Are You a Mystic? 10 Signs You Are…
I’ve come to realize that a lot of people have a hard time with this word ‘mystic’, so I decided to clarify my own use of the term. Some people consider ‘mystic’ derogatory, equating it with delusion, and don’t like that I use that label for teachers they respect. Others reserve it only for those with dramatic abilities and experiences, such as prophetic visions, out-of-body encounters, and the like.
My own spiritual life is pretty dull in comparison to a lot of people’s. I generally don’t astral travel, lucid dream, channel, communicate with spirit guides, conduct magick rituals, or see dead people. Mostly I meditate, read, and try to be kind and mindful in my daily life. I have had beautiful and powerful experiences, but they are not the mainstay of my path. Despite this general lack of excitement, I consider myself a mystic for many reasons, and I decided to put these down, in a format that will help you decide if you are a mystic too. And, just to be clear, I respect all the practices that I just mentioned – they just are not the foundation for my own path.
So, in my mind, you are a mystic if:
1. Personal experience is more important to you than doctrine. Mystics want to experience divinity/peace/the universe/God/Goddess/Allah/nirvana/the Tao/enlightenment (or any other word you like) themselves. We might like reading about other’s experiences as a guide, but we generally aren’t satisfied solely with spiritual explanations put down by others.
2. You ask a lot of questions. Mystics are curious. We want to know how the universe works, and why, and are usually very interested in the structures underneath the visible world. We are the researchers of the spiritual world.
3. You won’t take ’cause I said so’ for an answer. Mystics don’t like to be told ‘this is the way it is’, or even ‘this is what the holy book/God/some prior saint’ said. That might serve as a starting point for our explorations, but we want more backup before we will adopt a spiritual tenet as our own belief.
4. You value your intuition, and the intuition of others. Mystics rely on many forms of insight and knowledge besides language, rationality, and our physical senses. Intuitive perceptions are a powerful part of the mix during our spiritual seeking.
5. You are uncomfortable with religious and spiritual hierarchies. Mystics tend to have a ‘flat’ view of the world. We believe anyone can experience divinity to some extent – that it’s not limited to those who take a vow, join a religious order, or spend years studying scripture.
6. You tend to be a rule-breaker. Mystics are often spiritual rebels. Even those that are now revered historical figures – such as St. Theresa of Avila in Catholicism, Padmasambhava in Tibetan Buddhism, or Mirabai in Hinduism – were criticized or even persecuted during their lifetimes, for questioning the religious status quo.
7. You believe in internal, rather than external, measures of spiritual growth. Mystics believe it’s all about awareness. External rituals and spiritual practices are meant to trigger internal insights and transformation – we don’t perform them to ‘please’ a higher power, or to accrue spiritual brownie points.
8. You believe power comes through you, not from you. Mystics see themselves as one wave in the ocean of existence. We recognize ourselves as a conduit for power, but not its ultimate source, and acknowledge the connectivity of everyone and everything.
9. You believe love comes through you, not from you. Love is the ultimate source of life, for every mystic I have ever studied, regardless of their religious tradition. And mystics know that our individual loves – the people and experiences we value in our own lives – are just a small reflection of the larger love we are all capable of manifesting.
10. Like Shakespeare’s Hamlet, you believe “There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, Than are dreamt of in your philosophy.” Mystics acknowledge that the universe is infinite and mysterious, and that there will always be more that we don’t know about it than that we do know. This keeps us humble, and open, to other’s experiences and explanations.
I don’t mean to imply that being a mystic means you are purer or a higher being than anyone else. From what I’ve seen, mystics are just as prone to ego-aggrandizement as any other religious ‘type’. I’m not trying to glorify mysticism here – it can cause a lot of problems (as in when cult leaders use ‘visions’ to get all their followers to drink red kool-aid laced with poison.) I think mysticism is just a certain approach to spirituality and religion, and if you have that proclivity, you really can’t go any other route. I also think mystics have existed and do exist within every world religion (which is why I try and mix it up a bit in my mystic profiles), and some also exist outside of any tradition.
So, what do you think? Are you a mystic? I welcome comments (and I really mean that – those of you that sometimes email me with questions, please consider commenting instead so others can benefit from the discussion!)
P.S. If you are interested in exploring your own mystic path with me, check out my Fall 2013 teleseminar, Walking the Mystic’s Path.
