If we accept that all mystical experiences stem from a particular way of relating to the world ‘out there’ then, by default, they are purely subjective in their nature.

Perhaps it is true to suggest that it is part of the human condition to strive for both understanding and meaning. The fundamental questions of ‘who am I?’, ‘what is my purpose?’, ‘how do I relate to the rest of the world’ and (once we start considering our own mortality) ‘is this all there is?’, drive the search for answers beyond the rational.

There are questions of ‘science’ and then their are questions of ‘belief’.

Perhaps mystical and religious experiences can be interpreted as metaphorical representations that are defined by cultural iconography and deeply ingrained spiritual prejudice.

At some point in our respective cultural histories we were presented with ‘frame works’ upon which to place all those feelings, perceptions and ideas that did not seem to fit into our practical, day to day lives. Each of these frame works evolved over time and became religious systems, spiritual dogmas and ‘truthful’ representations of the ‘one fundamental spiritual reality’. In this process the path of the mystic was lost and the dogma of the priesthood was born.

The mystic in many ways explores their own personality and psyche through these frameworks, systems, rituals a metaphors. There is the realisation that they, the icons and symbols within each frame work, are not truths and ‘realities’, but ‘ideas’, ‘archetypes’ and ‘allegories’ for aspects of self.