::: An Alchemic Creation:::

::Greetings and thanks for taking a moment to read my little article all about Raw chocolate!::

:::They say most women prefer chocolate to sex...myth or not, I would say they fall in a similar category. And just as sex has been brutally misinterpreted, abused, de-faced and glorified by the media, chocolate is no exception. The myth of chocolate has programmed us to believe that eating chocolate is a Sin. However, it is interesting to note that in the Mayan creation story the "apple tree" was a Cocoa tree. Could it be that this sacred seed contains original knowledge and cosmic wisdom necessary for human evolution? I choose to align with a Myth deeply rooted in ritualistic practice and empowerment, unsuppressed by modernity. In my myth I feel no guilt for my conscious indulgence of chocolate and am deeply honored for understanding its ancient secret. I thrive and grow ever vital the more I create and consume it. Now, maybe you can see the similarity here between chocolate and sex- which leads me to believe theres something greater at hand, reconnecting us with this lost knowledge, flashing memories within us of devotion once practiced collectively with the source. Perhaps they are clues back to the garden, and we are becoming attentive, letting go, surrendering to our wild nature. We are consciously putting the pieces together, as a whole- and I believe we all must bridge these pieces, placing them collectively- to re-create the New World Myth :::

:::The force behind chocolate is a complex one, an intricately woven tapestry of immense wisdom, medicine and pleasure. It has the capacity to heal on all 3 bodies. The core of chocolate is a gift from both the earth and the stars, and similar to the plant consciousness of cannabis or psychedelics, it provides a heightened state of awareness when consumed. It brings about physical energy in the body and stirs molecules while awakening the nervous system. It brings clarity to the mind and new ideas. Finally, it triggers an esoteric sensation of lightness and connectedness, calming and exciting the soul:::

:::Chocolate works within the 'anandamide' vein which is known as the bliss chemical in the body and produces endorphins. Like Ecstasy, chocolate amplifies the blood and raises saratonin levels. It has the capacity to assist in delivering other organic, medicinal compounds into the body as well, such as super-foods, herbs and living supplements. The nourishment provided by chocolate is said to be equivalent to that of grass-fed beef or bison. Because of its complexity of nutrients, antioxidants and even protein, chocolate can be used as an appetite suppressant and can improve a persons resistance to disease while increasing stamina and building muscle.:::

:::But even besides all this, one only has to consume ~Real and Raw~ chocolate for themselves to understand and feel the benefits. So what is the difference between the chocolate you find on the shelves at the grocery store and Raw, alchemic chocolate? You may be surprised:::

::The Truth about Chocolate::

:::The cocoa bean is actually the seed found within the fruit pod of the cocoa tree. These miraculous gifts of the earth flourish deep within the rain-forests of South & Central America, Africa and Asia but are native to the Mexican gulf coast. They require the canopy of other, taller trees to grow which means the higher the demand the more natural conservation takes place! Proper trade of organic cocoa also supports villages and communities in these regions and educates on the importance of sustainable agriculture. Its interesting to note that most cocoa is grown within 15 degrees of the equator. Monkeys were believed to be the first to discover the cocoa seed after devouring the sweet and delicious pulp of the pod, then seemingly by design, spit the seeds out due to their bitterness thus ensuring plentiful growth of the tree throughout the Mesoamerican landscape:::

:::Ancient cultures such as the Mayan, Aztecs and Toltecs knew about the power of cocoa. The earliest known cultivation of the tree was probably around 1200bc by the Olmec who called it "kakawa" which means Cocoa in Mayan. Frothy drinks were regularly concocted along with plant medicines, spices and herbs and used in ceremony by Mayan Priests and in celebration. Tombs often appeared with clay drinking vessels for these special elixirs signifying important social stature. The Maya were truly the first alchemists of the cocoa bean and understood deeply its power to awaken all 3 bodies and transport information from the cosmos, honestly convinced it was a gift from the Gods. And not just any God, but Quetzalcoatl- the featured serpent himself! Who is possibly the most famous god in the New World Myth. One legend claims he was banished by other angered Gods for gifting the secret of cocoa to the Olmec. Quetzalcoatl swore he would return however, perhaps reincarnating himself into another God- like man or Messiah::

. . .

::Cocoa became so valuable, both the Mayans and Aztecs were known to use it as currency in the market place and this continued long after the spanish conquest in 1519AD. The ritual and tradition around the Cocoa bean however was lost to the invasion of the Spanish. The Mesoamerican cultures had a deep awareness of its medicinal values and most often consumed it finely ground in drinks or corn dishes in its bitter, raw form along with sweetening fruits and earthy spices. They were known to calisfy and dry the beans out before grinding to ensure a certain texture. Drinks were made in large vessels and poured back and forth from one to another to make froth. This is an entirely different image from what we know to be a chocolate bar today. Most people, when trying raw cocoa for the first time, are disgusted and in disbelief that a chalky, bitter bean is where creamy, sweet chocolate comes from. This is why careful alchemy is required to transform the gift of the Gods into Gold. We have come along way from our 'cure-all cocoa super-food lattes' but lately, its seems, we are returning. Communities throughout the world are waking up to the importance of chocolate, its history and its role in the future. But most importantly, asking questions about its source and learning to distinguish true quality and integrity from a mars bar is key...:::

