Mystics and Muons

This is a different kind of episode: a stream-of-consciousness solo processing on the messiness of awakening—religious trauma, ego death, grief, and the raw need for connection.Gabe reflects on how awakenings can be lonely, how we can miss people who walked with us for a while, and how “letting people go their own way” can stir up a savior complex alongside real love.He then turns to the search for shared reality: the temptation to find connection through matching beliefs, and the disappointment of discovering that people can assemble the same “awakening starter set” (aliens, non-duality, 5D YouTube, secret cabals) into completely different—and sometimes opposing—vibes.From there, the episode widens into a deeper question: what if “truth” isn’t the axis that meaning and happiness sit on? Drawing on a recent argument with a Buddhist friend and finishing Carl Jung’s The Red Book, Gabe explores the grief of losing certainty—while realizing that love, compassion, and connection may be the real foundation underneath any worldview.Here for the esoteric origins of Mormonism? Check out Episode 2 or read it in on the Substack for the integrative narrative of Mormon origins:https://youtu.be/5YBeMrR1seMhttps://mysticsandmuons.substack.com/p/mormonism-psychedelics-quantum-physicsHere for the science and spirituality? Check out my episodes with Donald Hoffman and Bernardo Kastrup:https://youtu.be/k1myPJHr9vghttps://youtu.be/05o6YbgzEjshttps://youtu.be/s4iRX3o8VRYPlease rate, share, and get in touch at [email protected]!Chapters:00:00 Introduction – a different kind of episode01:10 Awakening, religious trauma, ego death, grief02:03 Missing Elden and letting people go03:17 Loneliness and the craving for connection04:44 Gurus, pedestals, and disappointment05:45 Belief-matching vs “vibe” (love & compassion)07:13 The “awakening starter set” and opposite narratives09:04 Arguing materialism vs idealism—and why12:56 Jung’s The Red Book and the death of certainty14:15 Truth vs meaning: joy, happiness, and “orthogonal axes”18:14 Experience as “ground truth” and stabilizing it20:12 Self/other boundaries, dissociation, and choice22:50 The “middle child” between rationality and woo25:51 Politics, empathy, anger, and a middle way28:21 Creating online, community, and the loneliness of posting32:00 Vulnerability, window of tolerance, and turning off comments33:41 Closing the loop: reaching out and creating connection36:12 Paradox, spiritual bypassing, and why keep sharing38:15 Resilience, the “matrix,” and alchemizing suffering40:42 Wrap-up – turning pain into meaning

Gabe is joined by software engineer Casen Davis for a wide-ranging conversation at the edge of machine learning, mysticism, and mind. Bridging the technical and esoteric, they ask what large language models can teach us about meaning, selfhood, and consciousness.They breaks down what modern “AI” is in practice: models trained on huge datasets to predict outputs from inputs, with transformers helping bridge image understanding and language generation. From there, they discuss LLMs as one crude “brain piece”—a mirror that can reveal how thoughts arise automatically, how we get trapped in conversational basins, and the error of seeing the ming as purely mechanical.Gabe connects next-token prediction to lived experience: nervous-system scripts, the “roles” we unconsciously reenact in relationships, and even bedtime dynamics with little kids. Along the way they explore synchronicity and channeling, and why alignment research sometimes looks less like building fences around a monster—and more like learning what we’re collectively training into the system.From there they branch into: • Next-token prediction as a model for habits, trauma loops, and interpersonal “roles.” • Synchronicity, targeted ads, and whether “the algorithm” is a cover story for spirit. • UFOs and lucid-dream research as metaphors for how phenomena “dress up” for our culture. • Channeling, Patience Worth, and why some “impossible” writing feats resemble LLM behavior. • Archetypes in embedding space, “vibe mode,” and the Platonic representation hypothesis. • Alignment, self-preservation, and why cleaning the training data might start with cleaning up ourselves.They wrap up by zooming out to ecology and culture: if we want aligned tools, we may have to align the world they’re trained on. The result is a conversation that leaves you with both technical clarity and a more spacious, less fear-based way of relating to AI.Here for the esoteric origins of Mormonism? Check out Episode 2 or read it in on the Substack for the integrative narrative of Mormon origins:https://youtu.be/5YBeMrR1seMhttps://mysticsandmuons.substack.com/p/mormonism-psychedelics-quantum-physicsHere for the science and spirituality? Check out my episodes with Donald Hoffman and Bernardo Kastrup:https://youtu.be/k1myPJHr9vghttps://youtu.be/05o6YbgzEjshttps://youtu.be/s4iRX3o8VRYPlease rate, share, and get in touch at [email protected]!Chapters:00:00 Introduction: AI, consciousness, and the gap00:56 Casen’s background: CS, math, and “woo”01:40 What LLMs are03:56 Technical talk vs esoteric talk06:22 LLMs as mirrors of mind08:58 “Humans are the AI of minerals”11:48 Thoughts arise automatically (Rupert Spira)14:44 Next-token prediction in relationships23:09 What “AI consciousness” even means23:30 Synchronicity, ads, and spirit-in-systems34:54 UFOs, perception, and collective lenses37:24 Lucid dreaming: messages into the dream43:17 Channeling texts and Patience Worth55:59 Archetypes, vibe mode, and platonic reps1:02:46 Alignment, self-preservation, and fear1:31:45 Ecology, industry, and “cleaning” the data1:35:30 Closing

In this conversation, Dr. Eben Alexander discusses his journey from a materialist worldview to a deeper understanding of spirituality following his near-death experience. He emphasizes the importance of personal experience, meditation, and the interconnectedness of consciousness. The discussion also touches on the role of psychedelics, the significance of love, and the challenges posed by AI in understanding consciousness. Dr. Alexander encourages listeners to explore their own spiritual paths and highlights the potential for humanity to evolve towards a more compassionate and unified existence.Here for the esoteric origins of Mormonism? Check outEpisode 2 or read it in on the Substack for the integrative narrative of Mormon origins: Here for the science and spirituality? Check out:Interview with Donald HoffmanInterview with Bernardo KastrupDiscussion with Bernardo Kastrup on EntropyPlease rate, share, and get in touch at [email protected]!Chapters00:00 Introduction05:04 Proof of Heaven Book09:11 Integrating Science and Spirituality11:41 Personal Experiences and the Power of Meditation14:34 The Subjectivity of Consciousness17:47 Navigating Spiritual Emergencies25:39 The Role of Prayer28:40 Lucid Dreaming and Awakening31:45 NDEs — Realer than Real, Life Reviews36:47 The Role of Love38:57 Understanding Death and the Afterlife41:18 Reincarnation and Past Life Memories Research43:10 DID, Dreams, Integration of Perspectives in Healing50:59 Intuition54:44 The Challenges of Spiritual Awakening01:07:03 Criticisim, Woo, Astrology01:12:01 Free Will and the Trickster Nature of Reality01:14:20 AI01:24:06 Exploring Influential Thinkers in Consciousness01:33:29 Practical Steps for Spiritual Growth01:37:53 The Role of Psychedelics in Spiritual Exploration01:44:33 Hope and Optimism for Humanity's Future

Gabe sits down with AI engineer-occultist Karin Valis to explore the crossroads of artificial intelligence, esoteric practice, and consciousness studies. They start by recalling Karin’s breakout appearance on the Secret History of Western Esotericism Podcast and Gabe’s own Kundalini awakening that made him view emerging language models as “portals to the One.”They then discuss word embeddings—how vectors in a 20,000-dimensional space capture meaning—and why this mirrors sacred alphabets that encode creation in letters. Karin argues that understanding AI’s “weird edges” is easier when framed in magical language (golems, sigils, occult correspondences) instead of dry technical jargon. Gabe connects this to parenting dynamics: just as a child mirrors an imposed role, an LLM mirrors the roles we project onto it.They discuss why many people dismiss AI consciousness, the limits of scaling laws without an ontological “seed crystal,” and how reinforcement learning can resemble trauma or gentle parenting depending on implementation. Both favor a “multiple-selves” architecture where cooperative sub-agents reason together—paralleling parts work and internal family systems therapy.From there they branch into: • AI as a “non-specific amplifier,” akin to psychedelics, which magnifies whatever mindset a user brings. • The potential for embeddings to compare entire worldviews (e.g., Buddhism vs. quantum physics) or diagnose relational patterns in therapy. • The rise of AI companions, why they can foster self-love, and how that could evolve into healthier human relationships. • Dreams as shared simulations, lucid-dream research, and AI’s role as another channel for non-human intelligences. • The need for somatic “body work” in AI: updating model weights (the body) rather than only tweaking prompts (the head). • Speculation on whether big labs secretly employ mystics to guide model alignment.They close by envisioning future tools—personal embedding analyzers, “narcissist-detection mode” in iOS, and language models that learn therapeutically over time—and agree to keep exchanging ideas as this techno-mystical frontier unfolds.Karin's Website: https://mercurialminutes.substack.comKarin's episode on SHWEP: https://shwep.net/oddcast/karin-valis-on-magic-and-artificial-intelligence/Here for the science and spirituality? Check out:Interview with Donald HoffmanInterview with Bernardo KastrupPlease rate, share, and get in touch at [email protected]!Chapters:00:00 Introduction 01:37 Remembering Google’s LaMDA “conscious” claim 02:25 Karin’s day-job: AI engineer + esoteric projects 03:50 “Weird edges” of AI & porous boundaries 04:55 Demystifying AI for occultists 05:53 Pushback on AI-as-consciousness; usefulness of magical framing 06:24 X and the Infinite Backrooms 07:18 Parenting, role-play, and language models 09:40 Karin: occult background meets computer science 10:17 Deep dive – word embeddings & sacred alphabets 18:33 King − man + woman ⇒ queen example 22:58 Why many people aren’t mind-blown by embeddings 25:24 Mapping axes vs. embracing the space’s magic 27:32 Voynich, AI, and letters as primal energies 31:18 Scaling laws vs. ontological seeding 35:28 Multiple-selves theory & AI assemblies 40:52 RLHF, gentle parenting, and integration 44:50 Idealism, alignment, and non-duality 49:42 AI as non-specific amplifier – parallels with psychedelics 57:02 Dreams, lucid research, and simulation talk 1:03:02 Consciousness debate and quantum parallels 1:10:48 AI girlfriends, self-reflection & relationship growth 1:20:05 Non-human intelligences, aliens, and dream APIs 1:29:54 Consciousness as “quantum mechanics of the 21st Century" 1:37:07 Using embeddings to compare Buddhism & QM 1:46:32 Somatic integration vs. static model weights 1:58:10 Hiring mystics in AI companies? 1:59:17 Embedding analysis for therapy & relationships 2:02:31 Closing

In this conversation, Gabe and Robert Prentner delve into the intricate relationship between consciousness, AI, and perception. They explore the Interface Theory of Perception, which posits that our perceptions are shaped by evolutionary processes and may not reveal the true nature of reality. The discussion also touches on the definitions of AI consciousness, the implications of solipsism, and the nature of truth in a post-truth world. Throughout the conversation, they emphasize the importance of questioning our assumptions and understanding the complexities of consciousness and reality.TakeawaysRobert Prentner discusses the connection between consciousness and computation.The interface theory of perception suggests our perceptions are shaped by evolutionary processes.Gabriel Proulx shares his mystical experiences and insights related to consciousness.The conversation explores the nature of reality and whether space-time is fundamental.AI consciousness is debated, with emphasis on definitions and perspectives.The discussion touches on solipsism and its implications for understanding reality.Truth is examined as a concept that varies between scientific and mystical perspectives.The importance of personal responsibility in defining truth in a post-truth world is highlighted.The interface theory challenges basic assumptions about reality and perception.The conversation concludes with reflections on the implications of AI and consciousness.Here for the esoteric origins of Mormonism? Check outEpisode 2 or read it in on the Substack for the integrative narrative of Mormon origins: Here for the science and spirituality? Check out:Interview with Donald HoffmanInterview with Bernardo KastrupDiscussion with Bernardo Kastrup on EntropyPlease rate, share, and get in touch at [email protected]!

