Colorado Psychedelic Church Podcast

Colorado Psychedelic Church
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Spirituality
  • Updated Weekly

The Colorado Psychedelic Church Podcast exists to strengthen and deepen our community ... and to offer an honest window into who we are. Founded by Teopixqui Dez and guided by a growing circle of clergy, our church is committed to the sacrament as a sacred responsibility and to community as the heart of spiritual life. Through sermons, conversations with clergy, and personal stories from members, we explore theology, ethics, integration, humility, and what it means to build a welcoming spiritual community in Colorado today. You'll hear from people of different ages, backgrounds, and walks of life ... sharing their experiences in their own words. Many guests are identified by first name only to honor privacy and personal boundaries. We believe spiritual growth happens best in environments that are transparent, accountable, and grounded in mutual respect. For our members, this podcast is about connection and continued formation. For those considering joining, it's a clear and thoughtful look at our leadership, values, and rhythms of community life. For the spiritually curious, it's an invitation to listen, discern, and see if this feels like home. This is not about spectacle. It's about belonging. Because spiritual growth doesn't happen in isolation… it happens in community.

  1. Aug 22

    Finding the Fight: Lilac's Journey from Trauma to Community

    What happens when someone who spent decades believing they didn't belong finally discovers a community where they're accepted as they are? In this deeply personal episode of the Colorado Psychedelic Church Podcast, Pa'Dre sits down with longtime congregant Lilac to talk about surviving childhood trauma, finding healing through community, overcoming fear surrounding cannabis and psychedelics, and learning to choose herself. Lilac's story is one of resilience, vulnerability, humor, and hope. It's a reminder that healing doesn't always mean becoming someone completely new…it can mean finally giving yourself permission to keep fighting for the person who was there all along. In this episode... Lilac shares her journey from a difficult childhood and years of emotional isolation to finding genuine belonging within the Colorado Psychedelic Church community. She opens up about growing up believing she was a mistake, experiencing bullying and trauma, struggling with dissociation, and reaching moments when she wasn't sure she wanted to keep going. Her relationship with psychedelics began with an internal conflict. Because of her family history, Lilac had spent years strongly opposed to drugs. Even when she began using cannabis medicinally, part of her was still fighting against the very thing that was beginning to help her. Over time, cannabis, psychedelic medicine, and the relationships she formed within the church helped shift that perspective. Lilac also talks candidly about the importance of community during some of her most difficult moments…including losing her apartment, struggling with her health, navigating powerful emotions, and learning that asking for help does not make someone weak or burdensome. Through it all, one lesson continues to emerge: Revere the Self. After spending much of her life putting others first, Lilac is learning to celebrate herself, set boundaries, invest in her own future, and take a chance on building a business and life that better serve who she is becoming. In this episode Growing up with trauma and learning to survive Feeling unwanted and questioning your own place in the world Dissociation and the aftermath of overwhelming experiences Finding safety after years of self-reliance Why community became an important part of Lilac's healing Overcoming deeply ingrained fears about cannabis and psychedelics How medicinal cannabis challenged her lifelong beliefs about drugs Learning to accept support instead of always self-soothing Losing her apartment and turning toward community instead of isolation Navigating perimenopause, health challenges, and emotional regulation Learning to Revere the Self Choosing yourself after years of prioritizing everyone else Taking a chance on starting a business Why healing doesn't require perfection Finding purpose even when you cannot yet see where the journey is leading Lilac's message to anyone struggling: give yourself another chance About Lilac Lilac is a longtime congregant at the Colorado Psychedelic Church whose story reflects resilience, vulnerability, and an ongoing commitment to personal growth. After navigating childhood trauma, bullying, dissociation, health challenges, and periods of profound emotional pain, she found herself beginning a new chapter through community, cannabis, psychedelics, and the difficult work of learning to value herself. Today, Lilac continues exploring what healing, purpose, and self-reverence look like while building a new professional path and finding her evolving place within the community. About Pa'Dre Pa'Dre is a member of the clergy at the Colorado Psychedelic Church and a therapist who brings compassion, humor, lived experience, and an approachable style to conversations about mental health, psychedelics, spirituality, and personal growth. Through conversations like this one, Pa'Dre helps create space for congregants to tell their stories honestly…including the difficult parts, the funny parts, and the moments of transformation that happen somewhere in between. About the Colorado Psychedelic Church The Colorado Psychedelic Church is a community dedicated to healing, authentic connection, and spiritual growth through the responsible use of entheogens and sacred compounds. With more than 3,000 people having stepped through its doors, the church offers weekly sermons, Friday Lounge Nights, educational events, support groups, communal ceremonies, and a growing podcast…all centered around the belief that lasting healing happens not only through psychedelic experiences, but through genuine community, personal responsibility, and meaningful human connection. People do not need to use psychedelics to belong. They simply need to approach the community with curiosity, authenticity, and respect for the divinity and autonomy of others. Contact Us Colorado Psychedelic Church 5028 North Academy Blvd. Colorado Springs, CO 80918 719-412-5860 ColoradoPsychedelicChurch.com