:::Conventional chocolate is first taken in the bean form and roasted at various high heats to attain a 'richer' flavor and eliminate the 'floral' notes of the cocoa. They are then processed to remove their shells and turned to nibs which are pressed into cocoa liquor. The liquor either goes straight to production as chocolate or is separated into cocoa butter and powder. In production the now de-natured cocoa is processed by machine with copious amounts of white sugar, refined milk products and preserving agents such as lecithin to create endless, exciting products. Even the most organic chocolate bar is processed in a similar manor. No matter what, when you consume chocolate like this it can not do its magic properly. Raw chocolate is actually proven to assist in weight-loss and provide sustainable energy and youth. This is not the case with conventional chocolate. Once you consume living chocolate and then return to a dogoba bar, you will know the truth for yourself:::

::Turning metal to Gold::

::Alchemy is as old as time, and time itself has an alchemy. Like chocolate and its mysterious powers waiting to be re-discovered, time too is on the cusp of a conscious revealing. I believe chocolate can assist us in making this leap::

:::You may have recently heard a bit going around about this 2012 concept. It does indeed mark a significant date which the Maya particularly were very interested in. The Maya were by far the most advanced alchemists of time and natural rhythm which we have record of to date. They developed an advanced calendar system which constituted two major cycles of time. One known as the 260 day Tzolkin or ritual calendar which revolved around a 13/20 system of 'periods to days' and the other the Haab or long count which was designed to track longer cycles and considered the solar calendar of 360 days with 5 days out of time. Their wisdom was so profound that they could actually project events millions to billions of years in the past and future. The pyramid at chitzen itza with its 9 layers is said to represent a grand cycle of human consciousness which ends, or rather completes itself on the winter solstice of 2012:::

:::There is so much heat around this topic right now it is up to the individual to create their own interpretation. Essentially we are simply living in a world of myths, and truth becomes the myth we choose to believe in. Many note this shift will open gateways to a realm of existence and consciousness we have only been able to imagine and dream of until now. It may be possible that time will transform and we will have the capacity to see things from a different angel, one in which we are the creator, and collectively we create a New World Myth. None the less, its an exciting time, teeming with deep thought and need for careful investigation. It is a time to step into our roles as alchemist and co-creators, and I choose to believe that chocolate can assist us in this process:::

:::If you were to imagine that we are spiraling down through an age where density and materialism rule you can see why our current situation is built on controlling governments and concrete buildings. As we approach the shift- which also marks the end of a 26.000 year procession our sun takes around the galaxy- we can imagine dropping out of this 'iron age' and into a 'golden age', this is the alchemy of time. It is a natural cycle completing itself, a grand spiraling of time, a transformation of metal to gold:::

:::The alchemy of chocolate is similar, which is perhaps why the Maya held it in such high regard. They knew that this gift of wisdom, when properly used, could generate shifts in consciousness and be a vehicle for medicine and wisdom to reach us. As time begins to quicken, its making more and more consciousness available and perhaps we can use chocolate as a tool to access it~! . When we consume chocolate we feel uplifted, with a desire to create and celebrate, we are transforming our base metal into gold, we are co-creating a reality of our choice, generating 'ananda', wide-awake; and knowing it is essential for our future:::

:::Maybe what I'm getting at is that, by consuming chocolate in honor, ritual and gratitude, in its purest form possible, we have the capacity to transform and evolve our consciousness with greater ease and joy in the approaching 'time'. And that if we truly can extract the great wisdom of this medicine, perhaps we can apply that same alchemy to pro-creation, manifestation and community. We can re-root with our ancient bloodlines from long ago who knew the secrets and how to apply them. And maybe, just maybe- we can re-build the world of our dreams and eat chocolate all day long, horray!!!:::

::Attracting Chocolate::

::As a chocolateer I have found that like art, chocolate is constantly wanting to manifest itself in new ways, revealing a unique evolution which generates a fresh and clearer perspective. This is the alchemy of all things. I enjoy being on the forefront of this process and sharing it with open, collective minds. My goal is not to generate a large business or commerce (not yet at least), but to cultivate awareness and excitement around the subject of chocolate, in its alchemic, raw form. I like using it in trade, gift and ritual and believe it to be highly valuable, like Gold. Infact I think they are not that different, and in their pure, golden form are worthy of high-valued exchange::

::When I make chocolate it is a whole week or so of journeying with the medicine and often times all I want to do is give it out. So if you happen to be around and catch me in this process, come by and I'll surprise you, I'll journey with you and be your shamanic chocolate hostess. When I have completed and returned with products to share you may barter with me and see what arrangement can be made for exchange (and yes I do accept cash!) Until then, seek out this golden glory where-ever you can, support others who create in this realm, experiment and investigate for yourself. Be persistent, like time and art we must honor patience and diligence as our greatest lessons in attaining the Golden cup, the Holy Grail. Share what you learn and experience with as many people as possible::

::Create to instigate, to open doorways to paths yet unexplored. Take the one less travelled or perhaps not travelled for thousands of years. Reveal to your highest self what the future holds, through your minds eye, how you can use the tools we have today to create what you see. In the collective conscious of all, go with courage into the future, empower yourself in the present and become aware of your past. Own your own inner Alchemy in graciousness and without judgement, for the process of transforming consciousness is here::