Cacao Training Courses

Cacao is a traditional plant medicine that has been used for thousands of years by indigenous cultures in Mesoamerica. Join us to explore the multiple reasons why Cacao has resurfaced in our modern world, to learn how to work in reverence with the spirit of this sacred heart-medicine, and to remember to trust our heart’s wisdom in uncertain times as we develop a compassionate relationship with ourselves. 

 

JOIN OUR SACRED ACADEMY ONLINE

GROUP TRAINING: begins twice annually on specific dates

  • Level 1  Cacao Practitioner Training (next group begins April 2025)
  • Level 2  Cacao Facilitator Training (next group begins July 2025)

PRIVATE TRAINING: available throughout the year on request

  • Level 1  Cacao Practitioner Training
  • Level 2  Cacao Facilitator Training 
  • Level 3  Cacao Apprenticeship
  • Private Mentoring

NOTE FOR OUR ALUMNI: Repeating students receive 50% off

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After reviewing the curriculum below, if you still have questions email us to schedule an explore call. If you have enough information, fill in the form below.

Training Courses

We guide spiritual seekers who have heard the whispers of their heart and calling from Cacao Spirit,
to learn how to work with this plant medicine in a sacred, respectful and grounded way… 

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LEVEL 1

Practitioner Training for Personal Use

MODULES 1-4
Group Training is 3 months
Private Training is 2 months

An Introduction to Cacao as a Heart Medicine | The Magic of Ceremonial-Grade Cacao for Health & Healing

This course is for your personal use, to understand more and to develop a deeper trust connection with your heart and the medicine of Cacao. 

cape cacao

LEVEL 2

Facilitator Training & Personal Growth 

MODULES 1-9 (includes Level 1)
Group Training is 6 months
Private Training is 4 months 

Holding Space for Yourself | Personal Transformation | Holding Space for Cacao Ceremonies & Groups

Once establishing right-relationship with your own, learn how to use Cacao for facilitating others in a sacred way with the elements making up ceremonies.

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APPRENTICESHIP

1:1 Mentorship for a Customised Immersion

PRIVATE TRAINING
Specialised Programme 
Commitment of 3 months

Undergo an Apprenticeship tailored to fine-tune previous skills AND to deep dive further with Cacao

For those wanting private 1:1 mentorship, the online sessions and home-practices are customised to facilitate deepening your sacred connection to working with Cacao.

LEVEL 1

Cacao Practitioner

MODULES 1 to 4 OVERVIEW
PRIVATE TRAINING 2 months | GROUP TRAINING 3 months 

Open to anyone wanting to learn more about Cacao, the health & healing benefits, plus how to work in a sacred way with this heart medicine

  • Learn about the history & cultural context of the Cacao plant
  • Explore the physical properties of this superfood, raw Cacao
  • Work with the energetic & healing properties of ceremonial Cacao
  • Understand how to work with cacao as a medicine on the physical & metaphysical levels
  • Start working with the power of ritual & intention
  • Learn practical ways to set up your space & prepare ceremonial cacao
  • Practice using Cacao for your home ceremony

View the Level 1 Curriculum

 
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STRUCTURE

  • 4 x modules via our Online Academy
  • Online 1:1 sessions with Fran (spaced 2 weeks apart)
  • Self-paced study (2-4 hours/week) includes tutorials, PDFs, home practice
  • Ceremonies to open and close the training
  • Email support throughout the container
  • Study materials available for 6 months

LIVE SESSION DATES

  • 9 April, Wednesday 11h00 SAST
  • 23 April, Wednesday 11h00 SAST
  • 26 April (ceremony), Saturday
  • 7 May, Wednesday 11h00 SAST
  • 21 May, Wednesday 11h00 SAST
  • 4 June, Wednesday 11h00 SAST
  • 21 June (ceremony), Saturday

SPECIALIZED

  • Live mentoring  – online sessions with Fran 
  • Bonus material  additional study / links per module
  • Flexible home study – work through the modules conveniently to suit your scheduled between group calls
  • Free online ceremonies – for the duration of your training
  • Discounts – receive 10% off our Ceremonial-grade Cacao during your training

COST – Level 1

  • Group training rate: ZAR3333 / $222 per month over 3 installments (please inquire for private training fee)
  • Deposit confirms your booking (this is your first installment)
  • Payment for South Africans via our webshop (card payment or EFT)
  • Payment for non- South Africans via secure online portals: Payfast (6% surcharge) or PayPal (10% surcharge)

LEVEL 2

Facilitator & Personal Growth Training

MODULES 1 to 9 OVERVIEW
PRIVATE TRAINING 4 months | GROUP TRAINING 6 months

For those wanting to deepen their relationship with Cacao, for personal growth & spiritual connection, plus facilitating groups & ceremonies 

  • Level 1 Practitioner Training forms part (and is prerequisite) of Level 2
  • Develop your intuitive connection with Cacao as medicine for yourself & others
  • Find your gold through shadow work & integration
  • Work with your dreams as a shamanic tool for insight
  • Unleash your heart song and access your invocation
  • Undergoing a dieta to develop your spiritual relationship with Cacao
  • Work with ceremony ethics to remain in integrity with the medicine
  • Explore different archetypes, & your inner Divine Feminine & Masculine
  • Learn about ceremony & how to create & hold space

 

View the Level 2 Curriculum

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STRUCTURE

  • 9 x modules via our Online Academy
  • Online sessions with Fran (spaced 2 weeks apart)
  • Self-paced study (3-5 hours/week) includes tutorials, PDFs, home practice
  • Ceremonies to open and close the training
  • Email support throughout the container
  • Study materials available for 6 additional months afterwards

LIVE SESSION DATES

  • Includes Level 1 dates: 9 April (Wed), 23 April (Wed), 26 April (Sat), 7 May (Wed), 21 May (Wed), 4 June (Wed), 21 June (Sat)
  • 25 June, Wednesday 11h00 SAST
  • 9 July, Wednesday 11h00 SAST
  • 23 July, Wednesday 11h00 SAST
  • 6 August, Wednesday 11h00 SAST
  • 20 August, Wednesday 11h00 SAST
  • 3 September, Wednesday 11h00 SAST
  • 6 September (ceremony), Saturday
  • 17 September,  Wednesday 11h00 SAST

SPECIALIZED

  • Live Mentoring – online sessions with Fran 
  • Bonus material additional study / links per module
  • Flexible home study – work through the modules conveniently to suit your scheduled between group calls
  • Discounts – receive 10% off our Ceremonial-grade Cacao during your training

COST – Level 1&2

  • Group training rate ZAR3333 / $222 per month over 6 installments (please inquire for private training fee)
  • Deposit confirms your booking (this is your first installment)
  • Certification (optional) : ZAR950 Ceremony + ZAR550 Debrief Session = Total ZAR1500 | $115
  • Payment for South Africans via our webshop (card payment or EFT)
  • Payment for non- South Africans via secure online portals: Payfast (6% surcharge) or PayPal (10% surcharge)

APPRENTICESHIP

1:1 Immersion, Private Customised Mentorship

3 MONTHS | SPECIALISED TRAINING

  • Open to anyone wishing to commit to a standalone Apprenticeship 3-month immersion
  • Includes the course content and module flow from Level 1 and 2 Training
  • Open to previous Cape Cacao graduates wishing to receive their Level 3 Certification (prerequisite Level 1 Practitioner Training & Level 2 Facilitator Training) AND open to anyone wanting to deep-dive in a private container to immerse 1:1 into Level 1 Practitioner Training & Level 2 Facilitator Training
  • Refine your understanding of how to work skillfully with Cacao by going deeper within
  • Develop & fine-tune your skills as a practitioner, facilitator, and Cacao alchemist
  • Acquire a diversity of shamanic, mystic & practical tools
  • Supported Dieta, developing a spiritual relationship with Cacao
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STRUCTURE

  • 7 x specialised 1:1 sessions online with Fran, scheduled every 2 weeks – first and last session are longer ceremonies to open and close your container (IN-PERSON session available on request at an additional cost)
  • Tailored programme depending on your requirements
  • Weekly self-study and home-rituals provided
  • Opportunity for supported Cacao dieta
  • Suggested practices specific for your needs
  • Ongoing email support

SPECIALIZED

  • Individual attention – online 1:1 sessions with Fran
  • Flexible timeframe – schedule your sessions to suit your calendar within the 3 month container
  • Ceremonies – to open and close your container
  • Discounts – receive 10% off our Ceremonial-grade Cacao during your apprenticeship

COST

  • Private apprenticeship rate ZAR6666 / $444 per month over 3 installments
  • Deposit confirms your booking (this is your first installment)
  • Certification / Re-certification (optional) : ZAR950 Ceremony + ZAR550 Debrief Session = Total ZAR1500 | $115
  • Payment for South Africans via our webshop (card payment or EFT)
  • Payment for non- South Africans via secure online portals: Payfast (6% surcharge) or PayPal (10% surcharge)

We use 100% personally sourced Ceremonial-Grade Cacao

  • This is special ceremonial-grade cacao is a whole organic superfood
  • Ethically and personally sourced beans from certified organic family farms in Bali & Guatemala – the land & crops are prayed over daily, people are fairly compensated for their work, there is a harmony between all
  • Traditional harvesting methods – beans are treated with love & respect
  • Blessing ceremonies are held at different stages of the planting, growing, harvesting & packaging
  • All stages of the processing are done at origin, making sure the energy is from the land & people, and that the monies remain within the communities
  • Delicious & creamy flavour with a potent energy – reflective of the vibration & love of the people & land where it is grown
  • Careful & intentional handling from tree to cup
  • During your training you receive 10% on ceremonial cacao
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ABOUT YOUR FACILITATOR

Fran Siebrits, Cacao Alchemist from South Africa, brings forth a wealth of knowledge for how we can use ceremony & ritual to live in harmony with our true nature.

She brings her life work into this training, providing a unique opportunity to immerse in the fields of animism, shamanism, mysticism, herbalism, feminine ritual, energy work & space holding for healing.

Fran can assist you to find your inner teacher & healer through the use of ceremony, ritual & shamanic tools.

Her facilitation is down-to earth & practical, encouraging you to experience an embodied heart awakening journey to support you in trusting yourself, feeling more confident in your self expression & able to speak your truth.

Read more about Fran here

OTHER LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

Private Online Mentoring

Customised support will assist you in deepening your connection with Cacao.
Available for anyone, regardless of experience, tailored to your needs.

Step 1: Purchase a 45 minute 1:1 session or package of sessions here
Step 2: Email us to for availability to schedule your online session

 

Join our Bali Cacao Pilgrimage

Over the years we have formed harmonious connections with the land, people and culture of Bali, Indonesia, and bring Ceremonial-grade Cacao from a cooperative of small-scale family farms in Bali to Africa. 

We take an annual pilgrimage to the island of the gods for anyone wanting to connect with the beautiful energy of the Cacao trees, the culture, the surrounding jungle, and the community spirit. 

Click here for all the details. 

Free Fridays on Zoom

Every Friday, Fran dedicates 2 hours to offer FREE 15-MINUTE LASER-FOCUSED mentoring where you get support on the ONE thing you most want  personal mentoring or feedback on anything related to cacao and ceremony. 

When we commit and show up with an open heart, there is so much clarity which comes in 15 minutes. Keen? Email us .

Here is what some of our alumni have to say about our signature online Cacao Training…

