in cacao ceremonies for the past couple of years, learning how to prepare the medicine and how to be of service in ceremony.  Astika has assisted several cacao ceremonies and now feels ready to lead her own and share the love she has with this sacred medicine. This will be the second cacao ceremony Astika will hold and she is honoured to be co facilitating with Sarah!

Meet Sarah: 

Sarah learned about the magic of cacao a few years ago as a tool for heart opening, connection, & integration. She uses this medicine with guided rituals when she hosts "Sarahmony" as a means to facilitate a deeper awareness of the heart's wisdom & ability to heal. Her ceremonies incorporate sacred songs, healing sounds, guided meditation, & insight.  She never knew she appreciated the magic of chocolate as medicine until experiencing the real effects of authentic cacao. Sarah enjoys sitting with cacao as a meditative practice with others, & a way to listen closer to the intuitive messages from the heart. She is elated to be joining Astika in a beautiful co-creation of song, movement & love!

Sarah & Astika have LOVED holding Sound Healing & Yoga at Karma Healing together, and are very much excited to share this special & magical evening with you all!

Our number 1 intention is to create a safe and loving space for everyone to feel welcomed and accepted as they are. Sarah & Astika look forward to making a special brew of cacao together and serving it to a bunch of beautiful humans!

We love gathering in ceremony.  Coming Together in community and connection. 

We all shine the same light & all have gifts to share. Thank you for showing up as you are! We look forward to connecting in heart with you.