  2. Aug 18

    Sermon: Relationships Require Consent-Growth, Boundaries & Letting Go

    What happens when you grow…but the people around you grow in a different direction? In this sermon, Teopixqui Dez continues the church's month-long exploration of growth by turning toward one of the places where growth becomes most complicated: our relationships. In this sermon... Growth is easier to recognize when we can measure it from the outside. Maybe we cry less often. Maybe something that once overwhelmed us no longer has the same power. Maybe we have found confidence, peace, community, or a stronger relationship with ourselves. But relationships give us another way to measure growth…because the people around us are growing too. Teopixqui Dez explores the idea that every relationship in our lives continues because, on some level, we consent to carry it. That includes relationships with family, friends, partners, acquaintances, communities, and even people who have hurt us. Sometimes realizing that a relationship no longer serves us is easy. Someone reveals a belief or behavior so incompatible with our values that the boundary becomes obvious. Other relationships are much harder. Family history, decades of friendship, shared memories, loyalty, and the belief that we have already invested too much can cause us to tolerate behavior we would never accept from a stranger. Dez introduces the sunk cost fallacy as a useful way of examining those relationships. The years already invested do not automatically obligate us to invest more of our most precious resource: our time. That does not mean every difficult relationship should end. It means every relationship deserves an honest examination. Are both people growing? Are they growing in compatible directions? Is the relationship mutually supportive? Are we constantly making excuses, carrying the emotional weight, or lowering our expectations because of history? Sometimes nobody is wrong. People simply change. A friendship may fade. Partners may discover that they want different lives. Someone may even outgrow the church itself. And that can be okay. The goal is not to preserve every relationship forever. The goal is to build relationships that allow everyone involved to become more fully themselves. Dez challenges listeners to recognize their own growth, communicate when relationships no longer feel aligned, reclaim things that once brought them joy, and remember that being divine also means recognizing the power of their own voice. In this sermon Why relationships can become markers of personal growth The idea that every relationship requires ongoing consent Why family relationships are often some of the hardest wounds to address Holding family members to the same standards we hold strangers When history becomes an excuse for harmful behavior The sunk cost fallacy in long-term friendships and relationships Why time already invested does not obligate us to invest more Growing in different directions without needing a villain The difference between supporting someone and constantly carrying them Why every healthy relationship should benefit everyone involved Recognizing when jokes, beliefs, or behaviors no longer align with who you are Communication as a necessary part of relational growth Accepting that people may eventually outgrow a community Looking back at former beliefs as evidence of your own growth Reclaiming hobbies, interests, and parts of yourself that were once lost Why growth does not always mean adding something new Building relationships and communities that strengthen rather than diminish us Reclaiming your voice, your boundaries, and your power About Teopixqui Dez Teopixqui Dez is the founder and spiritual leader of the Colorado Psychedelic Church. Drawing from his background in psychology, his own psychedelic experiences, and years of building community, Dez explores spirituality through the practical realities of relationships, healing, accountability, personal responsibility, and human connection. His sermons regularly challenge congregants not simply to feel inspired, but to examine how their beliefs and values show up in the way they actually live. About the Colorado Psychedelic Church The Colorado Psychedelic Church is a community dedicated to healing, authentic connection, and spiritual growth through the responsible use of entheogens and sacred compounds. With more than 3,200 people having stepped into the community, along with weekly sermons, Friday Lounge Nights, educational events, support groups, communal ceremonies, and a growing podcast, the church exists to help people heal together…not only through psychedelic experiences, but through meaningful community, honest conversation, personal responsibility, and the ongoing work of transformation. People do not need to use psychedelics to belong. They simply need to approach the community with curiosity, authenticity, and respect for the divinity and autonomy of others. Contact Us Colorado Psychedelic Church 5028 North Academy Blvd. Colorado Springs, CO 80918 719-412-5860 ColoradoPsychedelicChurch.com