Mama Cacao has transformed me from someone who hides from the world to one with strong desire to share her love and light to the world. As my relationship with Mama Cacao continues to deepen, my path of becoming becomes clearer with leaps and bounds of growth and shifts. I am so blessed to be one of the chosen ones to share her medicine to the world!​
Brenda Lam
Singapore
I have really enjoyed the weekly live meetups, the private sessions with Fran and even though I was extremely anxious and nervous, I think the biggest most valuable part was the practice of holding a cacao ceremony and most importantly getting feedback afterwards. I had held a ceremony previously but didn't get feedback and this was the biggest missing element for growth.
Nadia Nanji
United Kingdom
I definitely feel that I know more about holding space for others, this course has been a deep-dive into the psychological and practical aspects holding space, which I have resonated so much with. Level 1 was great with all the information I wanted and practices to integrate. I loved level 2 of this course the most as we really went deep into areas I found super interesting.
Jessica Pelser
Zimbabwe
I loved how the course took us on a journey from the physical into the metaphysical. I really enjoyed the creative and expanding experiences that allowed us to go deeper into the practice - learning to activate our voice, the heart song, the shadow work, the dieta, the preparation for the ceremony, and the weekly group connections.
Inese Kalnina
Latvia
I have a better understanding of the structure of ceremony and the ethics of holding space for others. But most importantly I learnt the way it feels to hold space for a group of people, and to feel their energy as well as the container we set. I was shown how important using my intuition is to make my ceremonies more authentic.
Amber Downing
South Africa
Progressing through the course slowly built up my confidence as well as my knowledge about holding space for myself and for others. The opportunity to participate in a number of cacao ceremonies with Fran and a small group was the medicine that allowed for first-hand learning through the practical experience in a safe space.
Robyn Silberman
South Africa
I have been holing space for groups and individuals in the form of coaching, yoga and retreats for some time already. However, I have never held a cacao or ceremony space before and I do feel that the structure alongside the introduction of the elements into the space has definitely helped expand my knowledge for me to be a more effectively space holder.
Jean-Jivananda
South Africa
I feel like I have a more nuanced understanding of how cacao can work and how that is tied in with your intention and energy. The course has also highlighted for me the importance of ritual, not just in holding ceremonies for others, but also myself and even on what feels like ordinary days. I feel equipped and inspired to create my own cacao potions and ceremonies.
Liezl Hoving
Namibia
Even though I teach yoga, host and facilitate workshops and retreats and even coach, I definitely added to my “toolbox” with this training. I loved the ritualistic nature and will be finding more ways to bring this into my other practices. I thoroughly enjoyed the pacing and structure of this training -it was all very manageable on top of the usual everyday demands.
Jacqui Meyer
South Africa
I've valued my time with Fran the most: our meditations, chats, the laughter and ability to really dive deep into topics that not many people feel comfortable talking about. I've loved learning about the history of Cacao, it's benefits and different uses. I've thoroughly enjoyed my time creating different recipes and setting up my rituals. The unwavering support I have received from Fran has been unmatched in every way. I feel such a special bond with the Cape Cacao family and appreciate them always going above and beyond for me.
Bianca Ronayne
South Africa
Fran's authenticity and passion for cacao are truly inspiring. She pours her heart and soul into every aspect, and you can feel it in every moment. Throughout the journey, we journaled, practiced at home, and shared our fears, desires, and visions in a safe space. Initially overwhelming, this exchange filled me with strength, courage, and love. I discovered new depths within myself and formed beautiful connections with my cacao sisters. I always felt supported, seen, and understood under Fran's guidance and open-hearted presence!
Julia Can
South Africa + Germany
The course material was thoughtfully structured, making complex concepts accessible and manageable. Our weekly meets fostered a strong sense of community, offering consistent support, while the home practices allowed for practical application of the teachings. Fran is knowledgeable and compassionate. This training has profoundly deepened my understanding and practice, and I highly recommend it to anyone seeking to embark on a transformative journey with the spirit of Mama Cacao.
Juliana Arroyave
Thailand + Colombia
This training has truly been transformative. Exploring, understanding, and connecting with this sacred plant medicine has profoundly deepened my connection with myself and my spirituality. I've cherished the ritual, the stillness, and the profound self-inquiry it has brought to my life. Fran has been an inspiring teacher, mentor, and space holder throughout this time with a great depth of knowledge and wisdom. I'm so grateful for all the teachings and insights, which lead me to hold a ceremony.
Robyn Horwitz
Bali + South Africa
Committing to the course was one of the most important “yes” moment I have had in my life, you take the course to learn about Mama Cacao and get taken on a journey of self discovery and start to write the most beautiful love letter to life. It's been a journey of looking at where I was and the life I had been leading versus what my life looks like now while living from a softer and connected space and Mama Cacao has been invaluable to opening up my heart and allowing even more softness and grace into my life.
Ewalda Bouwer
South Africa
I cannot even begin to explain how insightful and in depth this course is. I leave this container with confidence in my knowledge gained and ability to hold space for myself and others in the future. I loved learning about the history of Cacao as I feel most people only know the beneficial properties but I have deepened my relationship with Cacao on a historical level. I also loved the weekly calls and getting to know some incredible women that I can always rely on and chat to about our shared love for Cacao.
Erin Horn
South Africa
I have loved every minute of becoming a Cacao Ceremonialist with Cape Cacao and Fran. The course material is very informative and well structured. Fran is an incredible facilitator and held us when we needed it with compassion and love. I am so glad I signed up for this course as I feel more empowered to go about holding space and holding Cacao Ceremonies with the insight and knowledge I have gained from this course.
Jenna Robertson
Dubai + South Africa
This training will undoubtedly have a butterfly effect on my life's trajectory - I truly feel that I am now equipped to live a life based in love, tenderness and kindness. I loved learning how to create a sacred altar and learning about 'sacred reciprocity'. It resonates so deeply to be in a constant cycle of giving and receiving. My altar has become such a space of refuge. It is at the base of a tree of which I sit under everyday, adding to it when I find new treasures. This has given me the opportunity to just be, breathe in fresh air and slow down my mind.
Ash Bennett
South Africa
My favourite parts of the training was of course meeting with Fran on a weekly basis, and I also enjoyed how the course was presented - the PDF format was helpful for me as I do prefer reading and absorbing the materials in my own pace, and to refer back to it when needed. I was able to connect with Mama Cacao deeper and appreciate more on how she has supported me in and outside of this course. Fran is a very steady, inspiring, and heart-led mentor, and I am so grateful and honoured to have trained under her.
Malvina Wong
Singapore