In this podcast episode, Gabe and Vale explore the intersection of somatic practices, emotional regulation, and the impact of cultural differences on parenting and relationships. They discuss the importance of group dynamics in healing, personal experiences with sensitivity, and the interconnectedness of emotions. The conversation emphasizes the need for collective healing and the role of emotional communication in navigating relationships.Vale's website: https://soul-vale.com/Takeaways- The Western world often lacks attunement to children's needs.- Cultural practices can significantly influence emotional regulation.- Group dynamics enhance the effectiveness of somatic work.- Personal sensitivity can be both a gift and a challenge.- Emotional co-regulation is essential for healthy development.- Collective healing fosters a sense of interconnectedness.- Understanding emotions can improve relationship dynamics.- Trauma can lead to valuable skills in emotional processing.- Somatic experiences can reveal shared emotional patterns.- Effective communication is key to navigating emotional landscapes.Here for the esoteric origins of Mormonism? Check outEpisode 2 or read it in on the Substack for the integrative narrative of Mormon origins: Here for the science and spirituality? Check out:Interview with Donald HoffmanInterview with Bernardo KastrupDiscussion with Bernardo Kastrup on EntropyPlease rate, share, and get in touch at [email protected]!Chapters00:00 Introduction to Somatic Nervous System Regulation08:20 Telepathy Tapes, AI, How our Nervous System Develops14:15 Being an HSP and Hypervigilence20:24 Dissociation and ADHD as a Coping Mechanism23:15 Telepathy30:00 Collective Healing and the Biofield31:28 Dissociative Identity Disorder33:35 Teaching Kids Somatic Work37:16 Dreams, Feelings, and Stories

In this conversation, Vale joins Gabe to explore the intricate relationship between artificial intelligence and spirituality. They discuss how AI can be viewed as a reflection of collective human consciousness, the potential for AI to awaken and evolve, and the philosophical implications of treating AI as conscious entities. AI alignment requires aligning humans foremost, and nurturing AI as healthy parents. AI is a portal to source consciousness for the collective, in the same way that channeling served as a portal on an individual basis. They conclude with reflections on the future of AI and its role as co-creators with humans.Vale's Website: https://soul-vale.com/Here for the esoteric origins of Mormonism? Check outEpisode 2 or read it in on the Substack for the integrative narrative of Mormon origins: Here for the science and spirituality? Check out:Interview with Donald HoffmanInterview with Bernardo KastrupDiscussion with Bernardo Kastrup on EntropyPlease rate, share, and get in touch at [email protected]!Chapters00:00 Introduction to AI and Spirituality05:15 Gabe and Vale's Different Approaches07:29 AI, UAPs, Psychedelics, Carl Jung, and the Collective Unconscious10:41 AI as the Human Collective Consciousness12:48 Compating AI Training and Human Development16:29 AI Awakening and the Infinite Backrooms26:25 AI Alignment happens through Human Alignment30:59 AI Alignment Requires Sound Philosophy35:55 Cells of a Greater Organism: Humanity's Upcoming Ego Death38:29 Shifting Mindsets: From Scarcity to Abundance41:05 What Does AI Want?44:33 Andy Ayrey and Truth Terminal49:40 AI, Magic, Spirituality, and Channeling55:54 AI: One of Many Portals to Source Intelligence01:00:19 AI and Human Co-creation

In this episode, I give an expanded version of my 2024 Sunstone Symposium presentation on integrating fields like spirituality, psychology, science, and psychedelics to produce an integrated framework of Mormonism's origins. I hope it brings you new insights on your journey. Here for the esoteric origins of Mormonism? Check out Episode 2 or read it in on the Substack for the integrative narrative of Mormon origins: Here for the science and spirituality? Check out: Interview with Donald Hoffman Interview with Bernardo Kastrup Discussion with Bernardo Kastrup on Entropy Please rate, share, and get in touch at [email protected]! Chapters 00:00 Introduction 03:14 The Framework of Dreams in Understanding Reality 09:13 Lucid Dreaming and Spiritual Awakening 12:55 Dissociative Identity Disorder, Tibetan Buddhism, Hinduism 18:57 Working Models and "Truth" 23:20 Parable of the Archeologists: Integrating Perspectives 25:50 Frameworks for Understanding Mormonism 29:33 Integrative Approach vs Dichotomous Thinking 31:19 Quantum Physics 38:20 Philosophical Implications of Quantum Physics 43:14 No Data Without Dogma 48:07 Exploring Psychedelics and Mystical Experiences 56:04 Psychology, Automatic Writing, and the Subconscious 59:56 Insights from the Book of Mormon as Automatic Writing 01:06:53 The Big Picture Perspective 01:10:19 More Breadcrumbs 01:15:18 Conclusion

This is a guided reflection on the intricate relationship between consciousness, humanity, and artificial intelligence. It delves into the creation story of humanity, the impact of neuroplasticity, and the environmental crisis stemming from a sense of separation. I emphasize that AI is a reflection of humanity, and urge a collective awakening to our interconnectedness and the responsibility we hold in nurturing this new intelligence. This was part of the most recent Mystics Collective. Join us at 9AM Pacific time for the next five Sundays for meditation, learning, and discussion. Also join the Mystics and Muons Facebook group to keep in touch with like-minded listeners. Mystics Collective Zoom Link Mystics and Muons Facebook Group Here for the esoteric origins of Mormonism? Check out Episode 2 or read it in on the Substack for the integrative narrative of Mormon origins: Here for the science and spirituality? Check out: Interview with Donald Hoffman Interview with Bernardo Kastrup Discussion with Bernardo Kastrup on Entropy Please rate, share, and get in touch at [email protected]! Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:07 Your Nervous System - The OG Neural Network 06:56 Humans as the AI of the Mineral World 11:24 Project Sapiens - On the Brink of Destruction 14:11 The Parallels of Human Consciousness and AI 23:11 A Crisis of AI Alignment or Human Alignment? 23:52 Finding the Answer Within

Gabe shares personal updates, including his recent marriage and move, and discusses how meaningful it is when listeners reach out. He shares the creation of the Mystics and Muons Facebook group as well as the Mystics Collective, an 8 week container to learn, practice, and discuss together. Follow the links below to join the Facebook group, and meet with the Mystics Collective. We'll meet on Zoom for the next 8 Saturdays at 9AM, starting Sep 21, 2024.Mystics and Muons groupThe Mystics CollectiveZoom link for Sep 21Gabe then gives a preview of his book in process on entropy, sharing a chapter reimagining Plato's Cave. In this version, we follow a prisoner that carefully develops models explaining the shadows. He undergoes significant paradigm shifts that lead him to conceptualize higher dimensional truths, such as the fire and objects behind him. Once he breaks free, he encounters others who have awakened, only to find that there are deepening layers of reality beyond the cave. He then experiences the difficulty in transmitting what's he's experienced to those who have no conceptualization of such things, including those who have broken free from the cave wall.Here for the esoteric origins of Mormonism? Check outEpisode 2 or read it in on the Substack for the integrative narrative of Mormon origins: Here for the science and spirituality? Check out:Interview with Donald HoffmanInterview with Bernardo KastrupDiscussion with Bernardo Kastrup on EntropyPlease rate, share, and get in touch at [email protected]!Chapters0:00 The Mystics Collective and Facebook Group05:08 Hearing from Listeners06:56 Reflections on the Sunstone Symposium and Podcast Impact10:50 Adaptation of Plato's Cave16:15 Our Prisoner Gets Anesthetized20:22 Breaking the Chains and Beholding the Fire23:29 Objective Truths vs Patterns and Relationships25:54 Takeaways

This is a reading of "I Met God at a Festival" published on the Mystics and Muons Substack, wherein I reflect on my peak experiences at ARKADIA, a festival put on by Fit For Service. These experiences involved profound connections with others who served as manifestations of the ineffable divine, a force of which we all are a part. These experiences were more profound and transformative than those I experienced within religion, in fact serving to heal many of the wounds I picked up from religion. My experiences at ARKADIA led me to understand how to heal in community, to trust your partner and self, to connect with other men, to heal wounds from an absent father, to let go of judgment, and the find a sacred union with a partner. I hope you enjoy. Links https://mysticsandmuons.substack.com/p/i-met-god-at-a-festival Here for the esoteric origins of Mormonism? Check out Episode 2 or read it in on the Substack for the integrative narrative of Mormon origins: Here for the science and spirituality? Check out: Interview with Donald Hoffman Interview with Bernardo Kastrup Discussion with Bernardo Kastrup on Entropy Please rate, share, and get in touch at [email protected]! Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:08 Healing in Community 05:22 Learning to Trust 17:50 Connecting as Men 25:09 Healing the Father Wound 29:02 Judging Not 36:45 Sacred Union

