Seven Principles of the Psychonaut w/ Valerie Beltran

What does it mean to be a responsible psychonaut? In this episode of Divergent States , we sit down again with Valerie Beltran, licensed therapist, harm reduction expert, and educator with the Zendo Project, to unpack 7 core principles for navigating psychedelic states with intention, safety, and compassion. We break down everything from testing your stash to dismantling your ego, and talk about how these powerful tools can help us grow: not just as individuals, but as a culture. 🔑 Topics we cover include: Harm reduction, substance testing, and staying safe What makes a psychonaut different from a recreational user Ego dissolution vs. ego inflation in the psychedelic space The beauty of Zendo-style peer support Psychedelic diversity, inclusion, and ethical use The soul quadrant: psychedelics as a call to community action Integration as an everyday spiritual practice Why set, setting, and intention still matter more than hype Valerie brings grounded wisdom and therapeutic insight, while 3L1T3 and Bryan keep it real with stories, skepticism, and a few laughs about LSD philosophy, festival weirdness, and Rainbow drum circles. 🧠 This is a great starting point for new explorers and a reminder to seasoned trippers that we all need to check our egos at the door sometimes. 🎧 Music by Flintwick 🪬 Support the show + get the bonus after-show with Valerie at patreon.com/divergentstates 🎤 Email: divergentstates@gmail.com #Psychedelics #Psychonaut #Integration #ZendoProject #DivergentStates #PsychedelicTherapy #SetAndSetting #HarmReduction #MAPS #EgoDeath 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:00:18 - Valerie Beltran’s Background 00:01:37 - Updates from the Zendo Project 00:02:24 - Psychedelic Legalization News 00:03:35 - Psychedelic Science 25 Conference 00:05:19 - The Seven Psychonaut Principles 00:05:50 - Principle 1: Harm Reduction & Personal Safety 00:08:42 - Preparation (Set & Setting) 00:14:21 - Principle 2: Do No Harm to Others 00:16:07 - Principle 3: Community & Connection 00:21:36 - Principle 4: Diversity & Inclusion 00:25:59 - Principle 5: Ego Awareness 00:31:18 - Principle 6: Integration & Reflection 00:38:18 - Princliple 7: Advocacy & Social Justice 00:44:47 - Closing Remarks Send us Fan Mail Love the podcast? Help keep the conversations going by checking out our official merch shop! We've got t-shirts, hoodies, hats, mugs, stickers, and more, with new designs added regularly. Every purchase helps support independent, honest conversations about psychedelics, science, and culture. Shop now: https://divergent-states-shop.fourthwall.com/ FiresideProject.org Download the app or text/call 62-FIRESIDE Zendo Project Our listeners get 10% off the Zendo Project SIT Program with the code DIVERGENTS10 Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Support the show Special Thanks to our Macrodosers, Super D and Mike, and our Thumbprint Tier member, Angie on Patreon! https://linktr.ee/3L1T3Mod