WHY I REALLY DON'T WANT TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR MYSTICAL EXPERIENCES

Silence speaks louder if your goal is spiritual attainment

Following the publication of my previous article, the reaction was as expected: a whirlwind of responses ranging from wholehearted agreement to downright indignation. The piece, which tackled the intricacies of spiritual initiations, especially those of a higher echelon, struck a chord with many.

SO, YOU THINK YOU CROSSED THE ABYSS...

Among the feedback, a particular strand of commentary emerged from individuals who were convinced they had not only undergone such profound spiritual experiences themselves but also felt compelled to invalidate my perspective due to its divergence from their own. Their sentiment, dripping with a sense of spiritual superiority, underscored a fundamental issue with discussing mystical experiences: the intensely personal nature of these revelations, which, I argue, makes sharing them publicly both futile and potentially harmful.

To draw an analogy, consider the perception of colour. We might all agree on an object being painted red, but there's no way to confirm if we all perceive that red in the exact same hue, intensity, or emotion. The realm of high spiritual initiation is akin to this. These experiences are so deeply personal and subjective that attempting to convey them to another is like trying to describe a colour someone has never seen. The essence inevitably gets lost in translation.

This issue of communication is not merely academic but carries significant implications for spiritual seekers. The fascination with others' mystical experiences can derail individuals from their own spiritual quests. Constant exposure to tales of enlightenment and otherworldly journeys can create a skewed perception of what spiritual progression should look like. This leads to a range of unproductive outcomes: anxiety over personal spiritual development, disillusionment, or vicarious living through others' spiritual narratives. In a time when instant gratification is often prized over genuine, disciplined exploration, the allure of these stories becomes even more problematic.

Consider the paradox of our era: technology has connected us in unprecedented ways, yet it has also fostered a culture of comparison and entitlement. In the spiritual domain, this manifests as a relentless search for quick answers and ready-made enlightenment, often at the expense of personal insight and growth. The genuine seekers—the ones who understand that true understanding comes from within—may find inspiration in others' journeys, but they are the exception rather than the rule. For the majority, the obsession with mystical experiences shared by others is a distraction, a seductive detour from the challenging, often solitary path of self-discovery.

Moreover, when mystical experiences are flaunted as badges of spiritual superiority, they breed an environment of exclusivity and competition that is antithetical to the very essence of spirituality. The focus shifts from inward exploration to outward validation, from universal connection to divisive comparison. This not only undermines the personal nature of spiritual quests but also contributes to a broader cultural malaise of disconnection and dissatisfaction.

The Crowley Conundrum

Aleister Crowley made a conscious decision to use the term "Holy Guardian Angel" to describe another pivotal stage of initiation. In Chapter II of Magick in Theory and Practice, he stated:

Let me declare this work under this title: 'The obtaining of the Knowledge and Conversation of the Holy Guardian Angel,' because the theory implied in these words is so patently absurd that only simpletons would waste much time in analyzing it. It would be accepted as a convention, and no one would incur the grave danger of building a philosophical system upon it.

Crowley's intention was clear: by choosing a term that seemed absurd, he aimed to discourage followers from overly intellectualising or dogmatizing the concept, hoping instead that they would focus on the personal, experiential aspect of this spiritual endeavour.

However, Crowley's expectations were not met. Rather than heeding his warning, many took the term and the concept it represented and did precisely what he hoped they would not: they enshrined it within rigid philosophical systems and used it as a yardstick for spiritual attainment. This development is emblematic of a broader issue within spiritual communities: the propensity to latch onto specific terms, experiences, or teachings and elevate them to an exalted status, thereby missing the essence of what those teachings aim to convey.

This trend is particularly problematic in the context of discussing mystical experiences and spiritual initiation. By canonising Crowley's teachings—or those of any spiritual figure—followers risk turning a deeply personal journey into a standardised path, complete with benchmarks and comparisons. The pursuit of the Knowledge and Conversation of the Holy Guardian Angel first and, of course, of the Crossing of the Abyss later became another checkbox on a spiritual to-do list, a phenomenon Crowley himself sought to avoid by choosing a term he deemed "patently absurd."

This fixation on specific experiences or stages of initiation, as described by others, leads to several detrimental outcomes. First, it fosters a culture of spiritual materialism, where the focus shifts from inner transformation to external signs of progress. Second, it creates an environment of exclusivity and hierarchy, as individuals boast about their experiences or claim superiority based on perceived spiritual milestones. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, it detracts from the inherently personal and unique nature of the spiritual quest. By trying to mould their experiences to fit into pre-defined narratives, seekers may overlook the nuanced and often subtle insights that arise from their journey.

Beyond Frameworks: the Personal Summit of Spiritual Ascent

In summarising the discourse, it's essential to acknowledge a pivotal point: the creation of a standardised set of practices and philosophical concepts does indeed serve an important purpose for the beginner and neophyte. It provides a much-needed structure on which they can embark on an inherently complex and bewildering journey. This scaffolding is crucial, offering a foundation from which the exploration of deeper, more personal spiritual insights can begin.

Johfra Bosschart, The Adoration of Pan Tryptich (1979)

However, the spiritual path is neither linear nor uniformly structured; as seekers progress deeper and ascend higher in their initiation, the once clear demarcations and guidelines begin to blur. Adherence to rigid frameworks and the emulation of others' experiences—regardless of how enlightened they may seem—can transform from support to shackles. This progression reflects the transition from external guidance to internal discovery, from following maps to navigating by the stars of personal insight and revelation.

In One Star In Sight, Crowley encapsulates this evolution of the spiritual journey by stating:

It is impossible to lay down precise rules by which a man may attain to the knowledge and conversation of His Holy Guardian Angel; for that is the particular secret of each one of us; as secret not to be told or even divined by any other, whatever his grade. It is the Holy of Holies, whereof each man is his own High Priest, and none knoweth the Name of his brother's God, or the Rite that invokes Him.

This passage underscores the profound individuality of spiritual experiences and the impossibility of capturing them within a universal framework.

Crowley's admonition serves as a poignant reminder of the spiritual journey's ultimate goal: to uncover and engage with one's deepest, most personal truths. While frameworks and teachings can guide the initial steps, the true essence of spirituality lies beyond the reach of standardized paths and shared narratives. It is a solitary climb to the peak of one's inner sanctum, a place where only the individual can tread.

Thus, while we recognise the utility of shared knowledge and collective wisdom in the early stages of spiritual exploration, we must also embrace the journey's inherently solitary and ineffable nature as we progress. This acceptance allows us to transcend the limitations of preconceived paths and fully engage with the unique, personal revelations that await us on our spiritual ascent.