And if you like, please: 
Great article. Though I don’t call myself a mystic, I can relate to your list. Love & blessings
Yes, I’d say I’m a mystic. Why take someone else’s word/scripture/doctrine for it when you can experience the divine directly? I’ve linked to your explanation on my blog, since I think it’s a good one.
Interesting list. Your definition of mystic is pretty broad, though
Great list, very inspiring.
I’ve got to laugh about the rule breaking. Even though I’m a really good girl (^_^), I just can’t help it. With that, and the “I’m my own authority” attitude, I seem to occasionally offend some people’s feeling, even though that is not my intent.
Keep up the good work!
LMT50 – Thanks, and yes I think a lot of people that don’t consider themselves mysitc relate to this list also, which is kind of why I wanted to clarify my own use.
SwordDanceWarrior – thanks for the link (and great picture on your homepage BTW – one of my favorites)
Antuna – yes, I use the word differently from some, which is why I wanted to explain.
Akemi – I’m a good girl too – except when it comes to spiritual teachings! I think you are definitely a rule-breaker in your realm – I am thinking of your recent post on why we should NOT want to find our soulmates. Definitely goes against current trends out there, and I liked it.
Thx, to all keep the comments coming.
Hi there! I am expecting my first child in May and am trying to connect with the Pagan/Mystic/holisitc mommy blog community for tips and inspiration. I look forward to keeping up with your blog.
Nicole – welcome and congrats on your pregnancy! Have you already read the Women’s Energy Body Post – if not check that out, as I mention pregnancy in there, but I will go into more detail in this series I am about to start. As for Holistic mothering, be sure to check out Holistic Mama if you haven’t already, as she has some wonderful stuff, and the other mothering blogs she links to do too…
Hey Ms. Mystic ~
I consider myself a mystic and an occultist. While I agree with what you posted, I would like to further discuss point 9.
~ “9. You believe love comes through you, not from you. ” ~
I do believe that love comes through me AND from me. After all, I can direct this energy…thereby it is also from me (as opposed to viewing love as a random force with its own free will).
And is love not my own essence as well? As in the saying “love is the root of my being”
Durga (great name BTW) – Thanks for commenting. I agree, we can generate and direct love. But when we are feeling love, the mystic idea is that we have cleared away obstacles to it within ourselves, because it is the essence of our being, and actually, that it is the source of creation. So we don’t ‘create’ love (which is what I mean when I say ‘from us‘) we clear the way for it to come through us. Any time we are feeling love, and that includes when we are doing spiritual practices designed to help us feel love for ourselves, others or the world, we are letting go of egoic forces that normally keep us trapped in other feelings. From that perspective, any state of awareness other than love is delusional. But this spiritual sense of love is much broader than the romantic or familial ‘love’ we usually use the word for (and it’s easy to get trapped in sentimental love, which is also not what we are talking about.)
So, even when we are directing love towards others consciously, we first have to allow it to come through us – we aren’t it’s source. And I would venture that mystic spirituality is essentially about clearing away all obstacles to love.
Fabulous work here, Lisa! I wholeheartedly agree and what fun to be called a mystic – lol…even it if is indirectly! I guess I never really thought about it…but I am, really. Always have been.
Oh, and for those of you reading through these comments…if you enjoy Lisa’s work, I will be interviewing her online on Sunday, March 1st at 10 AM Pacific Time. Please join us for some lively discussion on http://www.blogtalkradio.com/cirklagirl!
A very interesting and thought-provoking post. I have been studying Mysticism for a few years now, peeling away the cultural, religious, and sociological layers which disguise the true mystical nature.
Your post prompted my to speak on this subject also and I utilised your post as a foundation, as well as linking to it.
Thank you for the inspiration to collect my own thoughts and speak on this subject.
Which women mystics do you admire or perhaps emmulate?
Amy, thanks for visiting, and yes, I am looking forward to our interview – a new experiment for me.
Thanks for linking and I love your post. I put my comments about it on your own blog, and I encourage anyone reading this to pop over there and check it out.
As for the mystics I admire, I have profiles of some in my Women Mystics category. I have a Buddhist background and proclivities, and especially like many of the Tibetan women teachers – I have a profile of Sukhasiddha here, but also like Yeshe Tsogyal, Mandarava, and Niguma. I have recently become aware of Machig Labdron through reading Tsultrim Allione’s Feeding Your Demons, and look forward to learning more about her.
