Cacao which comes from the Theobroma cacao tree means food of the gods. The cacao I will be serving in the ceremony is ceremonially criolla from Akasha Finca and Permaculture School, in Juan Curi, Santander Colombia. Despite struggle with changing rainfalls, the cacao trees prosper where they grow interwoven with other crops and a rich soil microbiome.

Criolla means from the neighborhood, local, or original in Spanish. This cacao is smooth, with hints of minerals and berries.    It is rich with a complicated taste.   

I will also be serving cacao on-site and offering both cacao from the Sierra Nevada and cacao from Akasha.

Cacao is a medicine of the heart, and of the tree, and of the earth. It is full of healthy minerals and fats. Ceremonially cacao has been treated with love and respect each step of the process.

Theresa is originally from Michigan, the great lake state. She studied new media art at the Gerrit Rietveld Academy in Amsterdam, and worked as a musician, chef, bartender, and artist.

She is the founder of Botanica Lumina. Botanica Lumina offers ceremonial cacao, art, herbs, art, candles and other goods

Theresa’s experience with cacao started while taking her first long journey into Colombia, where she returns often; spending extensive time in the Sierra Nevada, Santander, and Boyacá. A journey of cacao and other medicines in brought her into contact with teachers and cultures, including spending time with the Kogui, and Arhuaco.

She continues her research on cacao where she writes and publishes articles.

She continues to work as an artist and gardener.

Her time in Michigan near the water informs her practice as she continues her connection with farmers, dreamers, makers, and movers.