Herbs in Witchcraft - Chocolate

I think just about everyone has experienced the vibration-shifting magick of chocolate. Learn more about the healing and magical properties of cocoa for all your witchcraft workings.

The human love affair with the many forms of cocoa stretches back centuries. From ancient Mayans, Aztecs, and other Meso-Americans civilizations to World War II army rations, to my daily 3-o-clock chocolate break, people have been obsessed with the way chocolate makes them feel. It was so valuable in ancient Mexico, it was used as currency.

The spiced, unsweetened drink made with chili and cinnamon, was reserved for the aristocracy. The Mayans held cocoa trees as sacred and believed it to be the food of the gods. Like many new world foods, when it was brought the Europe, many feared its power. Eventually, Europeans mixed cocoa with sugar and milk to create the smooth, creamy, intensely pleasurable form we know today. But this ingredient is more powerful than its ubiquitousness might suggest. Let's get into it.

Healing Properties of Chocolate

Remember a few years back when it was all over the news that dark chocolate might actually be good for you? Well, cacao and purer forms of chocolate certainly do have some healing benefits especially for your nervous system and cardiovascular health.

That happy boost you get when indulging in a bit of chocolate comes from theobromine and small amounts of caffeine which stimulate your nervous system.

The ceremonial cacao drink is believed to affect your heart chakra or energy center. Some say it brings a deep state of transcendence. It's affective in helping to calm the mind for deeper meditation.

Some of the compounds found in pure cocoa also increase blood flow, including to the brain. It may also help to improve memory and focus.

Even though this ingredient is widely consumed, it may still have some adverse reactions when used as a medicinal herb. Always consult a professional before engaging in herbal healing.

Magical & Spiritual Properties of Chocolate

We all know that moment of bliss that comes from biting into a piece of really great chocolate and letting it melt on your tongue. There's almost a sense of euphoria from the pure pleasure of this sensual experience. Chocolate is definitely powerful magick.

There are slight variations in the magical properties depending on its preparation. From white to dark, the energy grows in intensity, moving for example from friendship to passion depending on the cocoa content. Let's break it down.

White Chocolate - Use this in spells where you want a sweeter, milder energy. Use it to call in self-love, friendship, and fun. Correspondences include:
- Element - water
- Planet - Venus
- Zodiac - Pisces, Aquarius
Milk Chocolate - This energy still has a lot of sweetness but is slightly more intense. Call on it to raise emotional energy and create an atmosphere of fun. Use it in spells for self-love, more general love, friendship, nurturing, and balance. Correspondences include:
- Elements - water, earth
- Planet - Venus, Earth
- Zodiac - Cancer, Libra
Dark Chocolate - The most intense energy can be found in more pure forms of cocoa. Use it in spells for love, romance, passion, and prosperity. It also has a grounding quality and can be used to turn enemies into friends. I'd definitely want to be your friend if you offered me some. Correspondences include:
- Elements - earth, fire
- Planet - Earth, Moon
- Zodiac - Scorpio, Virgo, Aries
- Chakras - heart, sacral

All forms of chocolate contain feminine or receptive energy while also being tied to Mars and Saturn. They also all help you connect with the heart chakra or energy center. The high value of cocoa in ancient civilizations makes it perfect for prosperity magick. You can also use all forms of chocolate to call in love, happiness, and positive energy.

Witchcraft Uses

While I'm sure many of us would agree that chocolate is at it's most powerful when consumed, there are plenty of other ways to use it in your witchcraft spells. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Add cacao nibs to a charm bag or spell jar for prosperity or love.
Use cocoa powder to anoint a candle for passion.
Craft a love potion with a homemade spiced hot cocoa mix.
Incorporate chocolate into consensual sex magick or other romantic spells.
Grind cacao nibs into a protective powder to sprinkle in front of your door.
Sip cacao before meditating to clear the mind and open the heart.

Mint Chocolate Mousse in a glass pot with fresh mint sprig

Recipes for the Kitchen Witch

Given how much I've raved about it's qualities, it should come as no surprise that chocolate is one of my favorite ingredients to work with in the kitchen. In fact, it's one of my four main food groups (along with cheese, potatoes, and bacon). But the joyful vibes of cocoa cannot be denied. So wether you want to create a feeling of happy togetherness or a sensual love spell, this indulgent treat gets the job done.

Here are my 13 most popular chocolaty recipes to get you started.

I hope you've been inspired to incorporate chocolate into your witchcraft practice. I'm sure it's already working some magick in your life, whether you were aware of it or not. Now you can apply intention to this magical ingredient to make full use of its power.

Let me know in the comments how you like to use this delicious ingredient in your witchcraft practice.