Frequently asked questions

This training is open to anyone who feels called to join. 

Yes! You are welcome to join as a refresher, to deepen your connection, to be held, to learn from a different perspective (each training and each facilitator bring their own magic, and so we are always able to learn from one another).

We meet every 2 weeks on Zoom (recordings available, except for ceremonies). You will be enrolled into our Sacred Academy (our online school) for your self-paced modules and library material, including video tutorials, PDFs to download and keep, links to other relevant content, and of course your suggested home practices for each module. You will work through a module every 2 weeks. Suggested time to put aside for this is 2-4 hours per week for self-study material to complete before the next group meet. Additionally to this, you have a 1:1 private bonus call with your facilitator, Fran. To start and end the training, there is an online ceremony (and for Level 1&2 trainees there is a mid-way ceremony too).

The Zoom sessions last between 90 minutes and 2 hours. 

During Level 1 we recommend at least 2-4 hours pers week, and for Level 2 we recommend at least 3-5 hours per week.

Yes, for Level 1 it is possible to make your payment in 3 x monthly installments (the first being your deposit, plus 2 others). For Level 1&2 it is possible to make your payment in 6 x monthly installments (the first being your deposit, plus 5 others).

Installment payment dates are monthly, unless otherwise communicated via email. An admin fee of ZAR200 will be charged for every week that a payment is overdue.  

All online training material is valid for 6 months from the end of the training period. Additional access is available at an admin fee of ZAR200 per month thereafter.

For Level 1 there are 2 ceremonies, to start and end your training. For Level 1&2 there are 3 ceremonies, to start, mid-way, and close your training.

You don’t have to sign up for Level 2 immediately, you join Level 1 for now and decide in a month’s time if you want to continue with Level 2.

Our first session is for orientation and welcome, so you won’t need Cacao for this week. From our second week we will be working with Ceremonial-grade Cacao. We will provide you with all the information upon registration, and you will also receive 10% discount on our Ceremonial-grade Cacao throughout your training.

It is completely optional if you want to certify, which means holding a ceremony at the end of Level 2. Your certification can also be taken after the training, and also again as a refresher for feedback and growth. If you don’t want to hold a ceremony then you can still join the training as there are many benefits from a personal growth perspective and to assist in space holding beyond the ceremonial sphere.

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR ALUMNI TRAINEES FOR EMBARKING ON THIS HEART-JOURNEY

Tamara Altermatt, Switzerland, Level 1

Malvina Wong, Singapore, Level 1+2

Brenda Lam, Singapore, Level 1+2+3

Nadia Nanji, United Kingdom, Level 1

Rochez O’Grady, United Kingdom, Level 1

Megan Scheepers, New Zealand, Level 1+2

Jenna Ford, Dubai, Level 1+2

Robyn Horwitz, Indonesia, Level 1+2

Inese Kalnina, Latvia, Level 1+2

Juliana Arroyave, Colombia, Level 1+2

Naomi Schademan, USA, Level 1

Sean Corey, USA, Level 1

Liezl Hoving, Namibia, Level 1+2

Melissa Mukaiwa, Namibia, Level 1+2

Chelsea Maloney, Zimbabwe, Level 1+2

Jess Pelser, Zimbabwe, Level 1+2

Kalai Faye, Zimbabwe, Level 1+2

Memory Tabvuma, Zimbabwe, Level 1

Dr Leila Sadien, South Africa, Level 1+2

Dr Bridget O’Neill Kruger, South Africa, Level 1+2

Dr Martie Underwood, South Africa, Level 1+2

Dr Variza Roopa, South Africa, Level 1+2

Patrycja Mochocka, South Africa, Level 1+2

Robyn Silberman, South Africa, Level 1+2

Susan Rossetto, South Africa, Level 1+2

Jacqui Meyer, South Africa, Level 1+2

Natalie Toontas, South Africa, Level 1+2

 

Jean Rodrigues, South Africa, Level 1+2

Kelly van Rensburg, South Africa, Level 1+2+3

Terry de Vries, South Africa, Level 1+2+3

Andre’ du Toit, South Africa, Level 1+2

Georgie Narasimaloo, South Africa, Level 1+2

Ivan Pather, South Africa, Level 1+2

Angela Nunes, South Africa, Level 1+2

Nikita Stallbom, South Africa, Level 1+2

Amelia Rossouw, South Africa, Level 1

Denise van der Merwe, South Africa, Level 1

Manuela Candido, South Africa, Level 1

Ishanie Munn, South Africa, Level 1

Carol Watson, South Africa, Level 1+2

Andria Joubert, South Africa, Level 1+2

Pravani Pillay, South Africa, Level 1+2

Nasrin Ebrahim, South Africa, Level 1+2

Laetitia van der Walt, South Africa, Level 1+2

Margie Adcock, South Africa, Level 1

Robyn Rose, South Africa, Level 1+2

Letitia de Jongh, South Africa, Level 1

Savannah Whiting, South Africa, Level 1+2

Lara Swanepoel, South Africa, Level 1+2

Ramona Chalmers, South Africa, Level 1

Ilsa Mundell, South Africa, Level 1+2

Amy Ziegler, South Africa, Level 1

Ashleigh Palmer, South Africa, Level 1+2

Eric Bleich, Ukraine, Level 1+2

Hellen Carambassis, South Africa, Level 1

Karin Gebert, South Africa, Level 1+2

Rebecca Urbanska, South Africa, Level 1

Michelle Allen, South Africa, Level 1+2

Candace Gilowey, South Africa, Level 1+2

Sanchia Chivell, South Africa, Level 1+2

Julie-Ann Coppinger, South Africa, Level 1

Alisha Bhagarette, South Africa, Level 1+2

Kath Shone, South Africa, Level 1+2

Tracy-Lee Dalton, South Africa, Level 1+2

Claudia Pescivolo, South Africa, Level 1+2

Lindy Briginshaw, South Africa, Level 1

Meghan Pendlebury, South Africa, Level 1+2

Este Meyer, South Africa, Level 1+2

Simone Naicken, South Africa, Level 1

Derushka Arnachellen, South Africa, Level 1+2

Julia Can, South Africa, Level 1+2

Erin Horn, South Africa, Level 1

Ashley Bennett, South Africa, Level 1

Ewalda Bouwer, South Africa, Level 1+2

Bianca Ronayne, South Africa, Level 1+2

Nicolene Myburg, South Africa, Level 1

Alina Greinert, South Africa, Level 1

Amber Downey, South Africa, Level 1+2

Ilse Meier, South Africa, Level 1+2

Sarah Thomson, South Africa, Level 1+2

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