Tantra means a loom or weaving.  In Tantric teachings, the universe is perceived as a fabric where everything is woven together, connected and related seamlessly. Tantra is also translated as "web".  We are all connected to each other in this infinite web.

Tantra is a way of life, a path of discovering the ecstatic in everyday life. In Tantric practice, to see your partner as divine, to actually and deliberately worship and adore the divine in her/him, initiates the process of transformation. Everything is to be experienced as a gift from the God/dess. Everyone is an aspect of the Divine coming into existence.

The Relationship between Tantra and Chocolate

“Maya.” The word evokes a world of mystery and intrigue: abandoned jungle cities, archeological puzzles, lost civilizations of pyramid builders. Ancient knowledge held by the Maya and their magnificent culture survives to this day.  Devout modern-day Mayans practice centuries-old rituals. Shaman/day-keepers connect with ancestors, perform curative healings and keep count of the ritual calendar, which after thousands of years ends on the winter solstice of the year 2012.

The Mayans viewed their world and the universe in a very spiritual manner as do Tantric followers. Believing that the cocoa tree belonged to the gods and that the pods were an offering from the gods, if not the gods' food itself, the Mayans quickly incorporated its pod into their everyday symbolism and mythology. They believed the gods placed this tree and its wonderful seed pods on Mother Earth for man to cultivate and enjoy. Today, couples use chocolate in their Tantric rituals to honor their beloved as an offering of love, playfulness and joy.

History of Cocoa

From Chocolate's beginnings, there was an intimate connection between the gods and humankind--one that touches the body, mind, and ultimately the soul.  The cocoa tree was seen as the bridge between heaven and earth.   It is said that the emperors drank forty to fifty cups of cocoa a day in special vessels.  The women of the village would mix the paste of the pods with spices and honey to make the liquid drink.  Science is now telling us what the ancients knew.  Chocolate contains the natural compounds that induce states of bliss and love, of imagination, creativity and spirit. Each of us has the choice to connect to the Spirit within ourselves.  

The Aztecs used certain luxury goods such as cotton cloaks, gold dust encased in quills, and cacao beans for currency. The Spanish explorer, Don Cortés, immediately recognized the potential value of cacao as a means of currency and food. Setting up commercial plantations throughout the Caribbean, Mexico, Ecuador, Venezuela and Peru, the Spanish Conquistadors helped spread cacao production throughout the world.

It has been reported that traces of chocolate have actually been discovered in Egyptian mummies.  Remarkably, this suggests that the ancient cultures of Mexico navigated the vast Atlantic Ocean to reach the foreign shores bringing with them their prized chocolate. 

It was Moctezuma who introduced Don Cortes to his favorite drink, 'chocolatl' - served in a golden goblet. Moctezuma is said to have consumed several goblets of 'chocolatl' before entering his harem, leading to the mythical belief that it had aphrodisiac properties.

Soon 'chocolate' became a fashionable drink enjoyed by the rich in Spain, but it took nearly a century for the news of cocoa and chocolate to spread across Europe, as the Spanish kept it a closely guarded secret.

         Mayan Cocoa Vessel               Chocolate Pot

Theobroma cacao, literally means "God food." To its many devotees, chocolate is exactly that and more....pure ecstasy.  Tantra Chocolate™ is where we embrace the worlds of matter and spirit to enjoy a sacred intimacy with chocolate.   Release its love powers by biting into it and offering your bliss to the gods!