  3. Aug 15

    Beyond the Renaissance: Sean Lawlor on the Psychedelic Revival

    The psychedelic movement is evolving…but where is it actually headed? In this thoughtful conversation, Teopixqui Dez sits down with author and therapist Sean Lawlor to explore the ideas behind his acclaimed book, Psychedelic Revival: Toward a New Paradigm of Healing. Together they discuss why Sean intentionally chose the word revival over renaissance, the growing relationship between science and spirituality, and the opportunities—and challenges—that come with psychedelics entering mainstream healthcare. From indigenous wisdom and clinical research to commercialization, community, and the ethical responsibilities of facilitators, this episode offers a balanced look at one of the fastest-changing fields in modern mental health. In this episode... Sean shares the inspiration behind Psychedelic Revival and explains why he wanted to write a book that serves as an accessible doorway into the rapidly expanding world of psychedelic research. Rather than choosing sides in the often-polarized conversations surrounding psychedelics, he explores the importance of holding both rigorous science and genuine spiritual experience together. The discussion dives into the evolution of psychedelic-assisted therapy, why preparation, ceremony, and integration all matter, and how healing can look very different depending on whether someone is approaching psychedelics through clinical medicine or spiritual practice. Along the way, Sean and Dez tackle difficult topics including MKUltra, commercialization, ethical facilitation, indigenous traditions, ketamine therapy, and the responsibilities that come with guiding others through non-ordinary states of consciousness. Throughout the conversation, both emphasize that psychedelics are not miracle cures…but when approached with humility, community, proper preparation, and respect, they can become powerful catalysts for lasting transformation. In this episode Why Sean chose "Psychedelic Revival" instead of "Psychedelic Renaissance" Writing a beginner-friendly guide to an increasingly complex field Where science and spirituality truly complement one another The limits of scientific reductionism in psychedelic healing Why preparation, dosing, and integration all matter Clinical therapy versus ceremonial approaches What today's therapists can learn from indigenous traditions The history of MKUltra and its lasting impact on public trust Commercialization, patents, and the future of psychedelic medicine Why ketamine isn't a one-size-fits-all solution Community as an essential ingredient for long-term healing Recognizing and preventing abuses of power within psychedelic spaces Balancing skepticism with openness when exploring altered states Why curiosity is often more important than certainty Memorable moments Sean explains why the word "revival" better captures today's movement than "renaissance." A fascinating discussion about how LSD unintentionally escaped CIA research and helped spark the 1960s counterculture. The conversation explores why science may never fully explain the deepest psychedelic experiences—and why that's okay. Sean reflects on his first mushroom experience and how it connected years of studying philosophy and mysticism into lived experience. Dez and Sean discuss why authentic community may be one of the most overlooked aspects of psychedelic healing. A surprisingly important question: What's the perfect snack after a psychedelic journey? (Hint: mango.) About Sean Lawlor Sean Lawlor is a therapist, writer, and author of Psychedelic Revival: Toward a New Paradigm of Healing. Drawing from years of research, interviews with leading voices in the psychedelic movement, and his own clinical experience, Sean explores the intersection of neuroscience, psychology, spirituality, philosophy, and indigenous wisdom. His work seeks to make the rapidly evolving world of psychedelic healing approachable without sacrificing nuance, helping readers navigate both the promise and the complexity of this emerging field. Learn more at SeanPLawlor.com. About Teopixqui Dez Teopixqui Dez serves as clergy for the Colorado Psychedelic Church, where he helps individuals explore healing through sacred compounds, authentic community, and spiritual growth. Combining humor, compassion, and deep curiosity, Dez works to bridge the worlds of psychology, spirituality, and lived experience while creating safe spaces for meaningful transformation. About the Colorado Psychedelic Church The Colorado Psychedelic Church is a community dedicated to healing, authentic connection, and spiritual growth through the responsible use of entheogens and sacred compounds. With more than 3,200 people having stepped through its doors, the church offers weekly sermons, Friday Lounge Nights, educational events, support groups, communal ceremonies, and a growing podcast—all centered around the belief that lasting healing happens not only through psychedelic experiences, but through genuine community, personal responsibility, and meaningful human connection. People do not need to use psychedelics to belong. They simply need to approach the community with curiosity, authenticity, and respect for the divinity and autonomy of others. Contact Us Colorado Psychedelic Church 5028 North Academy Blvd. Colorado Springs, CO 80918 Phone: 719-412-5860 Website: ColoradoPsychedelicChurch.com