In the last few years I have also become fascinated with the mediaval Christian mystics. I especially like Theresa of Avila, Hildegard, and Julian of Norwich.
Another from the Hindi tradition that I like is Sarada Devi, wife of Sri Ramakrishna. I love Ramakrisha also, but am really in a ‘women’ phase lately, as you can see! So Sarada has captured my attention.
Thank you for commenting on my site. I appreciate your views greatly.
Though she is not a mystic, have you read anything by Miranda Shaw [http://www.mirandashaw.com/]? She studied and practiced authentic Tantric Buddhism for many years and speaks in depth about the Goddesses in Tantric Buddhist tradition, stripping away much of the false assumptions surrounding this path.
I have admired the women mystics throughout Western Christian history. I consider them to be amongst the bravest and most profound of mystics, partly because they had to contend with the opinions and structures of the male-dominated hierarchy and clergy of the Church. Hildegard of Bingen is probably one whom I admire most considering the scope of her writings and compositions.
Again, thank you, and I look forward to more of your insights.
Going by your list, it would appear that I am one. However, I admit to being uncomfortable with words like “mystic” or “psychic” or “healer”. These are just labels, in any case. But what you’ve described is largely true. The whole intent of my journey now seems to be experiencing my own truths. And I also believe that everyone is and can be empowered on their own, just that they are not aware.
I’ve always felt a mystical intuition about my surroundings and those who I encounter ever since I was a young boy. So, maybe, I do qualify as a novice mystic of sorts. I love all of these examples–glad I just discovered your site, thanks.
peace,
mike
livelife365
Evelyn/Mike – thanks for your comments.
Eloquent Bohemian – Thanks for reminding me of Miranda Shaw, I actually did read Passionate Enlightenment awhile back and it is time to pick it up again.
While I have never thought of myself as a mystic, I have certainly had “feelings” “thoughts” of what was to come, especially regarding my children.
Does that come from the “experience” part of the list or the “love”?
Has anyone else felt this close a connection to their children?
And does this qualify under the title “mystic” or is it just being a mother?
Yes to each and every one. For me, mystic is first and foremost about direct experience.
I sometimes refer to myself as a nature mystic. Taking all you list an adding the nature focus.
When I see the term mystic, I don’t think of myself as that. And yet, reading your list here – I feel a connection with many of them. And it feels good, reading here, and thinking about it all – where I’m at in my own journey.
Gramma7 – I think the intuitions you are talking about are a little of both, i.e. all mothers have strong intuitions regarding their children in general (due to some energy body connections that I am going to be exploring more here soon), and also for some people because of particular tendencies they have. I don’t think it is necessarily related to love, but our love for our children can be a powerful spiritual experience nevertheless.
Mon – Yes, I almost added experiencing nature in spiritual terms as an item here, but had to draw the line somewhere! And I think nature is one doorway to mystic experience, along with art, music, poetry, sex, and many other things, and each of us is drawn to some more than others. For me nature and music are probably the most powerful.
Lance – thanks for coming by, and I frequently enjoy your blog through our mutual friend Jenny Mannion over at Healing Pain Naturally http://jennymannion.com/healpain/
I really appreciate your list as it was just what I have been looking for. It makes me think of all the unknown mystics in my life, including my three children.
I have been re-reading The Silent Cry by Dorothee Soelle about mysticism and resistance. I most appreciate her claim that we are all indeed mystics. I realize some have difficulty with this idea. You might find this book interesting if you haven’t already come upon it.
Thanks for your article. It made me smile.
Nicki – thanks for visiting! Glad you liked the article, and I had not heard of that book so I will have to check it out. I definitely feel this is a natural part of all of us. I recently reviewed a book called Fingerprints of God that explores mystic experience from a neuroscientific perspective, and it’s clear we are all ‘wired’ for this…
I feel kind of ego oriented saying this, but I have to say yes, I’m a mystic for sure, can resonate with all these things you have here. Have been since I was really little. What has precluded it at times (lots of times) is by surrounding myself, or being placed in environments that haven’t nurtured it. But when I’ve gone off on my own, it has meant for some really ‘mystical’ yet real experiences (some I could share with you as we go along…), huge life changing ones of course, in fact the flow of my life (in the positive direction) has been from fully being in the awareness and embrace of this.
I can tell I’m going to be spending much more time here Lisa!
I like that you acknowledge that we are spiritual beings all wired for it, it’s not something you have to be special to have (which is where ego can take over I suppose if people believe this), I suppose more people are inclined to be in touch with it… or not, than others for various and many reasons.
