Stories & recipes for inner wisdom,
shared by those who walk
with sacred chocolate
An upcoming Sage Book...
Our Book Project:
Through the Eyes of Cacao is the beginning of a longer journey for us, Chynna and Marcus. This book grew from our shared curiosity, our different backgrounds, and a deep respect for cacao and the cultures it comes from...
Our Book gathers stories from people whose lives
are deeply intertwined with cacao, offering a space to reflect
on its spiritual, cultural, and ecological significance. Farmers,
spiritual leaders, artisans, company owners, collectives - each
voice provides a unique perspective on cacao’s impact and
unified essence. Through their stories, and the accompanying
recipes, we invite readers to connect more intentionally with
this sacred plant and the communities it sustains.
Our Cacao Book Project :
"Through the Eyes of Cacao"
(Los Ojos de Cacao)
This book is being created to honor and explore the diverse perspectives cacao offers, bridging ancestral traditions with contemporary practices. Our goal is to celebrate ceremonial cacao's adaptability and richness as a cultural, spiritual, and ecological resource. By presenting stories, insights, and wisdom from those who cultivate, work with, and share cacao, we hope to inspire a deeper appreciation for its complexity.
Maintaining integrity and respect for cacao’s roots is essential, and this book seeks to create a space for learning, reflection, and dialogue while ensuring the legacy of cacao is upheld in its most authentic form. It is a call to approach this plant with reverence and curiosity, embracing its potential to connect us with ourselves, each other, and the natural world.
The journey of this book began in November 2024 until April 2025 with extensive travels throughout Guatemala, conducting over 100 interviews with cacao growers, ceremonialists, community leaders, and artisans. These conversations illuminated the unique and profound relationships people have with cacao, revealing stories that are now beginning to link and expand into a broader narrative.
Why is this book important?
Honoring Tradition and Wisdom:
For centuries, cacao has been an integral part of many Mesoamerican cultures, holding deep spiritual and cultural value. These practices reflect a sacred bond with cacao, one that reveals its role as both a revered plant and a catalyst for connection. By gathering narratives from a wide range of voices, we aim to celebrate the depth of these traditions and the individuals who continue to preserve and carry them forward, inviting a richer understanding of cacao’s multifaceted significance.
Understanding the Full Impact of Cacao:
As the global demand for cacao continues to rise, it’s vital to consider its impact on the environment and the communities that grow it. By elevating the voices of those closest to cacao - farmers, healers, ceremonialists, activists, and community leaders - we gain a more profound insight into both the rewards and challenges cacao faces in the modern world. This knowledge will guide more sustainable practices that respect the land and honor the people whose livelihoods depend on this sacred plant.
Exploring Cacao’s Role in Personal and Collective Healing:
Cacao offers more than just nourishment for the body; it serves as a powerful ally in emotional, spiritual, and psychological development. Many have undergone transformative experiences through cacao ceremonies, and by sharing these stories, we can help others understand the profound healing potential this plant holds, both for the individual and the collective.
The Collective Story of Cacao:
Cacao is a thread that weaves us together, a spirit that fosters unity and connection. It transcends borders and cultures, reminding us of our shared humanity. The stories within this book reflect cacao’s incredible ability to heal, unite, and expand consciousness. Each story serves as a form of medicine, offering guidance, support, or inspiration for those involved in cacao’s cultivation, processing, or spiritual use.
Recipes to Enjoy:
The book will also feature favorite cacao recipes shared by those interviewed, giving readers a chance to bring their love for cacao into their own lives from passed down recipes from different families and cultures
Looking forward...
In the years ahead, we plan to spend time in Peru, Ecuador, Mexico, the Philippines, and parts of Africa, as well as other regions throughout South America. Our intention is to learn directly from the land and from the people whose lives, histories, and traditions are closely tied to cacao. Each volume will be shaped by what we experience together - listening, observing, and building relationships with care.
Coming from different paths, we bring our own perspectives into this work, and it is in that meeting point that this project lives.
These future books are not about defining or translating cultures, but about honoring them through presence, humility, and shared understanding. This work is our way of moving forward with respect, curiosity, and responsibility.