Summary:

In this episode of Higher Density Living, Jason Rigby is joined by Mackenzie Belcastro, a transformational coach and host of the North Star podcast. Together, they explore the struggle of feeling stuck, the fear of the unknown, and the journey to reconnect with your authentic self. Mackenzie shares insights on navigating inner shadows, grounding in the present, and honoring your true self amid life’s chaos. Tune in for transformative wisdom and actionable practices to reclaim your personal power.

This episode dives deep into the human experience of feeling stuck, disconnected, and overwhelmed by uncertainty. Jason Rigby and Mackenzie Belcastro discuss why these emotions arise, often stemming from a lack of safety and the mind's over-reliance on control. Mackenzie shares her approach to overcoming stagnation by grounding in the present moment, connecting with the body, and exploring the shadows of the self.

The conversation touches on Mackenzie’s unique practices for cultivating presence, from mindful walks to setting healthy boundaries, and explores the importance of honoring your energy without guilt. Jason and Mackenzie also discuss the profound wisdom found in meeting one’s shadows and listening to the different parts of the self without judgment. Listeners will discover practical strategies for connecting with their true selves and finding clarity amid confusion.

• [00:00] – Introduction: Jason Rigby introduces Mackenzie Belcastro, transformational coach and host of the North Star podcast.
• [03:30] – The Illusion of Control: Jason and Mackenzie discuss how the unknown triggers fear and why embracing uncertainty can be transformative.
• [08:20] – The Power of Presence: Mackenzie shares why grounding in the present moment is essential for clarity and peace.
• [13:45] – Navigating Emotional Overwhelm: Practical steps for recognizing and soothing anxiety, guilt, and fear.
• [17:00] – Honoring Your True Self: Mackenzie reveals her approach to respecting personal energy without guilt.
• [22:10] – Meeting Your Shadows: The importance of exploring inner parts and shadows for self-awareness.
• [27:30] – Practical Presence Practices: Mindful walks, intentional breathing, and connecting with the body.
• [32:00] – Closing Reflections: Jason and Mackenzie discuss the beauty of authenticity and embracing inner darkness.
  

1. "Feeling stuck often comes from a lack of safety within ourselves." – Mackenzie Belcastro
2. "Grounding in the present is the ultimate act of surrender." – Jason Rigby
   "Honoring your true self means setting boundaries without guilt." – Mackenzie Belcastro
   

• 🎧 Listen to Mackenzie’s North Star Podcast: North Star Podcast on Spotify
• 🌐 Connect with Mackenzie Belcastro on Instagram: @mackbelcastro
• 📌 Explore Higher Density Living Episodes: Higher Density Living on Spotify
• 📖 Related Article: “Overcoming Stagnation and Finding Your True Self” on Mackenzie’s Website: mackenziebelcastro.com
• 📺 Subscribe to Higher Density Living on YouTube: HDL YouTube Channel

Feeling stuck in life? Break free and discover your true self. Tune in to this transformative episode with Mackenzie Belcastro. Don’t forget to subscribe to Higher Density Living for more insights on spiritual growth and authentic living. 🌟✨

Summary

Explore the mystical parallels between the Tarot and the Gospel of John in this profound conversation with Professor Eric Cunningham. Delve into Christian Hermeticism, Rudolf Steiner’s esoteric insights, and the role of the Fool as a cosmic archetype. This episode offers seekers a fresh lens on spiritual initiation and inner transformation through symbolism, scripture, and soul.

Overview

In this illuminating episode of Higher Density Living, Jason Rigby welcomes back Eric Cunningham, Professor of History at Gonzaga University and a leading voice in esoteric studies and Zen thought. With expertise in modern Japanese intellectual history, Anthroposophy, and spirituality in the digital age, Eric bridges Valentin Tomberg’s Meditations on the Tarot with the mystical Gospel of John to reveal a shared path of Christian initiation.

Together, they explore how the Major Arcana — from the Fool to the World — mirror the spiritual evolution depicted in the Gospel. From Steiner’s vision of thinking as spiritual perception to John the Baptist as the archetypal Fool, Cunningham reframes the Tarot not as occult divination, but as divine revelation. This dialogue invites listeners to expand beyond dogma, meditate on mystery, and activate higher density consciousness through spiritual symbols and inner truth.