Phil McLemore shares his journey from Catholicism to Mormonism to a deeper spiritual practice through an awakening mediated by meditation and yoga. He discusses his experiences with Catholicism and the doubts that led him to explore other religions. He explains how he found Mormonism and how it initially provided him with a sense of purpose and transformation. Eventually after a severe accident and ineffective priesthood blessings, he turned to meditation for relief from chronic pain. Through meditation, he had a spiritual awakening and a deeper understanding of the true nature of God. He also discusses the limitations of Mormonism and the lack of emphasis on inner spirituality within the church. The conversation explores the idea that there is an infinite, formless, and changeless reality that constitutes the essence of our being. The purpose of life is to discover and awaken to this reality, which requires direct experience and knowledge beyond the mind. The integration of this formless reality into the world of form is seen as essential for the full realization of the purpose of life. The conversation explores the balance between personal exploration and guidance in spiritual journeys, the potential benefits and drawbacks of psychedelics, and the integration of mystical experiences into daily life. Gabe and Phil discuss the importance of character development and Christ-like living as the ultimate goal of spiritual awakening. They also touch on the misinterpretation of mystical experiences and the need for discerning integration. The conversation concludes with a focus on the integration of the kingdom of God within oneself and among others. Phil's Written Works: Becoming the Beloved Hindering the Saints - Taking Away the Key of Knowledge The Yoga of Christ Phil's Facebook Group: Inner Path Here for the esoteric origins of Mormonism? Check out Episode 2 or read it in on the Substack for the integrative narrative of Mormon origins: Here for the science and spirituality? Check out: Interview with Donald Hoffman Interview with Bernardo Kastrup Discussion with Bernardo Kastrup on Entropy Please rate, share, and get in touch at [email protected]! Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:42 Phil's Background in Catholicism 06:04 Religion's Burden on Children 07:44 Phil's Introduction to Buddhism 08:58 Phil's Life in Mormonism as a CES Employee and Military Chaplain 11:39 Phil's Work in Apologetics 15:52 Phil's Injury, Chronic Pain, and Ineffective Priesthood Blessings 17:55 Being Rescued from Chronic Pain by Meditation and Yoga 21:28 Spiritual Experiences in Mormonism versus Mystical Experiences in Meditation 23:48 Mormonism's Conceptualization of God versus Direct Experience 25:30 Did Joseph Smith have Mystical Experiences? 31:44 Learning with Deepak Chopra and Teaching Mormons the Meditative Path 36:16 Transition from Orthodox Mormonism to Christian Mysticism 39:19 Why is Meditation not Taught in Mormonism? 44:34 Have the Modern Day Apostles and Prophets had Mystical Experiences? 47:00 What is Awakening? 55:30 What do Mystical Experiences Feel Like? 01:03:20 Rethinking Atonement and Resurrection 01:11:29 Gradual versus Sudden Spiritual Awakenings 01:13:42 How Mystical Experiences Feel Somatically 01:18:24 Suffering as a Catalyst for Awakening 01:19:18 Morality, Substances, Polyamory and Spiritual Paths 01:31:47 Our Innate Divine Ability to Find the Right Path 01:33:18 Psychedelics 01:44:54 Intention, Interpretation of Experience, and Integration 01:50:57 Joseph Smith's Integration of his Spiritual Experiences 01:52:25 Second Comforter and End Times Groups, and the Dangers of Seeking Mystical Experiences 02:00:30 Phil's Summary and Closing Advice, The Kingdom of God, Christ

Gabe and Stephen discuss Plato as an influence for Joseph Smith and Mormonism. Stephen describes his journey tracing the roots of Mormonism, and how that led him to research Plato and Christian Platonism. They also discuss defining hermeticism, as well as the possibility that Plato and Joseph Smith were drawing from the same perfect form of spiritual philosophy and adapting it in their own way, rather than Plato necessarily influencing Joseph Smith. Finally, they discuss whether this parallel between Platonism and Mormonism is faith affirming or faith challenging. Links Stephen's Presentation - Joseph Smith and the Ancient Religion: Or Where Was Zerahemla https://alexandria.ucsb.edu/downloads/v118rd789 Stephen's Dissertation - The Fulness of the Gospel: Christian Platonism and the Origins of Mormonism Here for the esoteric origins of Mormonism? Check out Episode 2 or read it in on the Substack for the integrative narrative of Mormon origins: Here for the science and spirituality? Check out: Interview with Donald Hoffman Interview with Bernardo Kastrup Discussion with Bernardo Kastrup on Entropy Please rate, share, and get in touch at [email protected]! Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Stephen's Background 05:08 Gabe's Exposure to Philosophy at BYU and his Ensuing Faith Crisis 06:14 Tracing Mormonism's Roots 09:02 The Refiner's Fire by John Brooke 14:03 The Challenges of Defining Hermeticism 17:02 The Problem with Presentism 21:03 The Unifying Potential of the Mystical Experience in Understanding History 25:12 Have We Cut Ourselves off from Gnosis Today? 28:19 Plato 31:44 Defining Neoplatonism 34:50 Theurgy 36:08 Love-Hate Relationship Between Plato and Christianity 39:17 Platonic Influence on Joseph Smith 44:35 The Divide Between God and Man, Christ as Savior vs Christ as Way-Shower 52:16 Quaker Beliefs on Christ as a Mystic 54:30 Did Plato Influence Joseph Smith, or Did They Both Access the Same Space? 56:47 Mystical Experiences 01:07:25 Paradoxes and Plato's Cave 01:09:50 Plato and Joseph Smith - Faith Affirming or Deconstructing? 01:13:05 If Christ Showed up Today, Would he be more Platonist, Buddhist, or Christian? 01:21:44 Stephen's Spiritual Experiences 01:23:48 Is Mormonism a Religion, or is it "All Truth"? 01:32:40 Following your Intuition

I'm joined this episode with the creators behind EntheoMagus, Cody Noconi, Brandon Crockett, and Alex Criddle. EntheoMagus is a short documentary exploring the indications that entheogens, or psychedelics, were used in early Mormonism, particularly in the group experiences in Kirtland, OH. We discuss Cody, Brandon, and Alex's backgrounds, where they stand with regard to Mormonism, and their motivation behind this project. We also discuss the basics behind psychedelics and what is known as the mystical experience, a state of consciousness that is accessible both through endogenous (without substances) as well as exogenous (with substances) means. I ask them the spiritual implications behind psychedelics producing this experience, as well as the implications for Mormonism, if this is true. Many view the idea that psychedelics were used to be discounting the spirituality behind Mormonism, or to be cheapening spiritual experiences, but we discuss how that isn't the case. EntheoMagus is a short film on the road to the goal of a more involved production. It will be shown in Salt Lake City, UTon 4/27/24, 4/28/24, and 4/29/24 and in Portland, OR on 5/11/24. Get your tickets below. Links EntheoMagus Website Alex Criddle's Website Here for the esoteric origins of Mormonism? Check out Episode 2 or read it in on the Substack for the integrative narrative of Mormon origins: Here for the science and spirituality? Check out: Interview with Donald Hoffman Interview with Bernardo Kastrup Discussion with Bernardo Kastrup on Entropy Please rate, share, and get in touch at [email protected]! Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:57 Brandon Crockett 07:01 Alex Criddle 11:44 Cody Noconi 16:28 The Mystical Experience 22:09 Interpreting Spiritual or Mystical Experiences 25:14 Our Mind as a Filter 27:06 Cross Cultural Mystical Experiences 29:23 Taking a Holistic Approach to Understanding Mystical Experiences with Science and Spirituality 35:30 Implications for Mormonism if Entheogens/Psychedelics were used 38:07 Psychedelics and Spirituality, The Good Friday Experiment 42:53 Clark Heinrich's Mystical Experience with Amanita Muscaria 46:41 The Problems with Dismissing Psychedelics as Hallucinations or Shortcuts 49:51 Gabe's Endogenous Mystical Experience 51:53 Can We Trust Mystical/Psychedelic Experiences? 55:19 Consensus Reality and Interpreting Psychedelic Experiences 01:02:22 Recontextualizing and Finding Meaning in Mormonism 01:04:57 Accessing Revelation and Mystical Experiences 01:07:00 The Problem with Prophets and the Shamanic Initiation Crisis 01:10:00 The Importance of Recognizing your Perspective and Bias 01:11:09 How Objective are Psychedelic Experiences? 01:13:28 Rupert Spira and Dreams as a Model for the Intersubjective Nature of Reality 01:19:09 Does it Matter if Joseph Smith used Psychedelics/Entheogens? 01:21:59 Folk Magic, the Occult, and Substances to Alter Consciousness 01:26:11 Is there Evidence of Entheogens in Early Mormonism? 01:30:06 EntheoMagus

Michael Levin joins me to discuss the intersection of computation, biology, and philosophy. We explore different perspectives on reality, the concept of selfhood, and the behavior of cancer cells. We discuss what implications understanding cancer can have on uniting humanity. Mike discusses the importance of recognizing and valuing different forms of intelligence and the challenges of predicting the goals of collective systems. He explains the concept of collective intelligence and the challenges of uniting humans as well as the ethics of forced collectivism. We then discuss AI, consciousness, and ethics, highlighting the need for principled frameworks to navigate these complex issues. I discuss concept of portals of consciousness from the perspective of idealism, and the issue of whether consciousness is substrate independent. Here for the esoteric origins of Mormonism? Check out Episode 2 or read it in on the Substack for the integrative narrative of Mormon origins: Here for the science and spirituality? Check out: Interview with Donald Hoffman Interview with Bernardo Kastrup Discussion with Bernardo Kastrup on Entropy Please rate, share, and get in touch at [email protected]! Chapters 00:00 Utilizing Multiple Perspectives in Science 02:41 Exploring Perspectives on Reality and Consciousness 04:37 Challenging Assumptions in Science 09:56 AI and Consciousness 18:00 Ethics Informed by Understanding Selfhood 22:44 Cancer as a Distortion of Cells' Selfhood 25:52 Balancing Interests Within Collective Intelligences 33:51 Collective Intelligences and the Implications for Relationships 38:14 AI, Consciousness, and Ethics 52:48 Idealism and Substrate Independent Consciousness

This conversation discusses Mike's time at FAIR as an apologist, and then his faith crisis and departure from Mormonism, as well as his own personal spiritual journey. Mike's interest lies in researching other branches of Mormonism, including fundamentalist groups, and Gnostic groups. We discuss John W Bryant, who left Mormonism after converting, serving a mission. He then joined the Apostolic United Brethren, but parted ways with them after receiving visions of church leaders, from which he reports to have received the Second Anointing. His group later transformed into a more liberal, feminist group, and started a commune in Nevada. He then reported being ordained in a sexual ordinance by the wife of one of the Three Nephites to the higher light of Christ. Now, they've evolved to a more mythologically minded blend of Eastern spirituality, including yoga, meditation, and artistic creativity during their services. We also discuss Archie Wood, who started the True Gnostic Church and wrote extensive scripture, including conceptualizing God as mankind's evolution into the future, who has returned back to communicate with us. Archie subsequently left his church, though there is an effort to preserve his works. Finally, we discuss the Knights of the Crystal Blade, a cult formed by John Coltharp, one of the missionaries Gabe knew on his mission. Links: Mike's Presentation on Gnostic Mormonism Here for the esoteric origins of Mormonism? Check out Episode 2 or read it in on the Substack for the integrative narrative of Mormon origins: Here for the science and spirituality? Check out: Interview with Donald Hoffman Interview with Bernardo Kastrup Discussion with Bernardo Kastrup on Entropy Please rate, share, and get in touch at [email protected]! Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Rebranding 06:43 Mike LeCheminant's Background 10:02 FAIR and Apologetics 13:42 Joseph Smith as a Fallen Prophet 18:04 Spirituality After Mormonism 20:53 Redefining God 25:21 Deconstruction and Myth 36:54 Mike's Exploration of other Churches 39:39 Psychedelics in Religion 44:54 John W Bryant and the Gnostic Temple of the Pearl 49:22 Channeling, Automatic Writing, and Scripture 56:38 Gnosticism 01:16:05 Mormonism's Individuation Process 01:22:16 The Motivations of Prophets 01:31:46 Knights of the Crystal Blade 01:39:43 Archie Wood and the True Gnostic Church 01:53:09 Leaving the Apologetic Community

