Latest news with #mystics
Irish Times
09-05-2025
- General
- Irish Times
Dazzling Darkness: The Lives and Afterlives of the Christian Mystics & The Magic Theatre by James Harpur
Dazzling Darkness: The Lives and Afterlives of the Christian Mystics Author : James Harpur ISBN-13 : 9781911723905 Publisher : Hurst Guideline Price : £25 Beyond the aphorisms of a few well-known figures, Christian mystics and mysticism are fairly opaque to most of us. Quoting the well-worn 'all shall be well' of Julian of Norwich or having a vague awareness of Margery Kempe's affective piety is often as far as our base of knowledge stretches. In Dazzling Darkness, James Harpur redresses this imbalance by providing a guided tour of Christian mystics across the centuries. Taking his starting point in the earliest era of Christian faith and practice, Harpur provides potted biographies of figures, well-known and obscure, describing something of the period of history they inhabited and the spiritual disciplines they embodied. This breadth of vision is matched by wide-ranging research and a humbly conveyed depth of understanding. A few features are notable in this concise history of the mystical tradition. First, Harpur's research is driven not only by intellectual curiosity but also by a personal sense of spiritual pilgrimage – the author's interest in mysticism being quickened through a period of 'physical debilitation' that led him not only into research but a life of prayer. READ MORE Second, Harpur explores and includes mystical voices that could easily be lost to history or overlooked because of their theology. This means that female mystics are given their due prominence, not just in chapters that specifically assess their place in the historical record but in the broader sweep of history as well. Other unlikely moves include the incorporation of the Puritan John Bunyan and the placement of William Wordsworth's spirituality alongside that of the more predictably mystical William Blake. Third, Harpur's scope of reading and research provides strong evidence of the decades-long nature of his quest to uncover what mysticism is and what influence it has had on Christian dogma and practice. This is no mere glancing survey but a work of substance where nuance, beauty of language and brevity of expression are equally honoured. This is a rare and welcome combination. The book's journey into mysticism concludes with some original contemplative poetry from Harpur, taking individual Christian figures as his inspiration. These short pieces are suitably esoteric and provide a fitting conclusion to a book where the heart and mind are brought into contact with the wealth and eccentricity of the Christian mystical tradition.
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
6 Signs You've Met Your Soulmate, According to Astrologers
Whether you believe in fate or random cause, expert astrologers and mystics explain six signs that you've likely met your soulmate. Transits of the planets in the cosmos can trigger your birth or natal chart, making you a love magnet. However, there are other omens, such as aligned angel numbers, general manifestations, and various signs the universe reveals when meeting the one. MORE: SIGN UP for Star Signs to get your horoscope and manifesting tips delivered straight to your inbox The North Node is representative of destiny and new beginnings in astrology. A person entering your life while the transiting North Node is conjunct, opposite, or square your personal natal chart planets can signify a fated, soul contract, especially if Venus (love), Moon (emotional connection), or your Descendant (relationship point) is activated. READ: 3 Most Brilliant Zodiac Signs, According to Astrologers When you run into angel number 111, a divine message of new beginnings awaits. You're called to open your mind, body, and spirit to the potential for rebirth, likely in your romantic life if you resonate with other soulmate indicators. When you have met your soulmate, you'll be surprised that you don't feel overwhelmed with shock, excitement, or anxiety. Instead, they feel familiar, safe, secure, and trustworthy upon first impression. Your souls quickly recognize one another, remembering your previous agreement to meet in this lifetime. RELATED: 4 Signs You Met in a Past Life, According to Astrologers When you meet your soulmate, be ready for a profound transformation—sometimes referred to as an 'ego death,' but in the healthiest way possible. Their mere presence and aura can inspire you to let go of what no longer serves you. If you have been holding on to false notions of security, confidence, or happiness, the arrival of your soulmate will awaken you to your true reality and potential. With them, you can be yourself, freeing you from the need to maintain a facade. RELATED: The Most Spiritually-Gifted Zodiac Signs, Ranked Angel number 222 follows you when you've met the one. This divine numerological sequence denotes heart-centered harmony, connection, and meaningful union. When it keeps showing up through your everyday life, you've likely met someone very special. OTHER: 7 Signs You're Spiritually Gifted, According to Astrologers If you have met your soulmate, it's likely that you crossed paths during significant 7th house transits in astrology. When a transiting planet enters your relationship sphere, the chances of attracting a partner increase. Planets such as Venus, the Moon, Saturn, Jupiter, and the North Node moving through your natal chart's 7th house can have a particularly strong influence. UP NEXT:
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Is It Love or a Lesson? 4 Signs It's a Karmic Relationship
It can be difficult to determine whether someone is in your life for a season or for a reason. If you're uncertain whether the intensity of your connection stems from soulmate growing pains or karmic lessons, this guide can help. Expert mystics and astrologers share signs that indicate your powerful relationship might be destined to teach you valuable lessons rather than being a soulmate connection. Here are four signs that you may be experiencing a karmic encounter instead of a soulmate bond. If these indicators don't resonate with you, consider looking into signs that suggest you're about to manifest your soulmate or that you've already met them. It's also possible that you and your partner were lovers in a past life. MORE: SIGN UP for Star Signs to get your horoscope and manifesting tips delivered straight to your inbox With its emotional highs and lows, it feels like you're on a never-ending rollercoaster. These experiences trigger intense realizations and ultimately help you piece yourself back together. They serve as catalysts for spiritual healing rather than as soulmates to support you during this process. You feel as if they entered your life for a reason, whether it's destiny or fate. However, you wonder where they are when you need them most, or why their love both helps you in your self-development journey, yet hurts so much. MORE: 3 Most Intelligent Birth Months, According to Experts In a karmic relationship, you may often find yourself facing the same conflicts and arguments. You might feel addicted to the hope that your partner will eventually understand or become the person you know they can be. While you see their potential at a deep, soul level, you may overlook the fact that they are not yet ready to step up on the surface. The same issues keep resurfacing. Deep down, you recognize that these emotional wounds need to be processed for spiritual healing. What you might not realize is that this healing work is meant to be done individually, rather than as a couple, once these issues are brought to the surface. RELATED: Your Ruling Planet Based on Zodiac Sign, According to Astrologers You may have tried to walk away before. However, something magnetic keeps pulling you back in. Regardless of trying to explain it to others, they dismiss it as codependence, bad boundaries, or a weakness. However, deep down, you know that their soul has played an important role in your spiritual evolution. The energetic tie you have often stems from previous incarnations, unresolved lessons, or energetic debts that need to be rebalanced. Once you reclaim your power, understand the innermost intention, and prioritize healing, they don't seem as desirable. OTHER: Which Goddess Represents You, Based on Birth Month? When you're noticing yourself and a lover grow in different directions, you're evolving, but your journey together has likely served its purpose. If you keep holding yourself back from your authentic needs or truth, or notice them doing the same to stick together, you're not supporting yourselves or the connection. Sometimes, karmic relationships come into our lives to teach us essential values, lessons, or insights about ourselves, then exit once the process has been completed. Allow what's natural to occur, rather than resisting the divine purpose. READ: Which Goddess Represents You, Based on Birth Month? UP NEXT:
