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We need only witness the changing seasons or the sun's rising and setting to see evidence that we live in a cyclical world; it truly is everywhere we look!
Nature might be cyclical, but how we live in modern culture generally is not. It’s linear, forward moving, focused primarily on continuous productivity and masculine ‘doing’ energy. We’re, for the most part, out of alignment with the rhythms and cycles of the natural world around us. This in itself may not be problematic (though we kinda think it is!), but for women, it can be, for we are not linear creatures!
Like nature, the feminine is cyclical, and women experience this firsthand through their bodies. Similar to the cycles of the sun, moon, and seasons, we weave a continuous and rhythmic dance throughout each month and across our lives.
Living in harmony with your cyclical nature, rather than going against the natural flow (which can cause various forms of dis-ease for women), can provide a wellspring of nourishment, connection, and benefits to a woman’s well-being.
In this journal, we’re excited to dive into all things Cycles and Cacao and how supportive their union can be, especially for women, regardless of what phase or stage you’re in! So read on...
One thing we know for sure is that Cacao supports our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. For women, it can nurture them not only through the various stages of their lives but also throughout the phases of their monthly menstrual cycle.
The supportive nature and benefits of Cacao are numerous! It balances hormones, enhances mood, supports emotional well-being, is a natural pain relief, provides nutrient-dense support – especially minerals - and offers an amazing energy boost!
It’s heart-opening and offers mental health support; it fosters connection to self and spirit, offers a sense of well-being and peace, promotes enhanced intuition and clarity and is known for its stress-relieving properties.
So, let’s journey a little deeper into the mysteries of the womb and the magic of cacao for our monthly menstrual cycle.
The menstrual cycle is divided into 4 phases, or what we like to call inner seasons. Each season has a distinct and unique cocktail of hormonal release plus an energetic profile. Hence, to live in deeper harmony and alignment with our cyclical nature, our needs and how we meet ourselves each month must shift and change depending on the season we find ourselves in.
Each phase offers inherent wisdom or ‘superpowers’ that we can harness, so let’s break it down a little more and look at the phases, the corresponding archetypes and the best way cacao can nourish and support you through each inner season.
At this time of our cycle, hormones are on the rise, particularly the FSH or follicle-stimulating hormone, + estrogen. It’s a powerful time of renewal when our creativity blossoms, and it’s a wonderful time for seeding intentions, starting new things and moving the body.
Some of the ways Cacao can support your Inner Spring include:
This is the time of the Inner Maiden archetype and is governed by feelings of playfulness, curiosity, optimism, innovation, abundance, innocence, courage, sensuality and inspiration.
This is the shortest part of our inner cycle, and at ovulation, estrogen and the LH (luteinising hormone) are at their peak. It is a time steeped in creativity, power, and the birthing of seeds into being, full expression, and manifestation. The energy at this peak point in the cycle is magnetic and dynamic, making it the perfect time for us to be out in the world sharing our gifts and enjoying community.
Some of the ways Cacao can support your Inner Summer include:
Aligned with the archetype of the Mother, this is the time to have fun, play, not take life too seriously, share your love and bring the seeds of intention planted in the Winter and nourished in the Spring to manifestation. The Mother represents abundance, connectivity, and a deep sense of empathy.
The hormone progesterone dominates this part of the cycle that leads up to menstruation, offering support for mood management. The autumn of our cycle is the time of the harvest, of letting go, of integration, consolidation and completing tasks. It can be a more tender and sensitive time for a woman who may feel a need for more spaciousness and solitude. It’s an optimal time for increasing self-care rituals and nurturing practices, plus integrating lessons received throughout the cycle.
Some of the ways Cacao can support your Inner Autumn include:
The Maga, Queen, or Wild Woman archetype is your guide through the Autumn – and she is wild, powerful and filled with untamed energy! As things fall away, this is a time of deep introspection and heightened intuition. A phase where we get really ‘real’ with ourselves, gain clarity and embrace our inner knowing and strength. If welcomed, this stage and archetypal phase can be a potent time of transformation, truth and reclamation for women!
The time of our bleeding, or moon time, is characterised by the shedding of the uterine lining. Hormone levels drop, and a natural detoxification process occurs.
It is a time of dreaminess and inner reflection where stillness, solitude, deep restoration and leaning more into the feminine ‘being’ energy can be beneficial and supportive. It’s a potent time for journeying and visualisation, and we may receive powerful downloads if we prioritise and create space to simply be.
Some of the ways Cacao can support your Inner Winter include:
The archetype of the Crone governs your Moon Bleeding time - and if you create space for her, she will offer you the gift of deep wisdom and insight. Her energy is one of deep knowing and acceptance, letting go and completion. She encourages honouring the renewal available during the dark.
Attuning to our inner rhythms offers an extraordinary perspective on the transformative powers of the menstrual cycle. It’s a pathway on how to honour ourselves throughout the month, and with cacao as our trusted and supportive ally, we can truly celebrate and reclaim the profound wisdom inherent in the menstrual cycle.
Ceremonial Cacao is a potent birth ally and deserves a journal solely dedicated to the powerful initiation that is birth and Motherhood. Luckily, we’ve already created one, so head over to read our in-depth journal on Supporting Motherhood with Cacao.
But what if I currently have no cycle, or am in perimenopause or menopause?
Let’s start with Amenorrhea and how cacao can help.
Amenorrhea is when a woman of fertile years is not menstruating for a variety of reasons. Cacao can be beneficial as a support for amenorrhea because:
While not a cure for amenorrhea, cacao can serve as a valuable ally.
Perimenopause and menopause are significant transitions, or Rites of Passage, that women experience generally in the Autumn of their lives. Ceremonial Cacao is a powerful ally for women seeking natural support during these hormonal shifts and the complexities they may experience, offering a vast array of physical, mental and emotional support.
This is a vast topic, and one that we’re in the process of writing a more in-depth journal about, as it definitely requires and deserves space. However, what we will say is this -
Ceremonial Cacao is rich in essential nutrients, offers antioxidant properties and promotes cardiovascular health, enhances mood and emotional wellbeing, improves cognitive function and provides stress relief and relaxation – plus a whole lot more!
We believe that by including this ancient remedy in your daily rhythms, women can navigate the changes and potential challenges of this stage with more ease, comfort, support and grace.
By weaving together ancient and modern ceremonial cacao practices, women have the possibility and opportunity to live in a more grounded, connected, harmonious, and empowered way with their inherent cyclic nature, whether that’s with their menstrual cycle or the greater cyclical and archetypal nature of their life.
No matter your approach, the use of cacao, as a potent plant ally, provides a beautiful and holistic pathway to embracing and honouring the natural, innate flow of a woman’s being and her cyclical rhythms.
We’ve absolutely loved diving into the rich topic of cycles and cacao with you, and we hope you’ve received some insight and support. We’d LOVE to hear about your experience of incorporating cacao into your cyclical rhythms, so let us know in the comments below.
Like nature, the feminine is cyclical, and women experience this firsthand through their bodies. Similar to the cycles of the sun, moon, and seasons, we weave a continuous and rhythmic dance throughout each month and across our lives.
Samhain, often referred to as the Witches New year, is a cross quarter fire festival, plus the last of the harvest festivals before the Winter Solstice, it’s considered a time of endings and beginnings.
Earth Breathing is a simple yet powerful practice to align you with the pulse and heartbeat of the Earth. It’s incredibly nourishing and honouring – both to you and Gaia.