(^_^)
Ruth – I don’t think it’s egoic at all to say you are a mystic – historically mystics have been persecuted a lot so I think there’s power in reclaiming that word, personally! But I know what you mean – too often it comes off as ‘special’ and that is not really the point. I actually think all humans are mystic, that is just part of our birth right, and it expresses itself differently through each of us, which is why this list is pretty open in that regard. But that has been shut down in so many of us, through environment and any number of other factors, and so not everyone gets to experience that aspect of themselves.
Are mystics tricksters too? Because I checked in to see if you had a new post and saw you and Ruth listed under Recent Comments and ended up here on this February post. Very tricky, Lisa, and I’m so glad b/c I hadn’t read this one. Great title, great authority, optimal ego. I love nature, art, music, poetry, sex, and rebellion so I must be a mystic too, although it sounds so gay when you say “if you have that proclivity you just can’t go any other route”
Don’t call me judgmental; call me critical when I say your writing hasn’t changed or improved one whit in nine months — it’s still as rock solid today as it was in February. Every sentence is as good as the one before it, making it impossible to extract quotes. I’ve noticed that about your writing, Mystic Mommy, Mystic Reader that I am. What are you working on for your next post?
Brenda, you are definitely a mystic in my book, no question. Thank you so much for commenting on my writing, and with your background that means a lot. It especially means a lot because I have never considered myself a strong writer! Blogging began for me at least partly as a way to strengthen that with regular writing. So I appreciate so much what you said. As for my next post, it’s an interview with Paul Martin from Original Faith, whom I think you know. I actually interviewed him almost 2 weeks ago, but have been very busy since then with Halloween, my daughter’s BD, my parents visiting, and some obligations so have not been able to post. I am targeting Monday at this point…usually I do a month-in-review type post at the end of the month, and haven’t gotten to that for October, so still weighing whether I’ll get to that too or not…by necessity I’ve been kind of MIA on the blogosphere this week, other than responding to comments here….
I fit all 10 ways. It’s good to know I’m not alone, but I have searched, read and witnessed the spiritual. Thanks for sharing.
Dear Mommy Mystic: I was browsing through some of your blogs, and their responses, and was finding them all remarkable. Am I a mystic? I don’t know, sometimes I think what’s in a name? Though the name does point to a way of being that is unspeakable. Why? Because as you mention, mystical experience is highly right brain or left side of the body….but its more than a localized state in the brain, it is an experience of life in its nakedness.
So, great writings. I too am a writer. I’ll be self-publishing a second edition of my book, “Sophia’s Web: Reclaiming Our Wholeness in a Divided World”…probably will be out by March. I’d love for you to read it for I think Sophia is the ultimate Yin in both women and men. If you wish to take a look at my blog, containing both poetry and prose, check out http://sophianature.gaia.com/blog Thanks again. I felt very relaxed and nurtured at your site.
Hi Burl, I’m glad you liked what you read. I will check out your blog, and book description soon…thanks for visiting.
I am certain I am a mystic. I’m so thankful for how the web connects mystics and their ideas. In most of recent human history, I’d be considered a witch or insane.
Sarah – yes, so would alot of us!
I just found your site and yes I am a mystik. I have always had this sense about me as long as I can remember and asking questions, well that comes second nature. You know when you feel you have this mission to do, but it isn’t your mission, it is the Universe’s Mission? I just want to do what it is I am supposed to do and I am on my journey finding the way….
Blessings,
MystickMomma – I’m glad it resonated for you. I do know that feeling. Blessings to you too-
Hi there,
i seem to be the only guy on this post. apologies. since i was a kid, i had a difficult time identifying with doctrine and societal structure. it was always easy for me to sacrifice my relationships on the altar of my own ideals. that never bothered me cuz i’d realised early on that i must spend a lot of time with myself in order to be alert and refreshed when i need to perform. this went on until i finally came across the word ‘mystic’ and my whole world opened up.
since then, you have the best description of a mystic that i’ve ever come across. (not surprising, such knowledge could only originate within a woman. )
so kudos to you, mommymystic. be the light for others that you have been for me.
My most respectful regards,
Amit
Amit, thank you so much for your kind words, and it means a lot to me that you were impacted by what I have written here.
I really enjoyed this article.