  4. Aug 11

    Sermon: Growth Costs Something-What It Takes to Build a Community

    What does growth actually require from us? In this sermon, Teopixqui Dez opens a month-long exploration of growth by looking honestly at his own evolution as a spiritual leader and the remarkable transformation of the Colorado Psychedelic Church from two people gathering in a home to a community of more than 3,100 members. In this sermon... Growth feels wonderful when we focus on what we're gaining. But real growth also requires change, sacrifice, humility, discomfort, and sometimes letting go of things that once served us. Teopixqui Dez begins by tracing the unlikely story of the Colorado Psychedelic Church back to its earliest days, when his first sermon had an audience of two and the church existed more as an idea than a fully formed faith. In fact, Dez explains that the church existed before he fully understood his own spirituality. Psychedelics had shown him the healing potential of entheogens, while his background in psychology had taught him the importance of human connection. Faith emerged later…through the community itself. As more people arrived, something fundamentally changed. What began as Dez's ideas gradually became a shared faith shaped by the people living it. But that growth forced Dez to confront one of his greatest personal challenges: letting go of control. The larger the community became, the less possible it was for one person to carry everything. Clergy were ordained. Responsibilities were shared. The basement became too small. Eventually, the church moved into its own building. Each milestone brought something beautiful…and something that had to be released. Dez reflects candidly on the growing pains that come with leading a community of more than 3,100 people: not knowing every face anymore, carrying greater financial responsibility, dealing with criticism and public attention, navigating community conflict, and realizing that something once done purely for fun sometimes has to become work. But growth belongs to the congregation too. The church cannot remain something created by a handful of clergy while everyone else simply attends. Dez challenges each congregant to consider what they uniquely bring to the community. That might mean volunteering, creating something, leading an event, sharing a skill, telling someone about the church, donating, or simply giving another person the most valuable resource any of us possess: our time. Growth inevitably changes things. The challenge is making sure that as the community becomes larger, it never loses the thing that made it worth growing in the first place. In this sermon The earliest days of the Colorado Psychedelic Church Why the church existed before Dez fully discovered his own faith The first sermon attended by only two people How PACK Life evolved from one person's ideas into a communal faith Confronting imposter syndrome as a spiritual leader Why growth required Dez to surrender control The creation and ordination of the church's clergy Growing from a basement gathering into a dedicated church space Why even positive growth comes with loss and sacrifice Moving from knowing every congregant to serving thousands The financial realities of operating a growing community Learning to see criticism as evidence that the church is becoming visible Why transparency matters as organizations become larger Preserving community instead of becoming a psychedelic dispensary or social club Recognizing the time and work donated by clergy and volunteers Finding your own skill, contribution, or place within the community Why the church grows through relationships rather than traditional advertising The difference between attendance and ownership Letting go of what no longer serves the person you are becoming Why stagnation can become a kind of living death Growing without losing the soul of what brought everyone together About Teopixqui Dez Teopixqui Dez is the founder and spiritual leader of the Colorado Psychedelic Church. His journey began with psychology, community-building, and the recognition that entheogens and sacred compounds could become powerful tools for healing. Over time, those experiences developed into a deeper spiritual practice centered on divinity, personal responsibility, authentic connection, and the communal experience. Through weekly sermons and the continued growth of the church, Dez encourages people not simply to believe differently, but to actively build lives and communities that reflect the values they claim to hold. About the Colorado Psychedelic Church The Colorado Psychedelic Church is a community dedicated to healing, authentic connection, and spiritual growth through the responsible use of entheogens and sacred compounds. With more than 3,100 members, weekly sermons, Friday Lounge Nights, educational events, support groups, communal ceremonies, and a growing podcast, the church exists to help people heal together—not only through psychedelic experiences, but through meaningful community, honest conversation, personal responsibility, and the ongoing work of transformation. People do not need to use psychedelics to belong. They simply need to approach the community with curiosity, authenticity, and respect for the divinity and autonomy of others. Contact Us Colorado Psychedelic Church 5028 North Academy Blvd. Colorado Springs, CO 80918 719-412-5860 ColoradoPsychedelicChurch.com

