Last time we looked at how the mystic enters onto the path through the awakening of the Self using extracts from Evelyn Underhill’s Mysticism. Here we continue to explore the mystical process in the second phase of the path: “Here then, stands the newly awakened self: aware, for the first time, of reality, responding to… Continue reading The Mystic Way 3: Purification of the Self
Last time we looked at an overview of the phases of the mystical life using extracts from Evelyn Underhill’s Mysticism. Here we continue the extracts with an exploration of the first phase on the path: the awakening of the transcendental consciousness: “This awakening…is a disturbance of the equilibrium of the self, which results in the… Continue reading The Mystic Way 2: Awakening of the Self
In this series we’ll explore ‘The Mystic Way’ as outlined by Evelyn Underhill in her classic text Mysticism: A Study of the Nature and Development of Man’s Spiritual Consciousness. This is her attempt to describe the general process involved in practising mysticism and the contemplative life. There are many different types of personalities found among… Continue reading The Mystic Way 1: Phases of the Mystical Life
Last time we looked at the third characteristic of mystical love. In part five, we continue the extracts from Mysticism by Evelyn Underhill, and explore the final characteristic: the need for selfless devotion to a profound inner transformation. Extract: “(4) Mysticism entails a definite Psychological Experience. “That is to say, it shows itself not merely… Continue reading Characteristics of Mysticism, Part 5: Inner Transformation
Last time we looked at the practical spiritual activity of mysticism in the first two characteristics. In part four, we continue the extracts from Mysticism by Evelyn Underhill, and explore the third characteristic: the importance of Love. Extract: “(3) The business and method of Mysticism is Love. “Here is one of the distinctive notes of… Continue reading Characteristics of Mysticism, Part 4: Method of Love
Last time we looked at the difficulties mystics have expressing their experiences, and introduced the four characteristics of mysticism. In part three of our extracts from Mysticism by Evelyn Underhill, she goes into more detail about the first two characteristics. Extract: “(1) Mysticism is practical, not theoretical. “This statement, taken alone, is not, of course,… Continue reading Characteristics of Mysticism, Part 3: Practical Spiritual Activity
Last time we looked at the differences between mysticism and magic, as explained by Evelyn Underhill in Mysticism. In part two, we continue the extracts with a look at why mystics have such trouble expressing their experiences in words, and introduce the four characteristics of mysticism. Extract: “The greatest mystics, – Ruysbroeck, St. John of… Continue reading Characteristics of Mysticism, Part 2: Ineffable Reality and Symbolism
Neptune entered Pisces in 2011 and the world has been floundering in confusion and madness since. Along with Pluto’s transit through Capricorn, this is a profoundly important time in our collective evolution. If we get this wrong, we could spin off into a pretty dire future so it’s worth taking the time to understand what’s… Continue reading Neptune in Pisces: Disillusionment and Transcendence
In this series, we’ll look at the characteristics of mysticism as explained by Evelyn Underhill in her classic text Mysticism: A Study of the Nature and Development of Man’s Spiritual Consciousness. In part one, she explains the important differences between magic and mysticism. Extract: “The spiritual history of man reveals two distinct and fundamental attitudes… Continue reading Characteristics of Mysticism, Part 1: Magic and Mysticism
Last time we looked at the crises that can happen in reaction to a spiritual awakening on the path towards Self-realisation. In this final post we explore exactly what it takes to transform yourself and to embody the potential glimpsed during your awakening. The following notes are taken from Psychosynthesis by Roberto Assagioli: “We now… Continue reading Phases in the Process of Transmutation in Spiritual Awakening
Last time we looked at the crises that are caused by spiritual awakening on the path towards Self-realisation. In this post we explore the difficulties of maintaining the awakened state and the tendency to fall back to ‘lower’ levels, which can include an experience of the dark night of the soul. The following notes are… Continue reading Reactions to Spiritual Awakening
Last time we looked at the crises that can precede spiritual awakening on the path towards Self-realisation. In this post we explore the kinds of experiences that can happen as a result of awakening and the problems they can lead to. The following notes are taken from Psychosynthesis by Roberto Assagioli: “The opening of the… Continue reading Crises Caused by Spiritual Awakening
Jessica Davidson 