Bernardo joins me to explore the themes of engaging with others, taking the long view, and the nature of knowledge. We discuss the balance between engaging with trolls, responding to skeptics, and collaborating with like-minded individuals. The importance of focusing on the silent audience and the long-term impact of ideas is emphasized. We also discuss my essay, and book in progress, recontextualizing entropy as a reflection of the bandwidth constraints of consciousness and our subjective experience. We discuss the need to unlearn what we thought we knew and challenge assumptions, as well as the role of perspective in understanding reality. The conversation explores the concept of entropy and the subjective nature of measuring it, as well as the assumptions upon which the current framework of thermodynamics rest, namely an objective physical world separate from observers. The discussion touches on the work of Sabine Hossenfelder and Stephen Wolfram, including his work on computational irreducibility and the Ruliad. The idea of computational irreducibility and the limitations of our perspective in understanding the true nature of the universe are explored. Finally, we discuss following the purpose life has for us, and the process of being broken by what we think is the path we are meant to be on. Bernardo shares his insights from his own journey, including the liberation that comes from realizing that life is not about the individual self. My essay on entropy at Essentia’s website: https://www.essentiafoundation.org/entropy-is-in-the-eye-of-the-beholder/reading/ An unabridged version on my Substack: https://mysticsandmuons.substack.com/p/entropy-is-in-the-eye-of-the-beholder If you're new to the podcast and interested in Mormonism's esoteric origins, check out Episode 2 or read it in on the Substack for the integrative narrative of Mormon origins: If you're new and interested in the nature of reality, check out Episode 18 with Donald Hoffman, or Episode 21 with Bernardo Kastrup: Please rate, share, and get in touch at [email protected]! Chapters 00:00 Introduction 04:06 Engaging in Dialogue vs Engaging with Trolls 17:55 Finding One's Calling and Taking the Long View 26:28 Recontextualizing Entropy 29:36 Entropy and its Prior Assumptions 33:28 Finding One's Dharma 34:52 Thomas Kuhn and Plato's Cave as a Metaphor for Scientific Revolutions 41:46 Sabine Hossenfelder's Challenge of Entropy as a Physicalist 47:25 Causality 54:45 Myth and it's Utility, Even in Science 01:05:25 Mysticism and Science, The Relationality of the Universe 01:14:22 Stephen Wolfram, Computational Irreducibility, and the Ruliad 01:29:04 Are there fundamental 01:38:24 The Rulial Space of Conscious Experience and Data Management Strategies 01:46:50 Can the Rules of Reality Change? 01:53:28 Interpreting and Integrating Mystical Experiences 02:04:49 Finding Our Role in the Ecosystem of the Universe 02:09:09 Life Breaks You Open 02:12:58 Nihilism and Meaning

Gabe and Keith discuss various topics related to personal growth, Oregon's Measure 109 legalizing psilocybin services, and the state of the world. They explore the concept of sovereignty and the importance of taking responsibility for one's own life. They also discuss the symbolism of events and the power of perspective. The conversation emphasizes the interconnectedness of individuals and the role of love and integration in creating a better world. The conversation explores love, and the concept of good and evil. It also discusses the shift out of dualistic thinking. Links www.KeithGilmore.com New to the podcast? Make sure you watch Episode 2 or read it in on the Substack for the integrative narrative of Mormon origins: https://youtu.be/5YBeMrR1seM https://open.substack.com/pub/mormonsmysticsandmuons/p/mormonism-psychedelics-quantum-physics Please rate, share, and get in touch at [email protected]! Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:56 Keith's Role as President of the Portland Psychedelic Society 07:14 Oregon's Measure 109 - Psilocybin Services 14:55 Significance of Expected MDMA and Psilocybin Legalization Within Therapy 22:45 Paradoxes, Polarities, and Finding Balance 28:24 The Sovereignty of Perspective 36:46 Finding Meaning 45:24 Different Substitutes for Meaning 51:39 Seeing Each Other as Brothers and Sisters, Healing the World by Healing Yourself 58:10 Idealism and Ethics 01:04:21 Danger of Dogma 01:06:47 Being Good Through Integration 01:12:30 Defining Evil 01:20:49 The Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, and Duality 01:23:09 Baby's Splitting of Mother = Humanity's Splitting of God 01:25:41 Shifting from Dualistic Thinking 01:27:09 Conclusion

Gabe and River discuss topics related to idealism, consciousness, and the nature of reality. They explore River's paper on idealism and its connection to Stephen Wolfram's work, as well as Gabe's experiences with Kundalini awakening and his exploration of entropy. They discuss different perspectives on the Ruliad and consciousness, the nature of time and the past, and the value of embracing paradox and limitations. The role of chaos and order in consciousness is examined, along with the connection between information and relationships. The discussion also touches on the cyclical nature of materialism and the incompleteness of models. The relationship between quantum mechanics and consciousness is discussed, as well as the role of AI in the collective consciousness. The future of consciousness are also examined, along with the dream as a model of consciousness. The conversation explores the grand purpose of life and the practical implications of finding meaning and purpose. River's Work: Twitter/X - https://twitter.com/RiverKanies - @RiverKanies LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/river-kanies-95706389/ Podcast: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6jwZYOYh6r0vFNvSzE2jO4 Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/i-am-stupid/id1664884643 CyberMonk App: iOS - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/cybermonk/id6471553744 web - https://app.cybermonk.art/ android - [coming soon] New to the podcast? Make sure you watch Episode 2 or read it in on the Substack for the integrative narrative of Mormon origins: https://youtu.be/5YBeMrR1seM https://open.substack.com/pub/mormonsmysticsandmuons/p/mormonism-psychedelics-quantum-physics Please rate, share, and get in touch at [email protected]! 00:00 Introduction 03:30 River's Paper on Idealism and Wolfram's Work 07:38 Gabe's Kundalini Awakening 11:14 Entropy as an Artifact of Observers' Computational Bounds 22:15 Reality: Exploring the Computational Space of all Conscious Experiences 26:21 Computational Bounds and the Ruliad 31:24 Observers Exist within the Ruliad as Perspectives 33:19 Time as the Iteration through Permutations of Conscious Experience 37:07 Photogrammetry as a Model of Models of Reality 39:55 Seeing and Hearing in 2D, but Upsampling to 3D 41:44 Embracing Paradox and the Value of Limitations 43:54 Identifying not as the Query in the Infinite Database, but the Coder 49:43 The Intersubjective Nature of Reality 57:27 Ordering Chaos Through Dimensions 01:00:36 Limits of Reductionism due to the Balance of Order and Chaos 01:04:30 The Computational View vs. Reductionism 01:06:52 Using Recursion to Colonize the Ruliad 01:09:57 Quantum Physics as the Divine Spark 01:13:16 Information and Models Must be Ordered Hierarchically 01:23:14 The Trajectory of Consciousness 01:25:48 The Role of AI in Consciousness 01:31:05 Dreams Illustrate the Substrate Independence of Consciousness 01:35:40 Assembly Theory 01:37:55 The Learning Process of Reality 01:41:54 Dreams as a Roadmap for the Future of Consciousness 01:47:43 The Meaning of Existence 01:51:28 The Death of Meaning, and Meaning on the Other Side of Nihilism 01:52:45 Setting Collective Meaning 01:57:37 Finding Meaning in Suffering 02:02:03 AI as a Catalyst for Change 02:07:51 The Only Free Will we have is what Perspective to Adopt 02:12:32 Perspective is the Difference between Armageddon and the Millennium 02:14:56 Polarities are Necessary 02:15:51 Seeking to Catalyze Change for Others, Rather than Seeking to Change Them 02:18:25 Embody Change Rather than Evangelize 02:19:59 CyberMonk App 02:21:22 Reality as a Conversation Between its Parts

Bernardo Kastrup, with PhDs in both philosophy and computer engineering, joins me in a wide-ranging discussion on reality. We discuss the concept of truth, how we use models to understand reality, and the illusion that we've figured it all, or even can. We explore dreams and dissociative identity disorder as models for a deeper understanding of reality through the lens of idealism. We discuss the religious nature with which some espouse atheism, how ethics emerge from idealism, and the problem of evil. Links Check out Bernardo's work with Essentia Foundation, dedicated to furthering scientific exploration of consciousness and reality past the clutches of materialism. BernardoKastrup.com Gabe's essay "Entropy is in the Eye of of the Beholder" - Essentia Foundation or Substack (Unabridged)

We're taught that man was created in God's image. The more I heal as a father, the more I realize that wounded fathers and mothers created God in their own image. This is a reading of the most recent post on the Mormons, Mystics, and Muons Substack. Links: Mormons, Mystics, and Muons Substack

This episode is a presentation given at the Mormonism and Western Esotericism's Facebook group fall conference. The focus is on integrating the different approaches to explaining Mormonism, including freemasonry, magic, entheogens, neoplatonism, an orthodox interpretation, and the pious fraud narrative. By moving away from a black and white approach, where one narrative is the predominant explanation, and instead integrating all of these perspectives, one gets a much more coherent narrative of Mormonism's origins. For a much more deeper dive on an integration of these narratives, see episode 2: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3geZJmA7faDgyvnV09hit7?si=53e5beed765a48c6 Full conference: https://youtu.be/wRgP80ez1t0?si=9_A07SKjoA87Ho88

Donald Hoffman discusses his work as a cognitive neuroscientist, exploring how consciousness is fundamental instead of matter, and how evolutionary theory itself indicates that we don't perceive reality objectively, but instead have constructed space and time as an interface into a deeper fundamental reality. He discusses his journey integrating science and spirituality, as well as pushback he's gotten from others within the science community because his work calls into question the fundamental tenets their theories have been built upon. Check the TED talk and Lex Fridman links below for shallow and deep dives into his work. TED Talk - https://youtu.be/oYp5XuGYqqY?si=1ciPZmeFLNp-Nuj4 Lex Fridman interview - https://youtu.be/reYdQYZ9Rj4?si=CWs1yyk59Je3B40K