  5. Aug 8

    Sara(h)²: The Courage to Heal Before Passing It On

    Welcome to the Sara(h)² episode. Threadkeeper Sara and Light Mode Sarah prove that while they may share almost the same name, they each bring a completely unique perspective on healing, parenthood, grief, and finding hope again. In this deeply personal conversation, Light Mode Sarah shares her lifelong journey through OCD, anxiety, depression, pregnancy loss, breast cancer, motherhood, and ultimately finding a community where she could truly be herself. Along the way, the two Saras explore how psychedelics, authentic connection, and intentional healing can help us break generational patterns, rediscover joy, and become the people we were always meant to be. In this episode... Sarah grew up as the youngest of five children in a household where rules provided structure…but also left little room for individuality. Living with OCD, anxiety, and an ever-present inner critic, she spent years trying to become the person she thought everyone else expected her to be. College became the beginning of a different story. Therapy and cannabis helped quiet the relentless mental noise, allowing her to begin challenging lifelong patterns and finding her own voice. But it wasn't until motherhood that healing became deeply personal. Raising daughters forced her to confront generational habits she refused to pass on, transforming the way she parented and the way she viewed herself. The conversation takes an emotional turn as Sarah shares the heartbreaking loss of her son after a devastating prenatal diagnosis, followed by her own battle with breast cancer just months after welcoming her second daughter. Through unimaginable grief, illness, and uncertainty, she continued searching for meaning…and eventually found profound healing through psychedelics, community, and a renewed sense of spirituality. With warmth, honesty, and even plenty of laughter, Threadkeeper Sara and Light Mode Sarah explore what it means to embrace vulnerability, rediscover wonder, and choose healing—not only for ourselves, but for the generations that follow. In this episode Growing up with OCD, anxiety, and strict family expectations Learning to challenge lifelong survival patterns How cannabis became an important mental health tool Breaking generational cycles through intentional parenting Why children often mirror our emotional lives Searching for authentic spiritual community after leaving organized religion Wrestling with faith, prayer, and life's hardest questions Pregnancy loss and making an impossible medical decision Finding peace through psychedelic experiences after profound grief Living through breast cancer while raising young children How mushrooms and DMT helped restore joy, presence, and wonder Rediscovering hobbies, individuality, and personal identity Neurodivergence, belonging, and finally feeling understood Why genuine community feels different from simply fitting in Memorable moments The debut of the podcast's first-ever Sara(h)² episode. Why the community affectionately calls them Light Mode Sarah and Threadkeeper Sara. Sarah's description of quieting the constant voices in her mind—and finally hearing her authentic self. A moving conversation about parenting, generational healing, and choosing different patterns for our children. A beautiful reflection on how energy never truly disappears…it simply changes form. Why both Sarahs believe authentic community can become one of life's greatest sources of healing. About Light Mode Sarah Sarah joined the Colorado Psychedelic Church in 2026 after years of searching for authentic community and new approaches to healing. Her journey has included navigating OCD, anxiety, depression, pregnancy loss, breast cancer, parenthood, and neurodivergence while intentionally breaking generational patterns for her family. Today she continues exploring healing through therapy, cannabis, psychedelics, and meaningful community while rediscovering creativity, hobbies, and the simple joy of being herself. About Threadkeeper Sara Threadkeeper Sara serves as clergy within the Colorado Psychedelic Church and is passionate about creating spaces where honest conversations about mental health, spirituality, parenthood, and healing can flourish. Known for her thoughtful questions, compassionate presence, and occasional theological rabbit trails, she helps weave together the personal stories that strengthen the church community. About the Colorado Psychedelic Church The Colorado Psychedelic Church is a community dedicated to healing, authentic connection, and spiritual growth through the responsible use of entheogens and sacred compounds. With more than 3,200 people having stepped through its doors, the church offers weekly sermons, Friday Lounge Nights, educational events, support groups, communal ceremonies, and a growing podcast—all centered around the belief that lasting healing happens not only through psychedelic experiences, but through genuine community, personal responsibility, and meaningful human connection. People do not need to use psychedelics to belong. They simply need to approach the community with curiosity, authenticity, and respect for the divinity and autonomy of others. Contact Us Colorado Psychedelic Church 5028 North Academy Blvd. Colorado Springs, CO 80918 Phone: 719-412-5860 Website: ColoradoPsychedelicChurch.com

