ALLY MCDONALD BULL , Cacao Ceremonialist, Paris

POH

Hi Ally, nice to see you again – where are you currently – and does it feel like home ? 

ALLY

Wow, what a question to start with? So I’m currently in Paris and is this like home? There’s so many ways I could answer this. And so the simplest way I think I can say is that I was born here. 

I think it’s one of those places that for me, when I land here or I arrive back here, it always does feel very familiar to me. And I have to say that of all the places that I’ve lived in. And this also included  England and New Zealand. I do feel like Paris is where the heart feels like:  this is home.

POH

What inspired your journey into the performing arts, and how did it lead you to the health and wellness industry?

ALLY

So by the time I was, let’s say, around 2021 I was finishing my professional sort of undergraduate performing study. So I was doing a Bachelor of music and outside of that, I was also doing professional diplomas and various other performing arts. So technically, I am a professionally trained clarinetist, classical singer and then a musical theater performer. But during these years, my mental health was struggling. And now looking back, I want to say that whenever my mental health has really struggled, it’s really just been a sign that I wasn’t aligned.

I wasn’t on the right path and my body knew this. My mom was doing Pilates and she encouraged me to go and try it. – I fell in love with it.

I then decided to not put all of my money into studying over in London – and I instead traveled a bit and I’d been offered this opportunity to then train as a Pilates instructor at the studio. The catalyst for deciding to not pursue the performing arts was,  I’d gone over to London earlier that year actually to do these auditions. And I remember being at these auditions thinking like, wow, my life has led up to this point where now I’m auditioning for these masters courses to live the dream. And I just feel so stressed and like I’m in competition with all these people. I just didn’t care and it felt crazy because of all of the effort and work that led up to them.

POH

Could you share a significant moment or experience that shaped your perspective on holistic healing?

ALLY

Well, I think I’ve always been someone who enjoys many things. Even within music, I couldn’t decide which part to focus on. Later, when I learned about human design, I realized it’s in my nature to be interested in various things.

I asked myself, do I truly want to invest everything into something that demands my entire life? No more traveling or exploration – it requires complete dedication. And I had to question if that’s genuinely what I desired.

The restrictive nature of that life didn’t resonate with me. Instead, I sought a more expansive path. My journey began with Pilates, leading me to become a certified Health and Wellness coach in 2015. I transitioned away from the competitive aspect of performing arts towards helping others feel better through wellness practices.

POH

When I saw you in Paris, I was amazed by your work with Cacao. What drew you specifically to work with cacao and hosting cacao ceremonies?

ALLY

It’s the call, the call of Cacao. I reflect on this journey regularly, including last night when I led my ceremony during the new moon. Every time I conduct a ceremony, I ponder my journey. In simple terms, I’ve always been a chocoholic from a young age, always drawn to chocolate. Cacao represents curiosity, empowering us to open our minds and hearts, fostering flexibility in our thinking, and creating neural pathways. I’m fascinated by both the science and spiritual significance of this beautiful plant.

In 2018, upon moving here as an adult, I aimed to create a hot chocolate group since I don’t drink coffee. I desired community and had always felt inclined to create communities throughout the various lives and careers I’ve experienced. Initially starting with no one in my community, after a few years teaching movement as a Pilates and dance fitness instructor, I formed a Wellness group called “Rendezvous Chocolat,” focusing on discussions related to mind, body, spirit, and the feeling of not belonging, both for locals and expats. Unfortunately, this endeavor didn’t last long before COVID emerged. However, it was during COVID that I discovered more about CACAO ceremonies. A few months before, I visited Mexico, learning about 100% pure cacao and its ceremonial aspects, which felt somewhat aligned with what I was already doing in my own way. One reason I moved back to Europe was to potentially become a chocolatier. I’ve even completed a chocolate-making course and traveled across European countries indulging in hot chocolate tasting, although it’s distinct from the cacao I currently work with. The cacao I focus on now comes from Peru, from a company named Seleno Health (https://selenohealth.com/) , a New Zealand-Peruvian company co-owned by a native Peruvian woman and a New Zealand scientist. Together they fuse science and spirituality.

During COVID, I studied their online facilitation of cacao ceremonies, which encompassed spirituality, science, and everything this beautiful plant represents.

Cacao embodies love, the heart, harmony, and the Earth’s essence. Drinking cacao is like tasting the earth. Last year, I visited Peru with Seleno Health, visiting the farm where they source their cacao. This was an important part of my journey, respecting the origins of cacao despite not coming from that culture or part of the world. I felt connected to and shared this plant despite being seen as just a chocoholic.

POH

An interesting journey – from New Zealand to Paris and back to New Zealand and Peru

ALLY.

Well, actually, one of the reasons was COVID – I was in New Zealand. I already knew about Seleno Health and their ceremonial 100% Cacao.