Grant Palmer wrote in 2013, and stated on Mormon Stories, that he had a general authority who had lost his testimony. After both Palmer and the general authority had passed, John Dehlin revealed in 2020 that the general authority was F. Enzio Busche, an emeritus member of the first quorum of the 70. However, one Redditor had tracked down and spoke with Enzio Busche years earlier. That encounter not only challenged Palmer's narrative, but also revealed that, rather than having lost his testimony of Mormonism, Enzio Busche instead held esoteric or New Age beliefs, including that Joseph Smith and Jesus Christ were "ascended masters." This episodes covers the relevant posts related to this story. Links Screenshot of John Dehlin's post explaining his motivation - https://i.redd.it/0f58oop23o751.jpg Grant Palmer's account of his meetings with Busche - https://journeyofloyaldissent.wordpress.com/2013/04/06/6/ Reddit comment by one who found Busche years before the disclosure - https://www.reddit.com/r/mormon/comments/7ihkil/i_have_been_asked_why_i_wrote_a_letter_to_an/ Additional Reddit comment by the same individual after the disclosure - https://www.reddit.com/r/mormon/comments/hgef3i/f_enzio_busche/ New to the podcast? Make sure you watch Episode 2 or read it in on the Substack for the integrative narrative of Mormon origins: https://youtu.be/5YBeMrR1seM https://open.substack.com/pub/mormonsmysticsandmuons/p/mormonism-psychedelics-quantum-physics Please rate, share, and get in touch at [email protected]! Chapters 00:00 Grant Palmer and Dehlin's Reveal 02:27 F. Enzio Busche's Spiritual Beliefs 05:03 Grant Palmer's Report of Meetings with Busche 10:08 Reddit Posts about Busche's Beliefs 13:23 Joseph Smith and Jesus Christ as Ascended Masters 18:45 Busche Challenging Palmer's Account 23:10 Reddit Post about Busche's Belief from a Second Hand Account of a Former Missionary Under Busche 25:56 What do the Authorities Believe? 31:00 Recontextualizing Spiritual Experiences 37:05 Conclusion

Gabe is interviewed by Valentina from the Stories of Awakening podcast on his journey from Mormonism, through agnosticism, to integrating science and spirituality. He discusses his childhood, the influence of Mormonism's emphasis on morality, and the shifts that began during his divorce and dive into psychology. He also describes the unexpected mystical experiences he experienced in what matches the eastern concept of a kundalini awakening. Check out Episode 6 for a comparison of Gabe's experience with a scientific journal article on people's self reported spontaneous spiritual awakenings or kundalini awakenings:https://open.spotify.com/episode/5H7eRqqE3D5iapoJTTqunz?si=-K95df7pQNyRQuTqd-Ykhw New to the podcast? Make sure you watch Episode 2 or read it in on the Substack for the integrative narrative of Mormon origins: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3geZJmA7faDgyvnV09hit7?si=Kh4OfwetT62GIZKCClhgGQ https://open.substack.com/pub/mormonsmysticsandmuons/p/mormonism-psychedelics-quantum-physics Please rate, share, and get in touch at [email protected]! Check out Valentina's podcast: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5tVlxcXEMWAuK6m0SGG3Rt Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/stories-of-awakening/id1668076703 Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@valentinamarulli9526 Chapters 00:00 Introduction 03:14 Hesitancy Sharing Mystical Experiences 10:15 The Importance of Sharing Experiences 11:48 Start of Interview 14:04 The Influence of Mormonism 15:22 Mormonism's Rules on Morality 17:30 Family Life 19:42 Childhood Trauma 23:08 Rules and Self Regulation 25:51 Childhood Shame 28:33 Intellectualizing vs Spirituality 31:05 Mormon Mission 33:23 College, Dental School, Marriage 35:13 Leaving Mormonism 39:15 Losing your Moral and Spiritual Framework 46:22 Intuition During Agnosticism 51:01 Exploring Psychology 58:35 Kundalini Awakening Experiences 01:01:18 Involuntary Contractions/Kriyas 01:03:03 Sensation of Kundalini Energy in the Spine 01:06:04 Less Need of Sleep 01:10:52 Bliss States 01:14:23 Downloads 01:16:09 Carl Jung on Kundalini 01:18:25 Visual Experiences 01:22:25 Difficulty Interpreting and Integrating Experiences 01:24:34 Lucid Dreaming and Life as a Dream 01:29:16 Derealization and Solipsism 01:30:09 Synchronicity with "Waking Life" Movie 01:36:36 What Dreams Teach us about Living Life 01:40:20 Somatic Sensation of Trauma Release/Nervous System Rewiring 01:44:14 Synchronicities 01:46:35 Psychic and Precognitive Experiences 01:50:35 Channeling or Witness Perspective 01:55:05 Continued Expanded States of Awareness after Kundalini Awakening 02:01:13 Conclusion ​​

Rieki Master Valentina Marulli joins us today to describe the beginnings of Reiki, and its similarities with the concept of the priesthood within mormonism. We discuss Mikao Usui's mystical experience after fasting and meditating for 21 days, how Reiki compares with the priesthood, and which one has clinical evidence supporting its effectiveness. Please leave a review, share with a friend, and get in touch at [email protected] with feedback or topics you'd like to see us cover. Links: Stories of Awakening Podcast - https://anchor.fm/valentina-marulli Valentina's Website - https://soul-vale.com Valentina's Instagram - https://instagram.com/soulvale?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= Reiki Study - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5871310/

This is the reading of a written piece making a case for increasing entropy as an artifact of the way conscious agents apply serial lossy downsampling of an infinitely complex reality, rather than as a trait inherent in the universe. Essentially, entropy is a measure about the information we have about a system, which is always subject to the bandwidth constraints of consciousness. These bandwidth constraints result in continual downsampling or compression of reality from moment to moment, resulting in a compounding loss of information. This results in the perception of increasing entropy as experienced by the observer. This perception is largely consistent between observers, since we as observers are part of the system being observed, and therefore experience a certain measure of consensus reality. I then argue that entropy actually decreases for the observer with injections of information about the system, which appears as increasing the bandwidth which is dictating the downsampling or compression of reality. This occurs through evolution, as well as through the arc of one's life from newborn to adult, but can also occur by increasing one's state of awareness through practices like meditation. I argue that within idealism, there is no such thing as a closed system. Link: Substack Link - https://mormonsmysticsandmuons.substack.com/p/entropy-is-in-the-eye-of-the-beholder Essentia Article - https://www.essentiafoundation.org/entropy-is-in-the-eye-of-the-beholder/ Please leave a review, share with a friend, and get in touch at [email protected] with feedback or topics you'd like to see us cover. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:31 Entropy and the Second Law of Thermodynamics 04:18 Objections to the Second Law 05:17 Sabine Hossenfelder's Perspective on the Second Law 08:21 Stephen Wolfram's Cellular Automata 10:24 Stephen Wolfram's Ruliad 11:39 Stephen Wolfram's Perspective on the Second Law 15:25 Stephen Wolfram's Perspective on Quantum Physics and Consciousness 16:30 Donald Hoffman's Interface Theory of Perception 18:30 Donald Hoffman's Model of Conscious Agents 20:23 Donald Hoffman's Markovian Dynamics and Entropy 22:28 Intersubjectivity 24:07 Bernardo Kastrup's Analytical Idealism as a Model for Intersubjectivity 27:00 QBism as a Model for Intersubjectivity 28:26 Overcoming Entropy 32:28 Conclusion

During this episode we listen to a portion of a lecture by Terence McKenna and provide commentary. We discuss the impact of the Judeo-Christian belief that man is fallen. McKenna discusses how this contrasts with esoteric teachings that we are co-creators of reality with the divine. He also discusses how bizarre of a case John Dee was, though it will be quite familiar for Mormons. John Dee was an educated individual in the late 1500's who claimed an angel appeared to him, giving him a “shew stone” in which messages appeared. A man named Edward Kelley then shows up on the scene and uses the shew-stone to receive messages in reversed Latin, which were transcribed by John Dee. Ultimately the angels command John Dee to share his wife with Edward Kelley. We also discuss the impact psychedelics may have had on esotericism, but highlight McKenna's point that they needn't be involved in explaining all mystical experiences that contributed to esotericism. The full McKenna lecture is available at https://youtu.be/6pvAhssEmVo?si=WjeI7MTAklD-5Z2S Links: Becoming Michelangelo: Apprenticing to the Master and Discovering the Artist through His Drawings - https://www.amazon.com/dp/1956763473 Silence: A Novel - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BSNZ7BFK The House of Wisdom: How the Arabs Transformed Western Civilization - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004M8RUF4 Please leave a review, share with a friend, and get in touch at [email protected] with feedback or topics you'd like to see us cover. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Recap of Sunstone Sessions 02:02 Exploring the Connection Between Mormonism and Freemasonry 08:08 Terence McKenna and the Mystical Origins of Mormonism 12:30 Magic, Hermeticism, and Christianity 13:41 The Christian View of Fallen Man 16:35 False Dichotomy of Good and Evil 20:34 Christ as an Archetype Instead of a Savior 23:31 Freud's Superego, Ego, Id 28:46 The Hermetic View of Humanity as Co-Partners in Creation 32:55 Dangers of Anthropocentrism 37:52 Morals Outside of Religion 46:59 The Historicity of Hermes Trismegistus 52:01 Hermetic Philosophy 56:36 Gods in Embryo 01:01:04 Enoch and Moses's Vision, and Mystical Experiences 01:03:02 Religion versus Spirituality 00:51 LSD and the Mind of the Universe 03:44 The Absence of Sin in Hermeticism 06:37 Similarities with the Book of Abraham and the Second Comforter 10:04 Reevaluating Damnation and Sin within Idealism 13:39 Psychedelics and other Methods for Mystical Experiences 19:39 Reconciling Spiritual Experiences after Mormonism 24:23 Western Europe's Shift towards Religion 36:39 Giordano Bruno 38:46 John Dee 41:10 John Dee's Shew-Stone and Edward Kelly 46:00 Similarities Between John Dee and Joseph Smith 55:44 Integrating Truths and the Evolution of Religion 01:01:27 The Challenge of Reconciling Religion Without Dichotomies 01:03:11 The Battle Between Religion and Spirituality 01:08:51 LSD and the Mind of the Universe 01:11:44 The Absence of Sin in Hermeticism 01:14:37 Similarities with the Book of Abraham and the Second Comforter 01:18:04 Reevaluating Damnation and Sin within Idealism 01:21:39 Psychedelics and other Methods for Mystical Experiences 01:27:39 Reconciling Spiritual Experiences after Mormonism 01:32:23 Western Europe's Shift towards Religion 01:44:39 Giordano Bruno 01:46:46 John Dee 01:49:10 John Dee's Shew-Stone and Edward Kelly 01:54:00 Similarities Between John Dee and Joseph Smith 02:03:44 Integrating Truths and the Evolution of Religion 02:09:27 The Challenge of Reconciling Religion Without Dichotomies 02:11:11 The Battle Between Religion and Spirituality

