The Ancient Path of Mysticism and How I Walk It Today
The Latest Issue of SoulTech Magazine, The Healing Issue
By Shaman Isis
Spiritual Teacher | Consciousness Advocate | Lover of Divine Truth
Beautiful souls,
Mysticism has been part of human culture since our earliest days of looking up at the stars and sensing something greater than ourselves. Something I still do on a near-daily basis. Every tradition, Christianity, Sufism, Buddhism, Judaism, Hinduism, Indigenous practices, has its mystics, those who seek not just to know about the Divine but to experience it directly. At its core, mysticism is the art of union: the conscious merging of human awareness with the eternal, the sacred, the ineffable mystery of the Creator.
As a New Age Christian Mystic, a progressive blend of old and new, I feel blessed to walk this path. My faith is rooted in the original teachings of Jesus, such as Christ Conciousness, yet I also embrace wisdom from modern traditions like energy healing and channeling.
For me, truth is a living river, not a stagnant pond. Mysticism has taught me that the Divine doesn’t ask us to fit into a single box; it asks us to awaken, to embody love, and to remember who we really are.
What is Mysticism?
Mysticism is a spiritual practice or experience characterized by a direct, personal encounter with the divine, transcendent, or ultimate reality, often transcending ordinary perception or rational understanding. It involves seeking profound unity, insight, or communion with a higher power, universal consciousness, or the essence of existence, typically through contemplation, meditation, or intuitive awareness. Mysticism emphasizes inner transformation, a sense of interconnectedness, and the pursuit of truths beyond empirical or doctrinal frameworks, often manifesting in diverse cultural and religious traditions.
A Brief History of Mysticism
Christian Mysticism gave us visionaries like Meister Eckhart, Teresa of Ávila, and John of the Cross, who described deep states of union with God.
Sufis such as Rumi and Hafiz used poetry and dance to express their ecstatic love for the Creator.
Jewish Kabbalists sought hidden truths of creation through prayer, meditation, and sacred texts.
Eastern Mystics explored enlightenment, presence, and liberation from illusion.
Indigenous Traditions honored the earth, the ancestors, and the unseen worlds through ceremony.
All of these streams flow into the great ocean of human longing for direct communion with Spirit.
Core Practices of Mysticism
While each tradition has its own flavor, mystics across cultures often use the same core practices:
Meditation and Contemplation
Engaging in deep, focused meditation or contemplative practices to quiet the mind, transcend ordinary thought, and connect with a higher consciousness or divine presence.
Prayer and Devotion
Using heartfelt, often repetitive, or structured prayers to cultivate a sense of communion with the divine. This may include chanting, mantras, or devotional practices.
Intuitive Awareness and Inner Stillness
Cultivating a state of inner silence or receptivity to gain intuitive insights or direct experience of spiritual truths. This involves letting go of ego-driven thoughts to attune to a deeper reality.
Ascetic Practices
Engaging in disciplines like fasting, solitude, or simplicity to detach from material distractions and focus on spiritual growth. Asceticism is common in traditions like Hindu yoga, Christian monasticism, or Sufi ascetic practices.
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Ritual and Symbolism
Participating in sacred rituals, ceremonies, or symbolic acts that facilitate connection with the divine. Examples include Sufi whirling, Kabbalistic rituals, or the use of mandalas in Buddhist mysticism.
Study of Sacred Texts or Teachings
Reflecting deeply on spiritual teachings to uncover hidden meanings or insights. Mystics often interpret scriptures allegorically or esoterically, as seen in the study of the Torah in Kabbalah or the Upanishads in Vedanta.
Ecstatic Practices
Using music, dance, or other expressive forms to enter altered states of consciousness and experience divine union. Examples include Sufi dancing, ecstatic worship in Christian mysticism, or shamanic drumming.
Visionary or Mystical Experiences (my favorite)
Seeking or remaining open to direct, often spontaneous experiences of divine presence, visions, or revelations. These may occur through dreams, visions, channeling, or moments of profound insight, as described in many mystical traditions.
How I Live This Path
In my own life, mysticism is not a lofty concept; it’s the heartbeat of my day. Every morning, I begin with meditation and gratitude, thanking Source for the gift of another sunrise. I sit in silence, tuning into the eternal presence, often receiving guidance for my work and community. Going within helps me regulate my energy and remain present through the day.
I also engage in conversation with my spirit guides. Jesus and Mary are my favorite anchors. I believe love and consciousness are universal. I also embrace whatever beliefs others may have. It is an individual journey, and remaining open is an important way to keep the channels of universal consciousness open.
Ceremony is another essential practice; I weave sound, movement, and nature’s light into rituals that uplift both myself and those I serve. Finally, I live my mysticism through service: writing books, teaching, and creating transformative experiences that help others awaken to their own divine spark.
For me, mysticism is not an escape from the world but a deeper way of being in it—with more compassion, more presence, and more love. If you are searching for a way to expand your spiritual practices, consider exploring mysticism.
May you, too, find your path into the Mystery.
With light and love,
Cynthia
Shaman Isis