I’m 15 and I’ve felt… different. I’ve never gotten my ideas from my parents in fact I lived a very ignorant and confused way of life. I was shown how ignorant I was and I felt extremely sadden within myself. I spent probably around 4 years of my life devoting to learning about everything. The problem was…
I didn’t know anything about myself. When I became 14 I wanted to learn about myself greatly. So I studied my dreams… I strived for Lucid dreams so I may be able to ask questions within myself and studied the symbols and their meanings within my dreams. I’ve always had such a strong insight and I’m the only one in my family who feels this way.
Kristopher – I’m glad you found this useful. I have observed that often people with keen intuitive and/or spiritual insights feel very separated from their own birth families, for various reasons. Keep searching – it will get easier to find people you resonate with as you grow older, and then you and your family may find more common ground also.
I have been told by palm readers and fortune tellers that I have the GIFT through out my life but I would have to find this on my own of what gift I have. I am a 57 yr old woman and my religious background tells me that this is evil and I shouldn’t persue it. I try not the think about this very much but something all ways comes up and here I am thinking. I was looking up Mystic and came accross this..I live in a very small town in the bible belt in KY so people don’t talk much about this kind of stuff but I have seen something and I had the most amazing feeling that I have ever experanced and I want to know more and more. I work for a company that allows seniors to stay in their homes. We go into the home and do what ever needs doing. I was called by my work to go and stay with a family in my home town. I knew this husband and wife very well and was very pleased to go. The lady of the house had gotten sick and her husband has altimers so I was called there to help out and to stay over night to assist the lady of the house up and down in the middle of the night when she had to go to the rest room, she was suffering with severe pain shooting off to the right of colon and it was very very hard for her to have a bowel movement. One night I heard the alarm go off, by this I knew she was getting off of the bed. I went in to assist her and off we went to the bathroom. Bless her heart she was in so much pain but no bowel movement. I took her back into the bedroom and made sure she was all tucked in, I went back to bed, I was troubled about the pain she was having so I said a small prayer for her, still not feeling quite right I lay there staring at the celling, all at once I had the urge to go back into the bedroom to check in on her. I didn’t turn on any lights but I noticed a glow coming from the bedroom and thinking I know I pulled down the blinds. I was very quite and moved slowly because I didn’t want to disturb her, I walked to the bedroom door and was frozen in my tracks. I witnessed one of the most spectatular sights in my life, I felt as though I. had walked into another dimention where time had stoped and nothing else mattered and I was blessed to witness what I was seeing. What I was seeing was three shinning balls of light that was not comming from anything, they were their own sourse of energy, the lady of the house was laying on her side and the balls of light was circleing around her hips as if they were dancing. I blink my eyes and was thinking to myself I can’t believe that I an here watching this. I took three or four stepts into the room so I could see this from a different angle, I wish I could explain the feelings I was having so everyone could understand this, this was the most calm I had ever experanced in my life. I walked to the other angle and they still were acting like they were dancing around as if they were having a celibration, then all at once they got into a single file and fluttered up toward the celling into a cornor of the room and then out of the room. I stood there with a sadness that they were gone.
My sift was over and I couldn’t wate to get home and tell my husband what happened, but again I am always telling my husband that I have a ghost that always stays with me and pesters me by hiding things from me and moving my stuff all the time. He just answered with a yeah, yeah…but that morning after I left the lady of the house took a turn for the worse and they had to rush her to the hospital….She never returned home…I have never told this to anyone but my husband and he just looks at me….please comment.
Hi Gayle, there are many kinds of spiritual gifts, and many kinds of spiritual experiences, and I personally do not consider them dangerous or sinful in and of themselves. Of course, like any kind of power in this world, they can be misused. But every religion known to humanity is rich with stories of mystic experiences, visions, prophecies and the like. Spirit speaks in many ways. To me, when I read your story, I interpret it in those terms, and believe that you witnessed the divine at work on the women you were caring for. You can call them lights, ‘angels,’ or just spirits – whatever is comfortable for you – different religions have different names. The most telling thing for me is that they made you feel wonderful, and that you were sorry when they left. Negative forces don’t feel that way – they make us feel fearful, angry, or dark. It sounds like what you saw was uplifting for you, filled with love. In my view, how could that ever be wrong?
So if you feel like things like this have happened for you before, you may want to research resources on intuitive guidance, so that you can learn how to understand and control your gift. One of my favorite teachers/author on the subject is Cyndi Dale, and I recently reviewed her book The Intuition Guidebook. She is not a traditional Christian writer, but is very spiritual in her approach.