  6. Aug 4

    Sermon: Stop Studying the Moon… Look at It

    What if the greatest obstacle to spiritual growth isn't a lack of knowledge…but believing we already have all the answers? In this sermon, Teopixqui Dez and Pharmacist Castle explore the wisdom found across spiritual traditions, challenging us to replace certainty with curiosity and reminding us that some truths are meant to be experienced rather than explained. In this sermon... As the congregation gathers, Dez reflects on the power of community during difficult times, celebrating the church's continued growth while encouraging members to protect their peace in an increasingly divided world. He shares updates on new sacrament offerings, upcoming community events, and the importance of responding to criticism with education rather than hostility. The heart of the sermon focuses on finding wisdom beyond the boundaries of any single faith tradition. Drawing from Sufi mysticism, Dez tells the story of a scholar who spent decades studying the moon without ever stepping outside to see it. The lesson is simple but profound: knowledge alone cannot replace lived experience. Faith, spirituality, and the mysteries of existence are not puzzles to solve—they are invitations to participate. He continues with a Cherokee teaching about a rushing mountain river, reminding us that the universe often communicates without words. Rather than demanding immediate understanding, we are invited to remain present, allowing experience itself to become the teacher. Pharmacist Castle expands on this theme by reflecting on his own journey through multiple religious traditions. Revisiting Buddhism, Pentecostal Christianity, and Native American teachings, he identifies common threads that transcend doctrine: personal growth, humility, healing, interconnectedness, and the divine gifts we share simply by showing up for one another. Together, their reflections encourage listeners to approach both science and spirituality with humility. There will always be questions beyond our current understanding. Rather than rushing to explain every mystery, perhaps our greatest opportunity is to remain curious enough to experience it. In this sermon Why experience often teaches more than explanation The Sufi story of the scholar who studied the moon but never looked at it What Cherokee wisdom teaches about listening to the river Finding common truths across different spiritual traditions Lessons from Buddhism about mindfulness and inner transformation Divine gifts, healing, and community through a Pentecostal perspective Native American teachings on humility and our interconnectedness with nature Why certainty can become a barrier to spiritual growth Protecting your peace instead of arguing online Approaching life's mysteries with curiosity rather than fear How community creates fertile ground for healing and transformation Why some questions may never have complete answers—and why that's okay About Teopixqui Dez Teopixqui Dez is the founder and spiritual leader of the Colorado Psychedelic Church. Through weekly sermons, he explores spirituality, psychology, philosophy, mythology, and the responsible use of entheogens, encouraging people to think critically, remain curious, and build lives rooted in authenticity, compassion, and community. About Pharmacist Castle Pharmacist Castle is a member of the clergy at the Colorado Psychedelic Church. Drawing from his experiences across multiple faith traditions, he explores healing, spirituality, community, and the universal principles that connect people across different beliefs while encouraging others to discover their own authentic path. About the Colorado Psychedelic Church The Colorado Psychedelic Church is a community dedicated to healing, authentic connection, and spiritual growth through the responsible use of entheogens and sacred compounds. With more than 2,800 members, weekly sermons, Friday Lounge Nights, educational events, support groups, communal ceremonies, and a growing podcast, the church exists to help people heal together—not only through psychedelic experiences, but through meaningful community, honest conversation, personal responsibility, and the ongoing work of transformation. People do not need to use psychedelics to belong. They simply need to approach the community with curiosity, authenticity, and respect for the divinity and autonomy of others. Contact Us Colorado Psychedelic Church 5028 North Academy Blvd. Colorado Springs, CO 80918 719-412-5860 ColoradoPsychedelicChurch.com