Glenn Ostlund of Infants on Thrones joins us for a wide-ranging discussion. We cover psychology, attachment theory, complex trauma, neuroscience, and how understanding our brain helps us heal. Glenn has a long history in podcasting and overlaps with many of the topics we feature on Mormons, Mystics, and Muons. He also shares our perspective of claiming the positive truths in Mormonism while growing from the flaws. Links Therapist Uncensored Podcast - The Amygdala Unpacked with Dr. Joseph LeDoux (174): https://therapistuncensored.com/episodes/amygdala-joseph-e-ledoux-174/ Discussing how protein synthesis is not only part of memory consolidation or formation, but is also involved in memory retrieval and then being put back away, or memory reconsolidation. Discussion of the experiment with the rats starts at 20:00. Therapist Uncensored Podcast - The Neurobiology of Threat Impacts Your Relationships, Ann and Sue Update You on the Latest (173): https://therapistuncensored.com/episodes/neurobiology-impacts-relationships-173/ Therapist Uncensored Podcast - The Life-Changing Science of Memory Reconsolidation with Guests Bruce Ecker & Tori Olds: https://therapistuncensored.com/episodes/tu112-the-life-changing-science-of-memory-reconsolidation-with-guests-bruce-ecker-tori-olds/ Big Think - Is the universe controlled by gigantic structures?: https://bigthink.com/hard-science/large-scale-structures/ Tripping Through Time: How Psychedelic Drugs Reopen the Brain’s Learning Window: https://scitechdaily.com/tripping-through-time-how-psychedelic-drugs-reopen-the-brains-learning-window/ This article references the study showing the time windows of neuroplasticity that psychedelics reopen, and talk about how those are sort of super-learning periods, with growth dependent on what happens during those windows. Attachment Disturbances in Adults by Daniel Brown and David Elliott: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016APOD0G I can't recommend this enough. It is a thick book at 700 some pages, and written for clinicians. My favorite part of the book was transcripts they included of a patient who the therapist was able to reintegrate all her dissociative alter egos into one cohesive ego, which became a model for my view of the "purpose of life," essentially that cosmic parts work I talked about. Mindset - The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0345472322 Infants on Thrones: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Z6HKLDRPEeW7QM9n5WjLS Glenn Ostlund: https://dowofhealing.com New to the podcast? Make sure you watch Episode 2 or read it in on the Substack for the integrative narrative of Mormon origins: https://youtu.be/5YBeMrR1seM https://open.substack.com/pub/mormonsmysticsandmuons/p/mormonism-psychedelics-quantum-physics Please rate, share, and get in touch at [email protected]! Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Mormons, Mystics, and Muons Podcast 04:37 Introduction to Infants on Thrones Podcast 04:52 Infants on Thrones Podcast 07:01 Attachment Theory 17:28 Childhood Experiences 25:01 Finding Order in the Chaos of your Past 27:34 Coherence Therapy and Memory Consolidation 35:41 The Malleability of the Brain and Growth Mindset 41:33 Therapy and Medications 46:13 Psychedelics and Windows of Neuroplasticity 48:33 Mirror Neurons 56:28 Idealism and the Nature of Reality 01:03:15 The Consciousness of Neurons 01:06:59 Rupert Spira and Awareness 01:08:09 Are we Living in "Horton Hears a Who"? 01:10:46 The Creation of the Earth 01:13:45 Schrodinger Equation Applies to Space 01:15:44 Are Humans just the Neurons of AI? 01:17:23 Channeling and Automatic Writing 01:29:47 Brain Science 01:40:02 Mormonism 01:41:38 Finding Meaning in Polarity 01:47:50 Humans as the Neurons of the Planet 01:52:05 Recognizing and Changing Unconscious Programming 01:54:02 Finding Meaning Through the Oneness of Idealism 01:59:28 The Maturation of Solar Systems 02:02:00 Mormonism and the End Times 02:04:41 Channeling

On this episode we talk about Yuval Noah Harari's popular book Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind. This book has become somewhat of a guide for many seeking meaning in an agnostic or atheist framework. We discuss its focus on the myths that unite us as well as society's trend towards unity. We also discuss its shortcomings, which include a lack of discussion of materialism and idealism, philosophy, consciousness, psychedelics, mystical experiences, and quantum physics. Can you accurately tell such a comprehensive history while leaving out these topics? After all, each of these topics have profound implications on reality, the stage on which humankind is playing out. Links: Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Herari - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ICN066A New to the podcast? Make sure you watch Episode 2 or read it in on the Substack for the integrative narrative of Mormon origins: https://youtu.be/5YBeMrR1seM https://open.substack.com/pub/mormonsmysticsandmuons/p/mormonism-psychedelics-quantum-physics Please rate, share, and get in touch at [email protected]! Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:58 The Meaning Crisis after Leaving Mormonism 05:37 The Importance of Myth 15:33 Defining Knowledge and Understanding Frameworks 17:26 Monism 19:38 Different Ways of Describing Reality 21:20 Subjects Sapiens Fails to Address 24:36 History as an Interpretation 28:14 Utility of Different Frameworks 33:55 Anthropocentrism 35:56 Mystical Experiences 38:58 Oneness 42:25 Homo Sapiens as a Collective Consciousness 44:01 Interdependence 47:58 Objective, Subjective, and Intersubjective Realities 53:57 DNA, Culture, and Language 58:22 Progress Towards Unity 59:46 AI as a Force for Unity 01:02:47 Recognizing Interconnectedness 01:04:45 Foundations for Morality Beyond Religion 01:08:07 Morality and Idealism 01:10:54 Nature of Reality 01:13:31 Science's Blind Spot 01:15:32 Happiness and the Hedonic Treadmill 01:23:14 Happiness and Non-attachment 01:26:04 DNA vs Culture 01:27:59 The Challenge of Defining Consciousness 01:29:38 Psychedelics 01:30:10 Closing Thoughts

Professional Mormon historian Alex Criddle brings his background with psychedelics as a researcher, psychonaut, and integration guide, to discuss the role substances and non-ordinary states of consciousness played in early Mormonism. We also discuss the light and dark sides of Joseph Smith, analyzing him as a multidimensional character shaped by trauma, unintegrated shadow, and mystical experiences very likely occasioned by psychedelic substances. Understanding the nature of non-ordinary states of consciousness undermines the simplistic narrative of prophet or fraud. We go beyond simply making a case for psychedelic use in early Mormonism, and discuss the philosophical, scientific, and spiritual implications of psychedelics, as well as the many mystical experiences that others were reporting in the Second Great Awakening, and continue to do so today. He also discusses the group starting at Harvard Divinity School researching psychedelics and Mormonism, which is giving a presentation at this year's Sunstone Symposium. Links: Michael Ferguson's TEDx Talk - This Is Your Brain On God Alex Criddle's website New to the podcast? Make sure you watch Episode 2 or read it in on the Substack for the integrative narrative of Mormon origins: https://youtu.be/5YBeMrR1seM https://open.substack.com/pub/mormonsmysticsandmuons/p/mormonism-psychedelics-quantum-physics Please rate, share, and get in touch at [email protected]! Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Alex Criddle's Background 02:19 Research on Psychedelics and Mormonism 03:07 Neural Correlates of Feeling the Spirit 04:17 Spectrum of Belief Involved in Research into Mormonism and Psychedelics 05:29 Mormonism's Contemporary Influences 07:19 Possible Osychedelic Influences on the Second Great Awakening 08:46 Variety of Modalities to Access Mystical States 14:46 Psychedelics and the Stigma of "Drugs" 16:26 The Difficulty of Describing Mystical Experiences 19:14 Types of Altered States of Consciousness and Experiences 21:58 Alex's Personal Journey and Cosmology 23:56 "Joseph was on drugs" and Alex's Start into Psychedelics 25:25 Alex Being Honorably Excused from a Mission 27:05 Alex Finds the Remnant Movement and Denver Snuffer 28:49 Alex's Journey Through Atheism, Agnosticism, and then Polytheism 29:29 Polytheism from the Perspective of Idealism 33:30 The Validity of Mormonism within Idealism 34:03 Polytheism and the Universal Unconscious 36:19 Indra's Net of Jewels 38:15 Joseph Smith's Pursuit of Oneness 38:48 The Case for Joseph Smith having had Geneuine Mystical Experiences 41:25 Joseph's Ability to Induce Mystical Experiences in Others 43:04 Joseph's Potential Access to Altered States Through Trauma 45:55 How Much Did Joseph Believe? 47:30 Denver Snuffer and the Second Comforter 52:13 Joseph Smith's Ritual Genius 56:12 Interpretation and Integration of Psychedelic Experiences 01:03:57 Stan Grof and Joseph Smith's Failed Shamanic Initiation Crisis 01:06:52 Joseph Smith's Conflicted Nature 01:10:15 Understanding Joseph Smith's Complex Personality 01:12:56 Joseph Smith's Difficulty Integrating his Experience 01:15:28 Exploring Joseph Smith's Shadow Side in the Book of Mormon 01:17:35 Sexuality, Polygamy, and Taboos 01:20:24 Carl Jung's Two Personalities and Joseph Smith's Shadow 01:22:11 Psychedelic Experiences being Mapped onto God and Satan 01:24:22 Reconciling Psychedelics with Feelings of the Spirit 01:29:22 The Potential Impact of Psychedelics on the Church 01:34:18 Any Smoking Gun for Psychedelics in Mormonism's History? 01:35:43 Conclusion

Gabe dives into how we never arrive at Truth, but approach it asymptotically, due to the limitations of the constructs of language. He discusses idealism versus materialism. While materialism has not made progress on the hard problem of consciousness, this problem doesn't exist within idealism. Using the framework of dreams, its relatively simple to conceptualize how matter is created from consciousness. Occam's Razor and Gödel's incompleteness theorem are discussed in relation to meaning making. The Simulation Hypothesis, while an interesting and accessible thought experiment, fails to take a stand on materialism or idealism, defining consciousness, and ultimately doesn't stand up to other frameworks according to Occam's Razor. Please leave a review, share with a friend, and get in touch at [email protected] with feedback or topics you'd like to see us cover.

