Samhain Cacao & Mugwort Ritual
During Samhain, the veil between worlds thins, offering us a powerful opportunity to connect deeply with our ancestors and the sacred element of water. This magical ceremonial cacao recipe with mugwort has been designed to guide you into introspection, connection, and gratitude as we descend into the inward spiral of this blessed season.
Cacao Ceremony Recipe
- 30g Ceremonial Cacao (reduce to 15g if new to cacao)
- 1-2 tbsp dried Mugwort leaves
- 1 cup water
- Honey to taste (optional)
Prepare a mugwort tea by steeping the dried leaves in hot water. Allow it to cool slightly before adding the ceremonial cacao. Stir with intention, calling upon your ancestors to join you in dreams and visions. As you mix, hum a childhood family song into your cup, weaving the melody with your heartfelt connection. Be mindful that mugwort has a naturally bitter taste, a reminder from cacao that not all of life’s lessons come with sweetness.
Create Your Sacred Samhain Altar
Infuse your space with the energy of the season by crafting an autumnal altar. Use natural elements like fallen leaves, flowers, seeds, and any other treasures gifted by nature. Honor your ancestors by leaving an offering of their favorite food and drink. Remember to include water on your altar, symbolizing the flowing connection between generations. Mugwort’s affinity for water will enhance this sacred connection.
Add an atmosphere of warmth by lighting a candle and burning purifying herbs like sage or incense. Wrap yourself in a cozy blanket and allow the flickering candlelight to hold you in its gentle glow as you settle into your sacred space.
The Ceremony
- Settle into the Energy of Samhain
Sit before your altar and take a deep, grounding breath. Recognize the season’s inward spiral, beckoning you to rest, reflect, and prepare for the cold yet transformational months ahead.
- Sip and Connect
Slowly sip your cacao, feeling its warmth flow through your body. Call to mind your ancestors. On a piece of paper, write:
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- The names of ancestors you wish to honor. If you don't know them, call on the family lineages you seek support from.
- A list of 21 things you’re grateful for this year, giving thanks for the harvests in all areas of your life.
- Make Your Offering
Pour a small amount of cacao near your altar or directly into nature as an offering to Mother Earth for her abundant harvests and cycles.
- Meditate with Mugwort and Cacao Energy
Feel the mugwort begin to soften and guide your energy. Imagine stepping into a vast body of water at sunset. The waves ripple gently against your skin, soothing your muscles and joints with rhythmic movements. Your breath synchronizes with the waves, and as the tide flows, allow any blocked emotions to be released. Tears are welcome here; cacao often cleanses through the heart.
- Call upon Your Ancestors
When you feel ready, speak the names of the ancestors you wish to invite. Imagine their presence forming around you, their hands steadying your back as their love flows through time to support you. Should connection prove elusive, ask mugwort to open your mind’s eye for greater clarity in visions and dreams.
- Receive and Reflect
Close your eyes and allow their messages or guidance to come through. Whether it’s a feeling, words, or imagery, trust in its significance. Ask any questions you may have, and leave an offering or gesture of gratitude in whichever way resonates with your heart.
Closing Your Ceremony
When the ceremony feels complete, gently close the sacred space by thanking your ancestors, the cacao, and mugwort for their wisdom and presence. Prepare yourself to continue the connection in dream time. Mugwort, a plant intimately linked with dreams and visions, will guide you as you rest.
Through these rituals, we honor the many cycles of life, death, and rebirth, and the loving connections that forever ripple through the waters of our lineage.
Blessed Samhain and may the ancestors guide your dreams. ✨
RM 2025