Hi Reader,

Welcome to this week's edition of the Maps of the Mind newsletter.

🌑 Ritual Objects:
What We Bring With Us 🪨

I just got back from Berlin again.

This time it was for the Occulture esoteric conference, an event I’ve been attending as a volunteer since the first edition in 2018, when I had just landed in Berlin.

It’s a fringe festival of sorts. A mix of philosophy, performance, and off-the-beaten-path spirituality. The kind of space where you’re encouraged to explore the weird edges of the human experience.

I love this gathering not just for the content, but for the people and connections. I hadn’t seen some of them in years, but when we reconnected, it was still warm and special.

It's also been amazing to see how the conference has grown over the years since the first edition. It reminded me that great things take time to grow, but when they do, they can grow deep.

Something that was on my mind relating to psychedelic journeys was the way physical objects were used, especially in the ritualistic spaces.

Objects of Power

In certain magickal traditions, objects play a central role. Not as superstition, but as anchors. As extensions of intention. Small things, charged with meaning.

This applies beautifully to psychedelic practice.

A stone can help you ground.
A photo can evoke a relationship or memory.
A gifted item can carry the presence of someone you love.

Recently, a client told me they went through the objects in their room while tripping — and each item opened up memories, like little doorways. The session became a kind of spontaneous connection to moments and emotions connected to the past.

I once carried a calligraphy brush from my grandfather through part of a journey which connected me to lineage, family, and history.

Ram Dass often spoke about this too, keeping a photo of his guru nearby during journeys, to maintain a felt connection to something greater.

Leo Zeff, the underground psychedelic therapist profiled in The Secret Chief Revealed, did what he called the picture trip. It’s where you bring a stack of personal photos into your session; childhood snapshots, loved ones, old friends, moments you’ve forgotten, and let them guide you. If you've never tried this or done a life review, I'd recommend it. It can be quite profound.

Objects as Remembering and Connection

Objects — when chosen with care — can help you remember who you are, where you came from, and what you care about.

🌑 🪨 📿 📸 🪞 🧭 🔮

So next time you prepare for a journey, ask yourself:

Let the answer guide the objects you bring.

-

Any of these bring up any thoughts for you?
Any questions or thoughts? Hit reply to share with me :)

📚 Microdose of Wisdom

🧰 Practice Prompt

Before your next session, choose 1–3 objects to place nearby.

• One for grounding
• One for remembrance
• One for connection or strength

After the journey, reflect:
What came up in relation to each object?
Did it serve a purpose? Surprise you? Shift your perspective?

🎵Psychedelic Supplements

Guided meditation versions from East Forest's latest psychedelic soundtrack just released!

Lovingly - Guided • East For... Knowing (with a capital K) [... PREVIEW   ​

Breathwork playlist from Green Magic Yoga
"25 min med - 1 hour activation - 2 hour journey"

Houseboat Magic Breathwork •... Base Chakra – Ruby Resonance... PREVIEW   ​

New Tame Impala album out recently, here's an acoustic set from Tiny Desk

​

❤️ Love and mettā to you all,

John

John Robertson​
​Psychedelic Facilitator & Educator
Webdelics' Top 100 Psychedelic Thought Leaders and Content Creators​ 2025​
​Maps of the Mind​

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