Sacred Cacao Circles @ Sault Haus

What is a Sacred Cacao Circle?

A Sacred Cacao Circle is a heart-opening gathering rooted in gratitude, self-discovery, and deep presence, guided by the sacred medicine of cacao, a plant born in the Amazon and shared across cultures and time from the Amazonian to the Mesoamerica cultures. In a cacao circle, we honor our ancestors and the Indigenous communities who have long been guardians of cacao, while weaving together elements inspired by circles around the world. It is a supportive space for spiritual connection, creative expansion, and meaningful transformation.

About the Facilitator

Yllari Briceño is a Peruvian-American holistic facilitator offering circles and retreats that weave ceremonial cacao, voice, and art as pathways for personal and spiritual growth. She is also a Reiki Teacher, published author, and communications consultant. Her work weaves together the wisdom of her Amazonian and Andean roots with a deep commitment to peace, respect for Mother Earth and indigenous traditions. She serves as a communications coordinator at Huaca Montegrande, a 6,000-year-old temple in Northern Peru linked to the origins of cacao. Through healing spaces, she offers transformative experiences that reconnect body, heart, and spirit.

What to Expect

In this 2.5-hour experience, you will be in circle with others in the salt cave, whose grounding properties support relaxation and balance. Together, you will mindfully prepare and drink ceremonial cacao, experiencing its heart-opening and wisdom-awakening qualities, while journeying through guided meditation, learning about cacao’s history and benefits, and receiving sound healing, conscious breathing, voice empowerment, reflective journaling, and open-hearted sharing in service of your personal and spiritual growth.

The ceremonial cacao is made with a high dose of organic, vegan, and fair-trade cacao, and is gluten-free, nut-free, and dairy-free. You are never required to finish the entire cup, and the experience is gentle and accessible for all. If you are taking an SSRI medication or have a serious medical condition, please consult your healthcare provider before drinking high-dose cacao.

Upcoming Sacred Cacao Circles with Yllari

Full Moon: Sacred Cacao Circle, Fri, 8/28, 6pm-8:30pm

Gather with Mama Cacao in the salt cave following the partial lunar eclipse, a reminder that even moments of darkness hold transformation, we'll gather in the healing embrace of the salt cave to ground, release, and honor what is ready to be let go. Through ceremonial cacao, meditation, & intentional connection, we'll connect with the cyclical energy of the moon, and to receive her purifying light with clarity, openness, and renewed intention.

Sacred Cacao Circle for Peace, Sun 9/20, 11 am-1:30 pm

Join us with Mama Cacao in the salt cave to set intentions for peace & transformation, beginning within. In a world torn by conflict & division, this is an invitation to cultivate inner stillness, global empathy, healing, & community. Together, we’ll prepare & share ceremonial cacao, honoring its ancient roots & transformative benefits. Guided meditation, restorative sound healing, connection with nature, & reflective journaling.

Sacred Cacao Circle to Honor our Ancestors, Sat, 10/17, 11am-1:30pm (Register through Princeton Adult School)

Gather with Mama Cacao, within the grounding space of the salt cave, to honor your ancestors through remembrance, gratitude, and sacred connection. Together, we'll create space to receive their wisdom, healing, and blessings. We will prepare and share ceremonial cacao, honoring its ancestral roots in the Amazon, the lands from which it comes, and the ancestral lands that have shaped our personal lineages and our collective history. Through ritual, reflection, and community, we remember that we are deeply connected to those who came before us, to the Earth, and to one another.

Registration through Princeton Adult School will be available in August.

Sacred Cacao Circle: Honoring Loved Ones in Spirit, Sun, 11/1, 11 am-1:30 pm

With the heart-opening energy of Mama Cacao, we’ll honor the lives & legacy of those who have crossed into the spirit realm. Held within the grounding space of the salt cave, we’ll come together in reflection, ritual, & remembrance. Bring photos, names, or memories for the communal altar. We’ll also create air-dry clay figures as heartfelt tributes to your loved ones in spirit, to be placed on your altar or special place at home.

Sacred Cacao Circle for Winter Solstice, Sun, 12/20, 11 am-1:30 pm w/Yllari Briceno

Winter Solstice marks the return of the light after the longest night. Gather with Mama Cacao within the grounding space of the salt cave, in a heart-centered circle of connection. Together, we’ll prepare & share cacao, awaken the light within through guided meditation & a sun ritual. Bring small objects that symbolize light in your life. Reflective journaling to integrate the experience & set intentions for the coming season.