Saoro’s Cacaó Facilitator Training Program

Saoró’s Cacao Facilitator Training Program

A journey exploring the sacred and transformative qualities of Cacao

Location:
Co Cavan

Date:
Starting May 16th, 2025

Welcome to Saoró’s Cacao Facilitator Training Program!

In this comprehensive program, we will embark on a journey exploring the sacred and transformative qualities of Cacao, as well as develop the necessary skills and knowledge to guide others in their own Cacao experiences.

Cacao, also known as the “food of the gods,” has been used for centuries in ceremonial and spiritual practices. It has the power to open our hearts, expand our consciousness, and deepen our connection with ourselves and the world around us. As a Cacao facilitator, you will have the opportunity to share this ancient wisdom and facilitate profound healing and transformation for others.

In this training program, we will delve into the history and cultural significance of cacao, exploring its origins and traditions. We will also examine the various physical and psychological benefits of cacao, including its ability to enhance focus, stimulate creativity, and promote emotional well-being. We will also learn about the importance of the environment, sustainability and fair trade in choosing your Cacao partners.

In addition to the theoretical aspects, this program will provide you with practical tools and techniques to facilitate Cacao ceremonies. You will learn how to create a sacred space, select and prepare high-quality Cacao, and guide participants through a transformative journey.

We will explore different ceremony formats, to include rituals, shamanic journeying, dance, heart-opening and -connective techniques, as well as breath-work and other meditative practices that can be incorporated into your facilitation.

Furthermore, we will cover important topics such as ethics and trauma-informed safety considerations in conducting Cacao ceremonies.

We will discuss the importance of informed consent, proper dosage, and creating a supportive and nurturing environment for participants. You will also gain insights into holding space, managing group dynamics, and responding to individual needs and experiences during a ceremony.

Our training program is designed for individuals who are passionate about working with cacao and facilitating meaningful experiences for others. Whether you are a healer, coach, therapist, yoga instructor, or simply someone seeking personal growth, this program will equip you with the skills and confidence to guide cacao ceremonies with integrity and authenticity.

By the end of this training program, you will have a deep understanding of cacao as a sacred plant medicine and the ability to create transformative experiences for yourself and others. You will receive a certificate as a Saoró Cacao Facilitator, allowing you to share this ancient wisdom in your community or integrate it into your existing practice. You will also receive the full support and guidance of Team Saoró as you start out on your journey as a facilitator .

The program involves 4.5 days hands-on training with six highly experienced facilitators. An initial in-person training weekend will take place on May 16th/17th/18th followed by a month-long personal Cacao dieta, guided by the team to deepen your connection with this beautiful medicine. We will meet again on June 14th and 15th for further learning, sharing and celebration!!

The course costs €1,100 and includes:
-> 4.5 days in-house training, accommodation/ food/ Cacao
-> Contact and support for your dieta month
-> A written Cacao guide
-> Future Saoró support and promotion for you and your events
-> Exclusive discounts on our range of 5 Ceremonial Cacaos

The training will be held on a new retreat centre in Co Cavan on 60 acres of beautiful countryside.

Facilitators:

Vivienne Dempsey @saoroexperience

Gary Patterson @anam_beo

Dionne Luby @raven.lu

Alex Magill @alexmagill_fitnessandwellness_

Nikki Solyom @spiritual_but_badass

Training Material co-developed also by Deirdre Gleeson @deeglee8

We invite you to embark on this profound journey of self-discovery, healing, and empowerment. Join us in becoming a Cacao facilitator and unlock the transformative potential of Cacao in the lives of others.

Email us at info(at)saoro.org or DM @saoroexperience for further details

A Few kind words

Testimonials

This transformative experience was both empowering & healing. This was a relaxed albeit professional training programme, recommended to anyone who is serious about sharing the beauty of working with Mama Cacao with others. And deepening the connection for yoursel

Paulina Monstert

What an amazing journey I went on when I signed up to do the Cacao facilitator training. The wisdom, the knowledge & the journey with Cacao has been full of strength, love, courage, sadness, wisdom & realisations, acceptance, letting go & digging deep into parts of me that I had lost along the way. Aho. Let the journey continue.”

The connections, support, unity and acceptance from these beautiful women I have had the opportunity to learn from.

I am so proud of all that I have achieved and proudly announce I am now a cacao facilitator — trained by the amazing Saoró, I will be forever grateful for all the powerful women.

Sinead Kavanagh

The training was incredible. It is a true honour now to be able to work with this marvellous medicine in my own healing room & teach my clients how to honour & utilise it with grace and respect.

For anyone considering this training, it is an unforgettable journey that I cherished every moment of.

Laura Byrne

Attending the Saoró Cacao Facilitator Training was a truly transformative experience. The venue, nestled in a breathtaking remote location, provided the perfect setting for deep connection and learning. Every detail was thoughtfully arranged to accommodate our needs, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the journey.

“Each facilitator brought their own unique magic, weaving together wisdom, tradition & personal experience in a way that was both inspiring & accessible. The information booklet was beautifully curated—concise yet comprehensive—offering everything we needed to understand & work with Saoró ceremonial-grade Cacao without feeling overwhelmed.”

The food was nourishing and delicious, complementing the heart-opening nature of the training. Most importantly, this experience profoundly deepened my connection with Mama Cacao. I left feeling empowered, with my heart open and full, ready to share this sacred medicine with others.

Sasha Tallon

This training was the most life changing yet special month for me. The love & support in the amazing community makes you feel very held throughout the training & afterwards.

I cannot recommend the facilitator training enough. It is the most special, magical time.”

Kelliemarie

I arrived at the venue and knew I was entering a sacred space. Although I was apprehensive about being in a group of strangers, I was immediately put at ease and felt at home by a warm welcome from the facilitators. I felt this is it, this is me, these are my people.

I found the course modules & manual easy to digest. The sense of freedom to ask questions, the open conversations & the structure of the training were all great. The Sound Bath, Breathwork & Yoga, Shamanic Journey & the Fire Ceremony were all divine.

“I felt so connected with Cacao. I knew it was medicine, gentle and comforting yet powerful. We were shown how to allow the Cacao to gently guide us. The Sound Bath, Breathwork & Yoga, Shamanic Journey & the Fire Ceremony were also divine!”

I never danced as free as I did that weekend, which gave me the spirit to do a cartwheel!! Joy!

This course has changed my life, my mind, my goals and aspirations. I am more of me!
I now write my own meditations, I drum, I’ve started on a Shamanic Path. I feel so much more confident in myself. I now hold space confidently and share this beautiful Cacao medicine with my meditations.
The after support has been brilliant. When you train with Saoró you are not alone, you are minded, guided, understood, nursed and loved.
Saoró is my family, my safe space, my healing, my love