Timestamps

• 00:01 – Mystical Union Begins: Tarot meets the Gospel of John.
• 03:21 – Christian Hermeticism 101: Valentin Tomberg’s cosmic map.
• 07:05 – Tripartite Path: Mysticism, Gnosis, and Sacred Magic decoded.
• 13:29 – The Fool’s Descent: Logos incarnate and the dissociative barrier.
• 19:36 – Amor and Divine Madness: Fool as archetype of pure love.
• 23:04 – Resurrection and Integration: Tarot’s sequence as spiritual evolution.
• 28:26 – Reverse Reading & Genesis: Tarot through Steiner’s inner path.
• 31:12 – The Fifth Dimension: Apocalypse, ascension, and new Earth.
  
  

Quotes

• “The Fool is the soul at the edge of transcendence, letting go of all certainties.” – Eric Cunningham
• “If the Gospel of John and the Tarot are both Christian initiations, they must need each other.” – Eric Cunningham
• “You don’t need to figure this out. You need to think about it — that’s enough.” – Jason Rigby

Guest Bio

Eric Cunningham is a Professor of History at Gonzaga University specializing in modern Japanese intellectual history, Zen Buddhism, Anthroposophy, psychedelia, and postmodernism. He holds an MA in modern Japanese literature and a PhD in History from the University of Oregon. Eric is the author of several works including Hallucinating the End of History, Zen Past and Present, and The Luciferic Versus. He lectures globally on topics such as esotericism, film, and spiritual consciousness in the digital age.

📚 Eric Cunningham on Amazon

Resources

• Higher Density Living Official Site
  
• Valentin Tomberg – Meditations on the Tarot
• Law of One Teachings
  

Call to Action

Feeling the call to deeper understanding? Subscribe to Higher Density Living and awaken your path of initiation. Join our community of seekers exploring the edge of spirit and symbol. Look within, transcend the intellect, and let divine madness lead you home.

Discover a transformative approach to overcoming alcohol cravings through breathwork. In this episode, Hamza Najam shares science-backed tools that help you regulate your nervous system and shift your mindset toward self-love. Learn how to interrupt addictive patterns and reclaim peace with simple, daily practices.

Why do we drink even when we know it hurts us? In this deeply honest conversation, Hamza Najam—sober since March 2020—explains how addiction is hardwired into our nervous system and what it truly takes to break free. He dives into the real “why” behind cravings: the emotional triggers, the automated behaviors, and the unresolved pain we try to suppress. But there’s a powerful tool that can disrupt the pattern: breathwork.

Hamza introduces listeners to The Reset Method, a proven breath-based approach that brings the nervous system from chaos to calm. You’ll learn how alcohol cravings are a mix of reward mechanisms and coping strategies—and how breathwork can give you immediate relief in under 10 minutes. This episode is not just about quitting—it’s about remembering your worth and healing from the inside out.

• 00:01 – Why We Overdrink: Habits wired into our brain’s gray matter
• 03:09 – The Dopamine Loop: Anticipation, reward, and auto-pilot behavior
• 06:35 – Self-Love or Self-Destruction?: The emotional driver of addiction
• 10:45 – Real Self-Care: What boring routines have to do with recovery
• 12:28 – The Wake-Up Moment: Why we often wait for rock bottom
• 24:02 – Meet Julie: A practical case study for craving management
• 27:09 – Science of Breathwork: How it shifts your nervous system fast
• 33:04 – The Cheat Code: Using breathwork to tap into healing and confidence

• “The moment I started giving a shit about myself, everything changed.” – Hamza Najam
• “If you have to ask if there’s an issue, there is one.” – Hamza Najam
• “Self-love looks boring—and that’s where the magic is.” – Hamza Najam

Internal Links

• 🎙️ Recovered Addict YouTube Channel
• 📺 Watch more episodes at selfawarepodcast.com
  

Guest Links

• 🔗 Reset Method Program
• 🎥 Free Masterclass
• 📞 Free Clarity Call
• 🌿 Linktree
  

Instagram Breathwork Demos

• Cravings Relief
• Stress Recovery
• Sleep Support

Feeling stuck in the same loop? You’re not alone—and you don’t have to do this the hard way. Watch Hamza’s free breathwork masterclass and schedule your Clarity Call today. Choose to honor yourself. Choose to heal. Start now—your future self will thank you.