(All posts are free for 7 days, then go into the paid archive.)
There’s a certain term I find myself bumping up against over and over. Magical thinking.
Also know as magical ideation, in western psychology it’s seen as a a mental disorder, something to be fixed.
This Rushkoff article is a reflection on where we are and the weight of it all. Rushkoff shares the idea of “This time, the meantime, next time.” It’s also about the hopeful ways of being (there’s that awe and wonder again).
Yt progressives think they invented “de-growth” and magical thinking. But Indigenous peoples have been living these ways always.
When I hear magical thinking said as a slur, I know the person criticizing this way of being doesn’t understand how consciousness and collective consciousness works in the ways that Indigenous cultures have understood for thousands of years.
My work of Dreaming in the Wild is the stepping stone to being magical in our ways. It’s work that helps us to let go of the trap of consumerism, status, growth at any cost.
As someone born in the Mayan sign of Imox, I was born into seeing the connections and patterns that others may not see, having more senses. This western “illness” frame for magical thinking has always been problematic for me.
To push back, I’ve been playing with new words for what magical thinking Magical Thinking means for me as a mestize trying to walk between worlds, in nepantla.
Here’s some qualities I’ve observed that come with this way of seeing the world:
Numinous Recognition: “Numinous” is a term that describes the feeling of being in the presence of something greater than oneself, something divine or otherworldly.
Enchanted Awareness: This suggests a conscious awareness that is touched by the magic and wonder of existence.
Sacred Perception: This emphasizes the idea that one’s perspective is not just magical but also sacred, viewing the world with a sense of reverence.
Mystical Reverence: This term emphasizes the deep respect and awe one feels towards the mysteries of the universe.
To create a portmanteau of these qualities I’ve coined the term:
Numystenchant
-
“Nu” from Numinous
-
“Myst” from Mystical
-
“Enchant” from Enchantment
This term, “Numystenchant,” weaves the essence of the divine wild presence, the mysteries of the universe, and the magical touch or influence. It’s a unique and concise way to represent the qualities.
Numystenchanter: someone who is deeply connected with the divine, the mysteries of the universe, and the magical essence of existence. With so much dying in the world, we must breath new life into being.
Progress
As I’ve been working with LDN (low-dose Naltrexone) to support my nervous system, I’ve found I’ve become more porous and sensitive to what’s happening around me.
I’m feeling more, sensing more than ever. I’ve had to redefine my boundaries, and also be with the emotions that are emerging in everything happening in the world.
The numbness is wearing off as my nervous system is awakening and remapping itself anew.
People have talked about having vivid dreams with LDN. For me it’s vivid experiences, feelings. People in my dreams sobbing and me sobbing enough to wake me up from sleep paralysis.
Catharsis. Medicine.
Having capacity to be with these intense feelings after years of therapy, somatic experiencing, Holotropic breath work, and working with other sacred plant medicines has prepared my nervous system to receive the immuno-modulating effect of LDN.
I’m beginning to forget that I’ve had chronic pain.
Less pain has made it possible for all the other experiences to be felt. The sadness for ecological chaos, and the awe, wonder and joy for being alive in this Time.
I am a Numystenchanter.
Recently someone commented that when those of us with these extra perceptive abilities ignore or repress them (thank you western dominator culture), it actually can increase chronic pain and illness. And that when we embrace these numystenchanting ways (aka shamanix ways) the illnesses and pain dissolves.
I’m here for it.
TikTok’s I’ve enjoyed
(This is a curation, best to watch them in order. If these don’t get you on the decolonial side of TikTok, I don’t know what will!)
Over the years I’ve gotten more and more bothered by events and programs that are “women only” as a way to create “safe spaces” I really love this term FLINTA that is a more inclusive umbrella term for excluding cis-hetero males. This video gives a great explanation of the term and of course includes the feedback that gay men want in too but understand why not.
FLINTA (Female, Lesbian, Intersex, Non-binary, Trans, Agender)
Non-binary doesn’t ALWAYS mean Masc… “How femininity is demonized”
“What are you dressed up for?… Why do you think you have to wait for a parade, for Pride?”
Living in our last days: Look Fly
Women on the Street is a favorite new account. These two stories hooked me…
Sevaria, 75, was the first Black hairstylist at Henri Bendel in 1971.
Tziporah Salamon, 73, was born in Israel.
Reflections on what’s happening to the land (in Maui and around the world) as new-feudalism grows.
The US and the corporations are still colonizing Central America (they’ve never stopped)! This was happening in Nicaragua too. The ZEDE facilities look like prisons there.
Library kids are going to save the world!
Please save Octopus, don’t eat them
Check out my client Kathy Benson’s reel about her upcoming Awakening workshop. It’s giving all the feels!
We gave notice and are preparing to move back to a cloud forest. This time to Chiapas, Mexico in October.
Despite all the chainsaws and burning of felled trees and garbage next door, I’ve been able to record three new chats with Sequoia Nacmanie, Lisa Jara, and Dr. Crystal Frazee. Follow them and stay tuned for release dates!
Stay wild, love fiercely. Your presence is golden.
With stardust and celestial love ✨🪐💫
xo Ixchel
P.S. Citing is a feminist and decolonial power move (/ht to Kelly Diels for making that an anthem). If you’ve gained insights and shifts from my work, please remember to cite me and share Dragon 🐉 Letters with a friend. Not citing is a form of epistemicide.
I’m on Threads (where I’m sharing my favorite TikToks and links over there too)!
If you enjoy these posts, please support by becoming a paid subscriber.
🌒 Get your Moon Phase (free calculator) →
✍🏽 Meet OoSo Studio →
👩🏽🤝👩🏾 Ways to work with me…
🎙️ Book me for your Podcast, speaking event, or program…
Walk in beauty. Live your magic. Go wild.
Your Sanctuary to Cultivate Wild Presence for Thriving with a Planet in Transition
I was raised and bore children on the traditional, unceded, and stolen lands of the Coast and Central Valley Miwok (colonized as Petaluma, CA) and Nisenan (colonized as Sacramento and Fair Oaks, CA), past, present, and future. I also write, work, and live in the highland forest of the traditional, unceded and stolen lands of the Totonac, Nahua, and Mexicah, past, present, and future, in what is known as Coatepec, Veracruz, Mexico.
P.P.S. I do not live or consent to the colonial impositions regarding the construct of Time. I also practice honoring rhythms of work, play, and rest so that I can serve you with embodied presence and with loving care. This means I may take several days to respond to your requests and questions. (h/t Eva Glamaris)
P.P.S. A mention is not necessarily an endorsement of someone. It’s an acknowledgment, a citation, of the origin of information in my process of understanding. (h/t Kelly Diels)
Thanks for reading! If you loved it, tell your friends to subscribe.
We may include other affiliate links in our content. Thank you for supporting our work.
Copyright © 2026, Cheyenne, WY, and Veracruz, Mexico, All rights reserved. Sharing your lineage of knowledge is decolonial. When iterating, please cite me. Not citing is epistemicide.