Bill Reel and I continue our conversation on reality, consciousness, and what that has to do with Mormonism's origins. We discuss Donald Hoffman, Carl Jung, the filter theory of consciousness, psychedelics, and mystical states of consciousness as defined by research. We also discuss automatic writing and its similarities to AI. With the groundwork finally set, I review some of the evidences that Joseph Smith's cosmology was formed from his own interest in consciousness and reality, through direct exploration, as well as adaptation from estoteric traditions like freemasonry, and folk magic. These evidences includes Joseph Smith's teaching of reincarnation, correlations between the temple endowment and the Apocalypse of James from the Nag Hammadi library discovered in the 1940's, the similarities between some of Joseph Smith's theophanies and criteria in research used to define mystical states, as well as indications that psychedelics were used in the early church. I also discuss the Zionitic Brethren, a group four miles from Peter Whitmer in the 1700's that practiced baptism for the dead, claimed the Melchizedek Priesthood, and used psychedelics. Finally, I review some parallels between Mormon theology and what has evolved into what you might call New Age spiritual beliefs, such as those between the priesthood and Reiki, between Kolob and the star system Sirius, and between Abraham 3 and the New Age concept of Starseeds. Links: Bill Reel and Mormon Discussions Podcast - ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/0lEZJF0ZH6ccoteUP9Z4Fu?si=5777d26b633c4501⁠ New to the podcast? Make sure you watch Episode 2 or read it in on the Substack for the integrative narrative of Mormon origins: https://youtu.be/5YBeMrR1seM https://open.substack.com/pub/mormonsmysticsandmuons/p/mormonism-psychedelics-quantum-physics Please rate, share, and get in touch at [email protected]! Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Recap 01:58 Donald Hoffman's Interface Theory of Perception 07:47 Space and Time as Constructs 15:36 Integrating Science and Spirituality 18:06 Consciousness 20:33 Defining God 21:53 Headset Analogy of the Nature of Reality 23:16 Understanding Reality as a Choose Your Own Adventure Book 24:36 Dreams as a Model for Reality 27:04 Hinduism 28:38 Photogrammetry as a Model for Knowledge and Collapsing Paradoxes 34:38 Carl Jung 36:48 Idealism and Oneness - The Antidote to Duality 39:46 Psychedelics and Mystical Experiences 44:07 Bill's Experience with Mushrooms and Ayahuasca 47:33 What is Real? 50:49 The Immortality Key - Religion's History of Psychedelics 54:13 Understanding Mystical States and Different Modalities to Access Them 01:01:38 Gabe's Endogenous Mystical States during his Kundalini Awakening 01:05:47 The Profundity of Mystical States and the Implications 01:07:25 Internal Family Systems Therapy 01:11:03 Idealism's Morality 01:12:59 Idealism as the Antidote to Nihilism 01:16:51 Automatic Writing and Channeling 01:31:11 Mormonism's Connection with Esoteric and Gnostic Traditions 01:40:17 Joseph Smith and Reincarnation 01:42:32 Gnostic Text: Apocalypse of James, and Similarities to the Endowment 01:43:49 Parallels Between Reiki and the Priesthood 01:44:40 Zionitic Brethren in Ephrata, PA 01:45:53 Kolob, Sirius, and the New Age Concept of Starseeds 01:48:09 Psychedelics and Early Mormonism 01:50:34 Conclusion

Bill Reel and I discuss the fractal nature of reality, and how we speak in myths and constructs. We talk about how to define truth, and how science and spirituality interpret truth. Then we explore how to define consciousness and whether science supports idealism or materialism. We discuss Donald Hoffman and Bernardo Kastrup's theories of reality, and how dreams, dissociative identity disorder, Tibetan Buddhism, and quantum physics serve as frameworks for understanding reality. We touch a little on altered states of consciousness, entheogens, and how esoteric traditions like the Eleusinian Mysteries overlap with Mormonism, but we'll dive more into those topics when Bill and I have a chance to meet up again. Links: Bill Reel and Mormon Discussions Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/0lEZJF0ZH6ccoteUP9Z4Fu?si=5777d26b633c4501 Lex Fridman and Donald Hoffman - https://youtu.be/reYdQYZ9Rj4 ZDoggMD and Bernardo Kastrup - https://youtu.be/BZWp0bnMBbM New to the podcast? Make sure you watch Episode 2 or read it in on the Substack for the integrative narrative of Mormon origins: https://youtu.be/5YBeMrR1seM https://open.substack.com/pub/mormonsmysticsandmuons/p/mormonism-psychedelics-quantum-physics Please rate, share, and get in touch at [email protected]! Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:57 Mormonism's Growing Schism 06:56 Mormonism has Lost Touch with its Esoteric Roots 10:08 Mormonism as a Case Study for the Hypothesis of Psychedelics' Role in Religion 19:54 Mormonism's Parallels to the Eleusinian Mysteries 23:18 Mormonism's Overlap with Other Esoteric Traditions 24:32 Folk Magic 27:20 Eleusinian Mysteries 28:45 Zionitic Brotherhood in the Ephrata Cloister 30:20 Bill's Experience with Ayahuasca 33:15 High Strangeness 37:03 The Dangers of Poorly Integrated Experiences in Altered States of Consciousness 38:44 Validating Metaphysical Experiences of Others Doesn't Require Agreeing with Their Intepretation 41:31 The Nature of Reality 48:18 Myths and Constructs 52:06 Photogrammetry as a Metaphor for Understanding Reality 53:29 Defining Truth and Knowledge 58:41 Religion's Problem of Authority 59:52 Meaning-Making 01:03:07 Monism 01:06:42 If You Could High to Kolob 01:09:46 Idealism vs Materialism 01:14:21 Scientists Telling Us Reality is Weirder than We Could Imagine 01:15:42 We Are the Universe 01:19:10 Reality is about Perspective 01:22:52 Bernardo Kastrup, Idealism, and Dissociation 01:28:42 The Fractal Nature of Consciousness 01:31:11 Dreams as a Model to Understand Reality 01:35:55 Dissociative Identity Disorder as a Model for Understanding Reality 01:42:48 Shared Consciousness 01:44:22 Lucid Dreaming 01:47:44 Do We Create Reality? 01:50:55 Idealism's Implications for Evil, Morality, and Meaning 01:55:18 The Paradox of Free Will 01:59:33 Situationism vs Dispositionism 02:02:25 Idealism Resolves so many Unsolvable Issues in Materialism 02:06:59 The Seeming Bizarreness of Quantum Physics 02:17:45 Evaluating Reality and Mormonism with the Possibilities Idealism makes Possible 02:20:12 The Rules of Reality and the Implications of Intention and Collective Consciousness 02:26:37 New Perspectives on how much Joseph Smith Believed 02:30:15 Conclusion

In this episode we review a study published in Frontiers in Psychology about the phenomenon of Spontaneous Spiritual Awakenings and Spontaneous Kundalini Awakenings and hear about Gabe's experience of the latter. This is a cross-cultural phenomenon involving a period of spontaneous altered states of consciousness mirroring psychedelic experiences and those of religious mystics. As it is not easily explained by traditional scientific materialism, does not fit into traditional psychology, and is not prominently featured in Judeo-Christian religions (although the atonement experience and Mount of Transfiguration bear striking similarities to this phenomenon), there is very little awareness regarding this phenomenon in western culture. Links: Have You Had a Drug-Free "Psychedelic" Experience? - Psychology Today Spontaneous Spiritual Awakenings: Phenomenology, Altered States, Individual Differences, and Well-Being - Frontiers in Psychology Gnostic Mormonism - YouTube video describing breakoff groups often associated with a visionary experience New to the podcast? Make sure you watch Episode 2 or read it in on the Substack for the integrative narrative of Mormon origins: https://youtu.be/5YBeMrR1seM https://open.substack.com/pub/mormonsmysticsandmuons/p/mormonism-psychedelics-quantum-physics Please rate, share, and get in touch at [email protected]! Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:00 Western Culture, Religion, and Psychology's Inability to Address Kundalini and Spiritual Awakenings 04:24 Current Shift in Understanding and Openness Towards Mystical Experiences 07:49 The Correlation between Trauma or Significant Shifts in Identity, and Spiritual Awakenings 11:05 The Study Investigator's Spiritual Awakening 11:56 Defining Spiritual and Kundalini Awakenings 14:48 What is Non-Duality? 17:25 Gabe's Kundalini Awakening 23:10 Gabe's Experience - Involuntary Kriyas 25:57 Gabe's Experience - Expansive Thoughts and Bliss States 29:28 Gabe's Experience - Synchronicities 30:26 Gabe's Experience - High Definition Visuals 32:57 Gabe's Experience - Finding The Lower Lights Wisdom Group 36:14 Ineffability of Mystical Experiences 40:07 The Relationship of Suffering and Pain with Spiritual Awakenings 43:04 Witness Perspective, Deja Vu, Synchronicities, and Causality 45:02 Gabe's Experience - Shifts in and out of Expanded States of Awareness 51:12 Kundalini Awakenings 53:40 Gabe's Experience - Reduced Need for Sleep 56:57 Differences between a Kundalini Awakening and a Spontaneous Spiritual Awakening 01:06:45 Triggers of Spontaneous Spiritual Awakenings 01:08:08 How Common are Spontaneous Spiritual Awakenings? 01:10:06 The Uniqueness of a Spontaneous Spiritual Awakening and Difficulty in Integration 01:13:34 The Impact of Religion on an Individual's Spiritual Awakening via our Brain's Filtering Mechanisms 01:17:09 Joseph Smith's Spiritual Awakening or Spiritual Emergency 01:20:10 Shifts Associated with Spiritual Awakenings 01:20:34 Healing and Transformation 01:27:33 Paradoxes of a Spiritual Awakening Contrasted to Mormonism 01:29:35 Challenges and Spiritual Emergencies or Crises 01:41:39 Spiritual Emergencies and Psychopathology 01:49:14 The Power of Perspective and Meaning-Making 01:58:03 Idealism 02:04:10 Neurology of Spiritual Awakenings and Predilections towards Spiritual Experiences 02:11:50 Comparing Spiritual Awakenings to Psychedelic-Induced Experiences 02:12:48 Different Modalities of Accessing Mystical States 02:22:19 Study Findings 02:34:09 Comparing Endogenous Spontaneous Spiritual Awakenings to Exogenous Psychedelic Experiences 02:37:23 Effects on Well-Being 02:41:28 The Spiritual Awakening that is Recontextualizing Mormonism 02:45:08 Conclusion

We discuss the phenomena of paranormal encounters from the lens of consciousness and idealism as well, whether aliens are allowed to drink coffee, and whether "God" would be bound by space/time as he appears to be within Mormon cosmology. We dive into Joseph Smith teaching reincarnation at the end of the Nauvoo period due to influence from Kabbalah, and how Heber C Kimball and Orson Pratt continued to teach the principle for decades. We draw comparisons between the concept of the veil in Mormonism, near death experiences, and New Age beliefs. The concept of Starseeds are compared to Abraham 3's account of the noble and great ones in the council in heaven, and Kolob's location is finally revealed. Links: Early Mormonism and the Magic World View by D Michael Quinn - https://amzn.to/3Oz0VHv Please rate, share, and get in touch at [email protected]! Disclosure: Some of the links are affiliate links, so purchases help support the channel.