  7. Aug 1

    Psychedelic Astrology: Can the Timing of Your Journey Matter? with René Heiden

    Does when you take a psychedelic matter just as much as what you take...or why you're taking it? In this conversation, Oracle Richard sits down with astropsychologist René Heiden to explore the emerging intersection of astrology, psychology, psychedelic preparation, and integration. Together they discuss whether astrological timing may help people approach psychedelic experiences with greater intention, clarity, and support. In this episode... Most conversations about psychedelics focus on set and setting...your mindset and your environment. René Heiden suggests there may be another variable worth considering: timing. Drawing from more than fifteen years of work in astropsychology, indigenous healing traditions, and clinical settings, René explains how she began incorporating astrology into psychedelic preparation after clients repeatedly asked for help accessing specific emotional breakthroughs or navigating areas where they felt stuck. Inspired by the work of researchers including Stanislav Grof, Richard Tarnas, and Renn Butler, she describes how archetypal astrology can offer another lens for understanding why two people taking the same psychedelic, on the same day, may have profoundly different experiences. Throughout the conversation, René emphasizes that astrology is not deterministic, nor is it a replacement for preparation, integration, or community. Instead, she views it as another map...one that may help identify more supportive windows for specific kinds of inner work. Richard and René also explore why skepticism has an important place in spiritual communities, why meaningful healing almost always involves relationships, and how astrology can complement rather than replace psychological and therapeutic practices. The discussion extends beyond psychedelics into topics including trauma, ADHD, chronic illness, post-surgical healing, aging, Saturn returns, retrogrades, and the role of astrology in understanding the larger developmental seasons of life. Whether you're deeply interested in astrology or simply curious about another approach to intentional healing, this conversation offers a thoughtful exploration of one practitioner's work at the intersection of consciousness, psychology, and spirituality. In this episode What psychedelic astrology is...and what it isn't The research that inspired astrological timing for psychedelic journeys Stanislav Grof, Richard Tarnas, Renn Butler, and archetypal astrology Why identical psychedelic doses can produce dramatically different experiences Using astrology alongside intention, preparation, and integration How René works with clients before psychedelic experiences Why astrology is a tool for asking better questions rather than predicting outcomes The relationship between natal charts and current planetary transits Supporting trauma healing through intentional psychedelic work ADHD, nervous system healing, and neuroplasticity Psychedelics and their potential role alongside medical recovery Why community may be even more important than astrology Reframing Mercury retrograde and other retrogrades as opportunities rather than problems Saturn returns, midlife transitions, and the developmental seasons of life Why skepticism strengthens healthy spiritual communities The difference between astrology, astropsychology, and popular horoscopes How René structures her client sessions Why astrology is ultimately about soul development rather than prediction About René Heiden René Heiden is an astropsychologist, spiritual guide, educator, and founder of Soul Love & Light, where she helps people explore healing, personal transformation, and soul development through the integration of astrology, psychology, spirituality, and indigenous wisdom. With more than fifteen years of experience working with clients around the world, René specializes in trauma recovery, life transitions, relationships, career development, addiction, childhood wounds, sexual trauma, spiritual emergence, and psychedelic preparation and integration. Her work draws from archetypal astrology, Indigenous traditions, transpersonal psychology, and decades of study with leading figures including Richard Tarnas and Renn Butler. Through individual sessions, teaching, and mentorship, René helps clients better understand their inner patterns, navigate life's developmental seasons, and cultivate greater compassion for themselves and others. Learn more at SoulLoveAndLight.com. About Oracle Richard Oracle Richard is a member of the clergy at the Colorado Psychedelic Church and serves as one of the church's resident astrologers and psychedelic educators. Through classes, podcasts, and one-on-one conversations, he explores astrology, psychology, mythology, and consciousness with the goal of helping people better understand themselves, deepen their healing journeys, and cultivate meaningful community. About the Colorado Psychedelic Church The Colorado Psychedelic Church is a community dedicated to healing, authentic connection, and spiritual growth through the responsible use of entheogens and sacred compounds. With more than 3,200 people having stepped into the community, along with weekly sermons, Friday Lounge Nights, educational events, support groups, communal ceremonies, and a growing podcast, the church exists to help people heal together...not only through psychedelic experiences, but through meaningful community, honest conversation, personal responsibility, and the ongoing work of transformation. People do not need to use psychedelics to belong. They simply need to approach the community with curiosity, authenticity, and respect for the divinity and autonomy of others. Contact Us Colorado Psychedelic Church 5028 North Academy Blvd. Colorado Springs, CO 80918 719-412-5860 ColoradoPsychedelicChurch.com