They weren’t the first ceremonial grade cacao I had tried. While in New Zealand, I explored health and attended ceremonies, noticing a more holistic wellness approach there compared to other places like France. New Zealand was more advanced in integrating spiritual wellness, almost treating it like an exercise class.

Cacao represents everything related to the heart, which also signifies creativity. I believe every Cacao practitioner or medicine woman can conduct ceremonies in their unique way. I certainly conduct mine in my own way.

What matters most to me is holding space, especially in the beginning, expressing gratitude specifically for cacao. We often refer to cacao as Mama Cacao; she embodies a spirit, a feminine essence, representing the Earth and all involved in nurturing her journey from the farm to our cup. It’s about showing reverence for our ancestors, understanding the Peruvian and Guatemalan cosmovisions, acknowledging the interconnectedness of everything. Gratitude is key for our own journey and the care given to cacao, reflecting how cacao teaches us to live—a life rooted in thankfulness, setting intentions from the heart with love. It’s about appreciating our present, acknowledging how our past experiences shape our present and future, respecting what came before, regardless of the diverse yet vital essence of ceremonies.

For me, I love this idea that Cacao opens us up to connect more with our heart’s voice. I often align it with the energy of the moment, incorporating a bit of astrology with Cacao, as I believe it influences us given the cosmos’ impact. We begin connecting with Cacao through scent and taste, then encouraging people to sense and feel. As Cacao moves through, the body starts working, warming our hearts.

Again, life is about motion and flow. When we feel lost, it’s because we’re stuck. The answers are within us, sometimes buried deep. Cacao grounds us to the present moment, aiding us to listen, hear, and connect, moving past layers that come from the mind—overthinking, figuring things out. The mind understands external things, while the heart tells us our truth, guiding us to speak louder than the mind. The ceremony aims to reach an elevated state of gratitude, love, and bliss, which Cacao remarkably helps us achieve.

Again, I can delve into cacao science another time. Its chemical makeup allows us to measure bioactives like joy and bliss. It elevates us to a state of happiness and love, guiding our aspirations and the life we envision. Setting intentions from the heart aims to shape a more magical world. Practices like dancing evoke euphoria, while connecting with cacao grounds us, fostering a magical sense within the body.

POH

Tell us about the setup of these ceremonies, where do you conduct them, and how do people find you?

ALLY

So far, I’ve held ceremonies in various places. The first was at the Louvre in a beautiful garden, simply on the grass—an unforgettable experience. Ceremonies have taken place in my apartment, yoga or Pilates studios, and even in others’ homes, each space lending its own energy. I’m blessed with a wonderful community, so the setting isn’t a concern. Typically, there are between 10 to 20 people, maintaining an intimate atmosphere. Larger groups might lose that closeness. I usually arrange a circle with an altar containing earth, fire, water, air elements, and a seasonal touch. It’s about ensuring everyone feels comfortable and connected.

POH

You are heading to Phuket, Thailand, to spend some time in a retreat, offering ceremonies there as well.

ALLY

Yes, I’m offering my ceremonies to those who visit. It’s an opportunity for me to connect with Cacao from Thailand, which I’m excited about. I’m eager to learn and experience connections with various cacaos worldwide. Although I primarily work with the Peruvian one, I’ve also engaged with some from Guatemala and Mexico. This cacao journey aligns with my ceremonies, where my music also plays a significant role.

POH

Your journey started with performing arts, dance, Pilates – now you create communities and incorporate your music as well.

ALLY

I sing, play the clarinet, and own a Native American love flute. The music aims to resonate with our hearts, opening our bodies and stirring emotions. In Phuket and in upcoming ceremonies, I aim to offer diverse ceremonies blending astrology, creativity, and more. Popular sessions combine cacao and dance, uniting freedom and connection in movement. I combine dance with stillness, allowing questions in guided meditations to reveal profound insights. Participants can journal during these sessions, creating an ongoing transformative experience. Some attend once, others return periodically or frequently—It’s really amazing.

POH

“I cannot wait to join you in a ceremony when I’m in Paris. It’s a fascinating journey you’re on, and your passion is evident. Finding something that deeply connects with your heart is a fantastic achievement. Ultimately, life’s goal is to find a passion that utilizes your skills and brings deep fulfillment. Thank you for sharing. I could go on talking about it endlessly.

ALLY

What strikes me is the potential impact of Cacao. As someone who adores chocolate, I find it remarkable that it could play a role in saving the world. Cacao symbolizes a connected global community. Our healing intentions extend beyond ourselves; we aim to heal the Earth too. Cacao embodies this idea, promoting a life that feels good while doing good. In these challenging times, it’s crucial to focus on positivity, harmony, and the betterment of our planet rather than dwelling on negative news.

POH

Thank you for your time – and thank you for what you are doing for the community.