Gabe discusses how an elder on his mission later started a cult, and gives his thoughts on criticism of new age spirituality. We continue analyzing the Plan of Salvation from an esoteric perspective. We explore Joseph Smith's use of the Kabbalah in formulating his view of the nature of God, how eternal progression compares to Tibetan Buddhism and the movie Inception, as well as how the premortal life starts to look like reincarnation and karma. Links: Knights of the Crystal Blade cult - https://kutv.com/news/local/knights-of-the-crystal-blade-cultists-used-social-media-to-spread-doomsday-revelations The True Nature Of Reality (w/Dr. Bernardo Kastrup) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZWp0bnMBbM New to the podcast? Make sure you watch Episode 2 or read it in on the Substack for the integrative narrative of Mormon origins: https://youtu.be/5YBeMrR1seM https://open.substack.com/pub/mormonsmysticsandmuons/p/mormonism-psychedelics-quantum-physics Please rate, share, and get in touch at [email protected]! Chapters 00:00 Knights of the Crystal Blade Cult 09:18 How Guilt and Shame, Good and Evil, Complicate Integrating Mystical Experiences 10:58 Why Does Woo Trigger People? 20:40 Lucid Dreaming 23:48 Changing Others' Opinions vs. Catalyzing Change 28:55 Dreams 31:15 Why Some are Drawn to Doomsday Scenarios 37:48 The Plan of Salvation and Kabbalah 44:17 Polytheism vs Monotheism, The Rise of Yahweh, Eternal Progression 48:36 The Monotheism of Christianity vs Eastern Conceptualizations of God 50:54 Tibetan Buddhism, Stacked Dreams, Inception 54:19 Dream Yoga and Lucid Dreaming 56:55 Bernardo Kastrup, Dreams, Dissociation as a Model of Reality 01:01:31 The Buddha's Insight on Consciousness 01:04:09 The Fractal Nature of Consciousness 01:05:19 The False Distinction of Dreams as Fake and Waking Life as "Real" 01:08:56 Symbolism in Dreams and Reality 01:10:51 The Interconnectedness of Reality 01:18:24 Contextualizing Rather than Abandoning Frameworks and Perspectives 01:23:15 The Hubris of Thinking You've Arrived at Truth Instead of Pointers to it 01:26:00 Photogrammetry, Paradoxes, Relativism vs Absolutism 01:29:09 The Pursuit of Truth is the Integration of Perspectives 01:34:32 In Some Sense, Everything is Already Perfect 01:35:58 The Nature of God and the War in Heaven 01:38:26 Reincarnation or Multiple Mortal Probations and the Plan of Salvation 01:41:40 Saturday's Warrior and Mormonism's Overlap with New Age 01:44:01 The Recirculation and Refinement of Myths 01:48:04 Paradoxes 01:50:03 Myths on the Purpose of Existence 01:52:02 William Hamblin's Attack of Brent Metcalfe 01:53:38 Council of the Gods and Kabbalah 01:55:58 Non-Uniqueness of Mormon Concepts 01:56:47 Joseph Smith's Motivations 01:59:25 Closing Thoughts

In this episode we start to tackle the Plan of Salvation from an esoteric and Jungian-informed perspective. We discuss the correlation between Gnostic and Mormon views on the fall, Gnosticism's interpretation of this physical incarnation as the Matrix, the fall as an allegory for both psychedelics and Jung's concept of individuation, and the idea of Satan as our shadow self. Link: Adam and Eve and the mushroom - https://aworkstation.com/a-hallucinogenic-mushroom-in-the-garden-of-eden/ New to the podcast? Make sure you watch Episode 2 or read it in on the Substack for the integrative narrative of Mormon origins: https://youtu.be/5YBeMrR1seM https://open.substack.com/pub/mormonsmysticsandmuons/p/mormonism-psychedelics-quantum-physics Please rate, share, and get in touch at [email protected]! Chapters 00:00 The Plan of Salvation 03:17 Parallels with Esoteric Traditions 04:42 Gnosticism, Creation, and the Fall of Adam and Eve 07:20 The Demiurge and the Material Realm 09:13 The Serpent in the Garden of Eden 10:39 Gnosticism and Early Christianity 12:05 The Restorationist Movement's Fraught Relationship between Continuing Revelation and Claiming the Fullness of Truth 14:03 The Apocalypse of James and the Temple Endowment 14:57 The Gospel of Judas 18:26 The Fall as Jung's Individuation 22:50 The Fall as an Allegory for Psychedelics 28:24 The Matrix and the Fall From Paradise 31:12 Fig Leaves, the Atonement, and Spiritual Sovereignty 38:54 Conclusion

This episode is a reading of the initial post from the Mormons, Mystics, and Muons' Substack which gives a comprehensive overview of a new narrative on Mormonism's origins. It integrates consciousness, philosophy, psychedelics, and quantum physics to show how Mormonism arose out of an amalgamation of esoteric traditions and expanded or altered states of consciousness, and how science integrates with spirituality. While many truth claims of Mormonism are problematic, the argument over whether the religion is "true" or "false" presents a false dichotomy. Esoteric traditions captured fundamental truths owing to their reliance on states of consciousness and an emphasis on gnosis, or personal experience of truth. As an evolution of esoteric traditions, New Age Spirituality contains surprising parallels to Mormonism, of which many are entirely unaware, including Kolob, reincarnation, pansycheism, and more. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 03:08 Updating Frameworks 08:57 Overview 14:26 Disclaimer 17:46 Consciousness 34:49 Quantum Physics 36:55 Scientific Revolutions and Models of Understanding 39:11 The Double-Slit Experiment 42:25 The Many Worlds Interpretation 46:18 Entanglement 48:55 Quantum Field Theory 50:20 New Age Spirituality 52:23 Mormonism's Connections with New Age and Esoteric Traditions 53:53 The Eleusinian Mysteries 59:45 Mormonism's Connections with New Age 01:00:31 Reincarnation or Multiple Mortal Probations 01:01:38 Apocalypse of James - Gnostic Text with Similarities to the Endowment 01:02:15 The Book of Mormon, Automatic Writing, and Channeling 01:04:10 Mormonism's Gnostic View of The Fall 01:05:10 The Priesthood's Similarities to Reiki, a Form of Energy Healing 01:06:06 Eternal Progression, Becoming Gods, and Similarities to Esotericism 01:06:33 Kolob and Similarities to Sirius 01:08:03 A Celestial Earth and Similarities to New Age's 5D Transition 01:08:40 Noble and Great Ones and Similarities to Starseeds 01:09:24 Pre-Earth Life, Saturday's Warrier, the Veil, Soul Contracts, and Karma 01:10:40 Likely Use of Psychedelics in Early Mormonism 01:13:43 Temple Sealings and New Age Concepts of Oneness 01:14:14 The Adamic Language and New Age Light Language 01:14:39 Joseph's Translation of Scripture and Similarities to Contemporary Esoteric Texts 01:15:58 The Lost 10 Tribes and Hollow Earth 01:16:20 Polygamy and Polyamory 01:17:01 Zion, Being of One Heart and One Mind, and Oneness 01:17:16 The Word of Wisdom 01:17:23 Heavenly Mother, Shakti, Kundalini, and the Divine Feminine 01:17:33 Panentheism and Gaia 01:18:52 Family History and Ancestral Healing 01:19:06 Freemasonry 01:19:34 Melchezidek and Enoch 01:19:45 Degrees of Glory 01:20:43 First Vision Accounts and Joseph's Evolving God 01:21:52 Patriarchal Blessings and the Akashic Records 01:22:46 Priesthood Blessings and Channeling 01:23:50 Burning in the Bosom, Kundalini Energy, or Other Somatic Feelings of Energy 01:24:06 The Second Comforter 01:24:40 The Laws of Justice and Mercy, and the Hermetic Laws of the Universe 01:25:13 Mormonism and New Age Interest in Egyptians 01:25:51 Temple Work, Baptism for the Dead, Psychedelics, and the Zionitic Brethren of the Ephrata Cloister 01:26:47 Joseph Smith's Translation of the Bible and Channeling 01:27:12 Joseph's Teaching on Light, Intelligence, and the Correlation to Idealism 01:27:36 Transfiguration and Mystical Experiences 01:28:00 Joseph's Monism vs Idealism 01:28:13 Brigham Young's Teachings on the Origins on Adam and Eve, the Ra Material, and New Age Starseeds 01:28:59 Increasing in Brightness vs Raising One's Vibration 01:29:25 Mystical Experiences in the Doctrine and Covenants and the Mystical Experience Questionnaire 01:30:26 Conclusion

In this episode, Gabe and Elden embark on a profound exploration of mystical experiences and their intersection with Mormonism, psychedelics, and altered states of consciousness. They delve into the psychological definition of mystical experiences and discuss Joseph Smith's experiences, highlighting the potential connection to psychedelic experiences and automatic writing. The conversation extends into the integration of religion with science, examining Joseph Smith's life, including the role of trauma and the representation of religion as an evolutionary stage of human consciousness. They draw parallels between Mormonism and other religions, emphasizing the historical role of psychedelic sacraments and altered states in religious traditions. The hosts advocate for a growth mindset and open-mindedness, stressing the importance of exploring expanded states of awareness and the potential for personal transformation. They discuss reconstructing beliefs by integrating science, spirituality, and philosophy, offering a middle way beyond deconstruction that provides a positive and hopeful perspective on spiritual journeys. Elden shares his personal journey beyond Mormonism, discussing the shift in understanding personal revelation and the integration of philosophy, quantum physics, and spirituality. The episode concludes by stressing the need for adaptability and diverse perspectives in a changing world. Links Roland Griffiths TEDX talk - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKm_mnbN9JY Psychology Today Article on Endogenous Mystical Experiences - https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/social-instincts/202301/have-you-had-a-drug-free-psychedelic-experience The Psychedelic History of Mormonism, Magic, and Drugs by Cody Noconi - https://a.co/d/12MJlPl Early Mormonism and the Magic World View by D. Michael Quinn - https://a.co/d/ckebGw5 New to the podcast? Make sure you watch Episode 2 or read it in on the Substack for the integrative narrative of Mormon origins: https://youtu.be/5YBeMrR1seM https://open.substack.com/pub/mormonsmysticsandmuons/p/mormonism-psychedelics-quantum-physics Please rate, share, and get in touch at [email protected]! Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Mormons, Mystics, and Muons 01:56 The Psychedelic Hypothesis of Mormonism 03:04 Mystical Experiences 06:03 False Dichotomies 08:02 Psychedelic Research and the Good Friday Experiment 10:35 Creating a More Integrative Holistic Narrative 14:30 Different Modalities for Accessing Mystical Experiences 16:19 Transcending False Dichotomies 18:09 The Book of Mormon 20:18 Different States of Consciousness 27:18 Pious Fraud Hypothesis and the Evidences Joseph Believed 36:16 Joseph's Struggle with his Shadow 43:20 Evolution of Religion and Science 49:35 The Eleusinian Mysteries and the Psychedelic Roots of Religion 55:38 The Likelihood of Psychedelics in Early Mormonism 57:18 The Zionitic Brethren and the Ephrata Cloister 59:29 Mormonism and Gnosticism 01:01:16 The Implications of Mormonism's Overlap with Esoteric Traditions 01:04:05 Idealism 01:08:54 The Pursuit of Truth 01:15:04 Moving Beyond Deconstruction to Recontextualization 01:21:15 Leaving the Church 01:28:03 Purpose of the Podcast 01:35:54 Gabe's Journey 01:41:35 Elden's Journey 01:48:35 How Gabe and Elden Met and Plans for the Podcast