This is so awesome. This is me in ten points. My friend and I were talking about religion today and we got on the topic of what we believe in and she called me a mystic. i had no idea what that was so I researched it, little did I know it relates so much with who I am. Thanks for all the great info and perspective
peace, love, and blessings <3
Anon – glad it resonated. I’m not much for labels, but I love this word ‘mystic’ – I think it is all-encompassing, allowing any of us that sense another side to life, no matter whether we place ourselves inside or outside of a traditional religious framework…
There is no real evil in the universe. In cosmic terms evil is like a little spoilt kid stirring trouble and nothing more. Eveil can only pick on the ignorant humans like a bully picking on helpless kid. Everyting is happy and good once we cross over.
Think of life like this, if you sit down to watch a live boxing match live on cable with all the build up you get excited and tingly following every blow and on the dge of your seat until it is over and the result is known.
NOW You can never again get the same excitement by watching it again as you know the result already. God doesn’t let us know the answer else we would not get the most out of our test (life).
This is why the starving man in Africa keeps struggling. Once he knew the result he would give up trying.
But the algorythm of God is all playing out while some prophets appear from time to time to expand our knowledge just a little.
From my point of view the old religions are out dated and were a way to explain life to primitive people.
Forget old religions.
There is NO evil at all in the spirit world. Even the word spirit is out dated.
Hi,
My name is Bree. I’m scared. I fit all the criteria for being a mystic. But it’s not just that. I’ve had these increasingly strong, strange feelings for several years, that I am meant for something bigger than a normal, non-supernatural life. I never understood where these feelings came from, or why. I don’t feel like I fit the typical profile for someone who might get involved in these things. I come from a good family, I dress well, I work part time and study full time at a university, I don’t see spirits or try to practice magic, nothing about me screams “mystical.” I am normal. And I am only 21. Am I crazy? So often I feel like things happen to me and around me that are too acutely meaningful to be just coincidences. For one thing, I see number sequences repeatedly. I read somewhere that some people call these phenomena “time prompts,” by guardian angels sometimes known as Midwayers, to draw your attention, to wake you up and make you notice something or realize something, to pay attention because there is something important to be learned or done or gained. I have no idea if it’s true, but I see these all the time. Especially with the number 3. 3:33. $3.33. I also read that the number 3 is the most spiritually significant number there is. Why? I’m not sure. Some sources said because it represents the Trinity: the father, the son, and the holy ghost. I have no idea about that either. I am not religious at all. But what really freaks me out about it is that ever since I could speak as a baby, I have told people that my favorite number is 3. When they asked me why, I said I didn’t know. I still don’t know. And the number sequences are sometimes 11:11 or 4:44 etc, but that’s just one of the many things that happen to me that snap my attention back to the question, “Why?” All my life I have been deeply fascinated with all things supernatural: the tv shows, the movies, fortune tellers – although I have never been to one – mediums, psychics, astral projection, the possibility of there being a real spiritual realm, all of it. I have never had a desire to join a church or read the bible because somehow I feel, especially lately, that I am already deeply connected to whatever source of love and power and life there is that governs our existence. I completely respect religious people and believe they do the things they think are right, the things they think will bring them closer to their idea of God and to earning entrance to heaven, but it just never fit into my own heart. I feel like even without reading the bible, without following religious rules and doctrines, without going to places of worship, I feel so close to whatever God there is. I feel an unexplainable and mutual understanding of it. I feel I understand it (while I will never know everything about it or how it works, of course) and it understands me. And I just can’t shake the feeling that I see signs everywhere that I’m meant for something bigger. That I am a mystic. But why me? And what am I supposed to do with it? I need guidance, I’m desperate. I would so appreciate it if you could find time to email me and help me. sweet_hart_4ever@yahoo.com
Hi Bree, I will definitely email you, but also wanted to respond here, partly for anyone else that may read your post and relate to it. Things are scariest when we feel alone. I also had many experiences, especially when I was growing up, that I had difficulty understanding. What I have discovered over the years from studying spiritual traditions of all types, and growing scientific studies on such experiences also, is that many, many people have experiences such as this, whether you call them mystic, intuitive, paranormal, spiritual or something else. They are in fact part of being human, although we all have different proclivities, so some of us have more than others (just like some people are very visual and thus attracted to visual arts, or some people are very musical etc.)
