Cacao Ceremonies
with Helen

Helen was holding cacao ceremonies before cacao became a thing.

Ceremonial altar image with two cups of cacao and shamanic items including rose, gong, crystals, candles, sage stick and cacao shells.

What are Cacao Ceremonies like?

Helen runs cacao ceremonies throughout the UK and Europe, for people of all ages ready to drop the masks, limitations and old projections, and remember what matters.

Each ceremony is different. The theme, the energy, the intention. Each is uniquely curated for the needs of those in the room.

Some ceremonies are women-only, some men-only. She believes both are important: time apart, and time together.

Come ready for something real. You may cry, you’ll probably laugh, and you’ll almost definitely leave with less weight on your shoulders than when you walked in.

What is a Cacao Ceremony?

Ceremonial-grade cacao is the purest form of chocolate, fermented straight out of the tree pods. It is called a plant medicine as it is a potent drink for healing the body, emotions and heart. It has been used around the world for thousands of years to support people with everything from muscle repair, to depression and grief.

Rich in theobromine and magnesium, it calms the nervous system, opens the heart, and clears the mind without the crash of caffeine.

You’ll be guided through a safe, intentional process to experience cacao’s full effect in a grounded, supportive space.

Why is cacao healthy?

Some of the benefits of ceremonial grade cacao:

  • Huge nutritional benefits (Iron, vitamins, minerals)

  • Detoxification (Antioxidants)

  • Get out of looping thoughts (40% more blood around the brain)

  • Muscle Repair (23 essential, healthy fats)

  • A more positive outlook toward the future (Serotonin & Dopamine)

  • Better mental focus (Theobromine)

  • Heart Opening (Contains Anandamide)


Is it safe on Medication?:

The retreats are open to adults over the age of 18. You don't need any previous experience.

If you are taking strong medication (especially antidepressants) or have any dietary allergies/intolerances, please email at least 24 hours before the ceremony to let us know:

helen@helenmillar.co.uk

Can I drink cacao when pregnant or breastfeeding?

Yes, it is perfectly safe, and a brilliant alternative to coffee for new parents.

What should I bring to a Cacao Ceremony?:

To get the most from your cacao experience:

  • Avoid eating for 2–3 hours beforehand

  • Skip caffeine and dairy on the day

  • Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours prior

  • If you're used to fasting, feel free to fast that morning: an emptier system means deeper effects

  • Arrive well-hydrated: water is best

  • Keep your evening free afterwards for integration and grounding

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  • “I have been to hundreds of ceremonies over the last 30 years of running a retreat centre. Helen's cacao ceremony in Ibiza really was one of the most beautiful and heartfelt ceremonies I have ever been a part of. I had profound realizations, felt a deep connection to my family and that was because of her heart, her knowledge, her light and the beautiful and safe space she created!”

    Kezia Kaur: Therapist, healer, life coach, founder & CEO Ashiana Retreats

  • "I had a truly amazing time on Sunday, thank you so much for conducting such a lovely afternoon and I will be sure to come along again. It’s put me in touch with being more decisive, more positive and more prone to speaking my mind and standing by who I am. All that in one session-I know! But it does feel like that."

    Maya

  • “For me it was like a wonderful workshop and cacao ceremony in one. It made for me a big shift (and I have attended a huge number of retreats/workshops etc). Many (if indeed not all) of the things you said were spot on. We are lucky to have you around. I consider myself lucky to have been present at the ceremony today.”

    Olly Greenish

  • “I felt safe in your space. It was magical, the part and the very end it was like a mini explosion and bells going off at the same time.. just for a second. So beautiful! Also I felt lots of tingles in my body. After the ceremony I felt very content, very present and my whole body was at peace. Big gratitude for all that you do I will definitely come again.”

    Aleks

  • “Thank you so much for holding such a sacred space for us , it was definitely a powerful circle. I’m very grateful for the time, having a place to share, to be open and to have such a healing time together. The venue was perfect and circle of women gathering was absolutely amazing. It was the first time I’ve shared and felt relaxed like that to be open amongst people I’ve just met. Keep up the great work.”

    Gem

  • "I absolutely loved it. I felt relaxed and free to express myself around friendly faces. You created a truly unique experience. It was a very memorable. Thank you."

    Jan Michael

  • “I can already feel it helping me enormously. What your sharing is so important. The cacao was excellent quality. And I got a lot more done today!”

    Time Sandars: Founder and CEO of Omnia

  • “Don’t underestimate the wonderful power you have when you share your wisdom and guidance. This being the third ceremony of yours I have come to, I want to say that they are deeply healing for the mind, spirit and body.  I feel safe, nurtured and uplifted. The gentle guidance and loving support you provide gives me the time and space to reflect on my life and my place in the universe.  I left feeling invigorated, buoyant and more whole today.  Can’t wait to do it again.”

    Sandra. M

  • “This ceremony was everything i hope it would be and more. Helen held space beautifully and I feel truly grateful to have come across this circle. Much gratitude.”

    Emma C. Jones: Actress

  • “Loved it completely, it was beautiful and potent. Thank you Helen, your ceremony has that peaceful power to bring forth each of our innate wisdom, whilst holding the group in our stature of loving the feminine sovereign power. Despite your young years, your spiritual wisdom never ceases to amaze me, and your dedication to support us is evident.”

    Chloe Loft: Yoga teacher

  • "There is no exaggerating when you said that the energy is profound. After Friday night’s ceremony, I found myself over the next 2 days filled with a clarity I had not experienced before. By Sunday, I had made a life-changing decision which has set me on a long overdue path. Thank you Helen, your gifts and ability to reach deep parts of an individual are a blessing for anyone who experiences your beautiful and powerful meditations. The cocoa really gets working where its needed. Thank you.”

    Sabi. C: Psychotherapist

  • "Truly healing, calming ceremonies anchored in beautiful and profound meditations. I left each ceremony feeling like a Care Bear! Both reconnected with a sense of childlike joy, and enveloped in a blissful sense of benevolent empathy and assurance that everything would be alright. Just what is needed in these anxious, uncertain times. I couldn’t recommend it more highly."

    Shar: Author