ALCHEMICAL PLAYLISTS ~ INTERWEAVING COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE WITH ANCIENT TRANSFORMATIONAL PRACTICES

In the evolving landscape of psychedelic therapy, the ancient metaphors of alchemy offer a powerful framework for crafting intentional playlists that guide the therapeutic journey. Just as the alchemists mapped transformation through stages of dissolution, purification, and integration, music can serve as a catalyst for psychological and emotional transmutation. By aligning playlists with these archetypal stages, we can deepen the therapeutic process, offering structure to the ineffable. Moreover, as computational models of consciousness continue to expand our understanding of the mind, the use of symbols and archetypes becomes even more impactful.

These universal patterns—long embedded in myth, dreamwork, and the collective unconscious—may serve as vital touchpoints in navigating expanded states of consciousness. This talk explores how the interplay between sound, symbolism, and emerging science can enhance the psychedelic experience, offering a bridge between ancient wisdom and modern therapeutic practice.