How you interpret your experiences will depend on your own search and where it leads you. Buddhism became my primary reference point for many years, and that was very helpful because it was very grounded, and helped me focus on seeking truth and understanding myself first, before rushing to interpret all my experiences. But the path is different for everyone, and in fact now I would consider myself spiritual but not affiliated with any religion. So I don’t think you need to feel that having mystic experiences attaches you to any particular religion or religious role. The most important thing is to seek to understand yourself, and to keep yourself grounded in real life at the same time as you explore your spiritual truth, so that your experiences are part of a whole, integrated life.
There are many books and starting points I could recommend, but would rather do that after emailing you so I have a better understanding of your needs. But mostly, I just want you to know that you are not alone!
I am searching. I used to get a feeling in the middle of my body that made me feel like something was going to happen, something always did. I didn’t tell too many people because I thought it was wrong so I buried the feeling. Now I am wondering what it was and how I could use it, it feels like I need to get it back and understand what it means.
Do you have any advice on how I can research this? I do not want to head down a wrong path.
Hi Searching, It’s hard to give a generic recommendation for something like this, because it really depends on what’s right for you. I believe there are mystic arms to all the world’s religions, and then also an increasing number of people (like myself) who don’t consider ourselves affiliated with any religion, although we still view the world from a spiritual perspective. So without knowing more about your own spiritual perspective, it’s hard to recommend specific books or resources that might help you explore this intuitive ability. For exploring intuition in general I like Cyndi Dale’s The Intuition Guidebook, but it really depends on what you are looking for. Other books are more explicitly focused on intuition within a particular spiritual perspective. Feel free to email me at lameditation [at] earthlink [dot] net if you want to share any more info on yourself that might help me make a more specific recommendation for you. Good luck on your quest-
Thank you for the list. I’ve just recently began really embracing who I am…A mystic
I’ve lived most my life keeping this hidden from others becuase of all the taboo’s still attached to this. I could never find a term to describe myself…empathic, or HSP has been the closest, but thoes terms don’t feel quite right. Mystic is actually perfect!
Many blessing and much love all <3
Thanks Anon, so glad this resonated and that you enjoyed the site:-)
An excellent article. I haven’t seen quite this clarity in other descriptions. If I may say this – if we had to pick just one sign – it would have to be that mystics are deeply intuitive and sensing beings, who can hold conflicting paradigms and beliefs in their consciousness without experiencing discomfort.
Today has been a good day. Serendiptously discovered this site. Have subscribed, and plan to return and read lots more. Thanks for this wonderful service to all of us.
Thank you Srini, I’m glad this resonated for you.
I have told of my experances on this sight but what i don’t understand is when I go to a fortune teller, and I have spoken to about four in my life time, all four of them tells me that I have the gift but it is up to me to cultivate it. Do all fortune tellers tell there clients that or is it sometime that I need to look into?
Hi Gayle, I don’t know for sure what gift you mean, as there are many, but I assume you mean ‘seeing’/intuition of some type. And as for psychics/fortune tellers (although I don’t really like that term fortune teller, as I don’t feel our future is set, as that term implies) they vary a lot in how they work and in their abilities and integrity, just like in any other field. So it’s hard for me to say. But to have 4 mention a gift to you, and to have had mystic/paranormal experiences also, certainly indicates there is something for you to explore. And yes, in my view, we do need to cultivate and discipline our gifts. One book I like for this is The Intuition Guidebook by Cyndi Dale, which uses a chakra approach to developing all sorts of intuitive gifts. But there are many books and training programs around, so it’s important you find one that resonates with you. Good luck!
thank you!!! for your website…is it possible to be a mystic without realising it? – wot i do know is that when you sray or are jolted from the beaten track one s life becomes magical mysterious and terrifying too
all me love xxx
Hi Lisa, of course! ‘Mystic’ is just a word, so some people choose to use it to describe themselves and some don’t. I wrote this post partly to explain how I use it, which is different than it may be used in some formal religious traditions. If it clicks for you then great, if not then that’s fine too. You are so right though, that when we are jolted out of our conditioned ways of seeing things life becomes ‘magical mysterious and terrifying too’…personally, I wouldn’t have it any other way:-)
Fantastic! I am a universe. I am digging Myself while digging the others and I consider everyone of you as one. keep digging!
Jean, welcome and thanks for your lovely comment.
