Jack Roycroft-Sherry Jung, Magic, Psychedelics & Synchronicity
Oct 3, 2025
Anderson Todd, a cognitive scientist and Jungian depth psychologist, dives deep into the realms of magic, psychedelics, and synchronicity. He discusses his magical practices and the transformative effects of psychedelics like iboga and DMT. Todd uncovers how learned associations shape consciousness and emphasizes the psychological utility of synchronicity in personal growth. He also critiques modern media's magical manipulation and highlights the significance of personalized symbols in magic and psychotherapy. This thought-provoking conversation is a blend of ancient wisdom and contemporary psychological insights.
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Magic As Psychotechnologies
- Anderson Todd defines magic as a set of psychotechnologies used to shape consciousness and neurodynamics.
- These techniques create learned associations that change attention and cognition like literacy or advanced meditation.
Learned Associations Become Automatic
- The Stroop effect shows learned associations can become automatic and resist unlearning.
- Todd uses it to illustrate how trained psychotechnologies create persistent cognitive links.
Use Correspondences To Narrow Attention
- Drill and internalize systems of correspondences to focus attention during ritual practice.
- Use sensory cues (color, smell, objects) to loop attention back and sustain concentration.
