Cacao (pronounced kuh-KOW) is the raw, unprocessed form of chocolate, derived from the seeds (or beans) of the Theobroma cacao tree, which is native to the Amazon basin. Revered by ancient civilizations like the Maya and Aztecs, these beans are the source of cocoa powder and cocoa butter. A cacao ceremony is a spiritual ritual centered around drinking pure, ceremonial-grade cacao in a sacred group setting. Far from a simple hot chocolate, this practice is used as a heart-opening medicine to facilitate connection, emotional release, and intention-setting, often guided by a facilitator and accompanied by meditation, music, and prayer.