On December 15, 2012 I had a mystical experience. Before that experience I wasn’t familiar with the terminology at all. I meditated, prayed and have a keen intuition. Only after reading Marianne Williamson’s book Everyday Grace was I able to embrace the title ‘mystic.’ Before the mystical experience I really thought I knew God, but FEELING God is on another stratosphere. I am proud to say that I am a mystic. And I wish you peace and love. Thanks for the article. Cheers~
Tina, thanks so much for sharing your experience. Yes, I too initially used this word ‘mystic’ somewhat tentatively. But it is all about the feeling, as you said (although I tend to use the word Source or Light rather than God) – a knowing and union beyond words or ideas. Peace and love to you also.- Lisa
I just found this blog after searching on google for a description of a mystic. I was wondering if a mystic is “made” or “born” and if they are usually part of a religious sect. It was nice reading the comments and realizing that I am not alone in my experiences. So many comments resonate with me. Especially the young lady that feels as if she is meant to do something big. I too had a intuitive understanding of God and God’s love. As most of my experiences have had a very Christian element to them (these were unsought experiences, they just happened and caught me up in them. I found that reading the Bible opens up a whole lot more information about God and how God has moved in the lives of other humans than I previously thought. I actually “found” a God that is a whole lot different, in my interpretations and “feelings” from what I heard in the churches or traditional religion. Then, I have also been told that many people find reading the Bible to be this way–that it strikes us all a bit differently as we are all unique individuals. I appreciate having somewhere to go where I can share. Most of the times when I have sought help in interpreting or sharing my experiences folks think I am nuts or have just made the stuff up.
I also found this definition of a mystic to be helpful for my aspirations and in thinking about my experiences:
“A mystic, like a shaman, is someone who answers a call and is initiated into a deep mystery housed within us all. Mystics and shamans are offered the opportunity to use their spiritual power, insights, wisdom, and ability to access unseen dimensions to serve others. As technologists of the sacred, they can serve in any number of roles. They embark on paths to become healers, psychic advisors, psychologists, poets, visionary artists, musicians and spiritual teachers.
Few born-to-be-mystics seem to actualize their destiny because they feel it necessary to conform to the norm and the expectations of their culture. They are prone to doubt or mask their intuitive abilities, seldom revealing them to others. But for those who recognize their gifts and use them, their life is a meaningful journey of enlightening experiences and a rewarding call to serve the consciousness of others.”
It was found at: http://www.keen.com/documents/works/articles/psychic/were-you-born-to-be-a-mystic.asp
I want to add that while my some of my experiences have had a Christian element and I read the Bible and see its words as Truth in guiding man in everyday life, I do not hold to traditional religion. I ask myself what religion were Adam and Eve and they walked with God. I follow Christ’s way and believe him to be the son of God. However, I also believe that God has placed within all of us different points of view or truths so that all aspects of God can be considered by man.
Hi Mary, welcome and yes, that’s a wonderful passage, thanks for sharing. I think the phrase ‘answers the call’ is the key one to me. I think we all innately have our own connection to Source (whether we call it ‘God’ or something else), and ‘the call(s)’ are moments when this connection breaks through our conditioned mind. Whether we pay attention to it or push it aside determines the next phase of our spiritual journey, and whether we can be of service in that journey to others. And it’s amazing when you read descriptions from mystics from all different religions traditions and cultural backgrounds how similar so many of their experiences are, although they may interpret them differently. It is a universal journey.
Thanks for this article–it’s very interesting. And yes, I believe I am one then.
Pam B
The first time I ever thought of myself as a “mystic” was when a philosophy professor called me that. I don’t remember what I said or did that caused him to say that to me. I am a singer, so I have sung in churches, synagogues, temples, and open fields. I can feel the same one everywhere. I don’t think anyone needs rules or a specific religion to experience it. On my blog I do mention the “No Thing” and my dreaming eyes. Can’t explain it, but I know the One that runs through all things, is here, there, and everywhere.
Hi Notes Along the Path, of course this is just my take on it, but certainly I would say you are one too, based on your blog!
Hi Mary, thanks for your beautiful sharing and you certainly sound like a mystic to me – you feel it and know it.
Yeah its fair to say I’m a Mystic and probably have been a conscience one for most of my awakened life
i am truly a christian mystic, rejected by most authority,christianity was never meant to be a religion, but a movement of divine inpartation. christ is a gateway into eternity, christ not one person,but a flow of divine union