  8. Jul 28

    Sermon: The Divine Spark, Pocket Faith & Trusting the Universe

    Where does the divine live? In this sermon, Bahn Fasa Maya, Pa'Dre, Threadkeeper Sara, and Oracle Richard explore how spiritual traditions across centuries have described a shared sacred truth: divinity is not distant from us. It exists within us, around us, and throughout creation. In this sermon... With Teopixqui Dez away handling a family matter, Threadkeeper Sara welcomes the congregation and introduces an evening centered on the wisdom found across different faiths, philosophies, and spiritual traditions. Bahn Fasa Maya begins with the Gospel of Thomas, an early Christian text discovered among the Nag Hammadi writings. She examines its image of the divine existing beneath every stone and within every piece of wood, connecting it to the Gnostic belief that human beings carry a divine spark within the physical body. She then traces this same idea through Sufism, the poetry of Rumi, modern Pagan thought, and the first universal truth of PACK Life: Revere the Self. Across these traditions, the language changes, but the underlying message remains remarkably consistent. We are not separated from creation. We are expressions of it. Caring for ourselves is not selfish when we recognize the same divinity within ourselves that we honor in others. Pa'Dre then shares a more personal path to the third universal truth: The Universe Provides. Raised around a shifting mixture of Christian beliefs, alternative spirituality, and his mother's enthusiasm for The Secret, Dre initially dismissed the law of attraction as pseudoscience. Over time, however, he began noticing moments when naming what he needed helped him recognize opportunities, relationships, and resources that moved his life forward. When he reached one of the darkest periods of his life in 2021, he asked the universe for help. That request led to Reiki, a men's support group, difficult conversations, personal change, and eventually a new life in Colorado. His story reframes the law of attraction not as wishing material things into existence, but as an expression of faith: placing an honest need into the world, remaining open to the response, and taking action when an opportunity appears. Together, these reflections ask listeners to consider how the universe has spoken through their own lives. The language may be Christian, Sufi, Pagan, scientific, mystical, or deeply personal. What matters is whether it helps us recognize our connection, care for the divine within ourselves, and remain open to the support that surrounds us. In this sermon The wisdom found across different spiritual traditions The Gospel of Thomas and the Gnostic divine spark Why the Gospel of Thomas was excluded from the biblical canon Finding divinity within creation rather than outside of it The Sufi concept of the ruh, or divine spirit Rumi's reed flute as a symbol of separation from the divine Starhawk, Pagan spirituality, and the sacredness of nature Revering yourself without falling into selfishness Why many people struggle to recognize their own divinity Pa'Dre's early skepticism about The Secret A practical interpretation of the law of attraction Asking the universe for help during a personal crisis The connection between faith, opportunity, and action How community can become part of the universe providing Recognizing support when it arrives in unexpected forms About Bahn Fasa Maya Bahn Fasa Maya is a member of the clergy at the Colorado Psychedelic Church and was ordained in the light of the second universal truth: Embrace the Communal Experience. She brings curiosity, research, personal experience, and a deeply practical approach to conversations about spirituality, psychedelics, mental health, harm reduction, and the wisdom found across religious traditions. About Pa'Dre Pa'Dre is a member of the clergy at the Colorado Psychedelic Church and was ordained in the light of the third universal truth: The Universe Provides. Through honesty, humor, and personal storytelling, he explores what it means to place faith in something larger than ourselves while remaining willing to recognize opportunities, accept support, and take meaningful action. About the Colorado Psychedelic Church The Colorado Psychedelic Church is a community dedicated to healing, authentic connection, and spiritual growth through the responsible use of entheogens and sacred compounds. With more than 2,800 members, weekly sermons, Friday Lounge Nights, educational events, support groups, communal ceremonies, and a growing podcast, the church exists to help people heal together—not only through psychedelic experiences, but through meaningful community, honest conversation, personal responsibility, and the ongoing work of transformation. People do not need to use psychedelics to belong. They simply need to approach the community with curiosity, authenticity, and respect for the divinity and autonomy of others. Contact Us Colorado Psychedelic Church 5028 North Academy Blvd. Colorado Springs, CO 80918 719-412-5860 ColoradoPsychedelicChurch.com

See All (60)

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

The Colorado Psychedelic Church Podcast exists to strengthen and deepen our community ... and to offer an honest window into who we are. Founded by Teopixqui Dez and guided by a growing circle of clergy, our church is committed to the sacrament as a sacred responsibility and to community as the heart of spiritual life. Through sermons, conversations with clergy, and personal stories from members, we explore theology, ethics, integration, humility, and what it means to build a welcoming spiritual community in Colorado today. You'll hear from people of different ages, backgrounds, and walks of life ... sharing their experiences in their own words. Many guests are identified by first name only to honor privacy and personal boundaries. We believe spiritual growth happens best in environments that are transparent, accountable, and grounded in mutual respect. For our members, this podcast is about connection and continued formation. For those considering joining, it's a clear and thoughtful look at our leadership, values, and rhythms of community life. For the spiritually curious, it's an invitation to listen, discern, and see if this feels like home. This is not about spectacle. It's about belonging. Because spiritual growth doesn't happen in isolation… it happens in community.

Information