And while we're on the subject

So what's the problem with making things cease to be mystical? Isn't that what education is for?

Either you lean towards mystical, or you don't. I think your position is more than clear, Bags. That doesn't make mean your way is the only right way of looking at things. Nor does it mean that people who look at things differently do so because they are not educated.

Somwhat is the problem with making things cease to be mystical? What's wrong with that? What's wrong with increasing understanding?

Your comment makes me think you want things to remain mystical because the great advantage of mystique is that you can believe whatever you want to believe whether it is true or not.

I am not clear what 'leaning to the mystical means'. Some pieces of music, and some beautiful views can raise the hairs on the back of my neck. Does that make me mystical? Or just a human being? Are people who believe in clairvoyants, astrologists and other quacks 'mystical' or just gullible?

greatnan Some music does that to me too. There are certain chords and phrases which go directly to the emotions, bypassing the logical part of the brain. They resonate somewhere.

I suspect mysticism is like beauty - it is in the eye (or brain connections) of the beholder. Maybe it is connected with the ability to put oneself into a trance, by self-hypnosis, consciously or unconsciously? Those who practice meditation can go deep into themselves. Perhaps the sensations of mysticism come from within the recesses of the mind? How they came to be there is open to interpretation - some might say they are intimations of an outside power, some that they are caused by our personal experiences (perhaps even in the womb, who knows) I would favour the second explanation.

I hope that does not sound like psychobabble.

Not to me, Elegran - it makes sense. Mysticism doesn't have to be connected to a religion.

One definition of mystical is the belief that some things affect us through the spirit/unconscious/emotions whilst bypassing the intellect. A lot of psychotherapy is based on this idea. I suppose many people would consider Freud to be a quack.

Makes sense to me, Elegran - except I know my mystical experiences don't come from anything supernatural.

I'm off now to watch the box - a few hundred years ago, or less, some people would have seen that as messages from above (or more likely from below)

There is a theory that Joan of Arc suffered from a tumour in a specific place in her brain.

Well, animals don't think about things [at least, I don't think they do] but they respond to things other than just cold or hunger or procreation]. Sometimes perhaps our powers of reasoning get in the way of our instinct [If that makes sense ].

If you hear voices that nobody else hears, you are psychotic, unless they are from God, and then you are a saint. I have also heard the theory that some saints who went into trances were, in fact, anorexics who had fasted themselves into madness.

granny23 well said

There are many triggers to mystic experiences. I think I may be accused of trivialising spiritual possession, and also great art, but looking at Bernini's "The Ecstasy of St Theresa" my impression is that she is dreaming of being impaled on the implement that the angel is wielding and she finds the experience orgasmic. The angel's expression could be interpreted as enjoying it too.

Now going back to the box to watch QI.

Should you be interested in investigating psychic (not supernatural) matters, there are plenty of books available from Libraries etc.

Also from reputable mediums in Spritualst Churches. Always keep an open mind, and do not give information to people as you may be giving info that a genuine psychic would NOT welcome!

I have been a Spiritualist for many tears, having found that what I felt during my childhood, was bourne out by my personal experiences at a much later date!
I emphasise , it is essential to have an open mind. a closed mind learns nothing , whatever the subject!

There are a lot of fraudulent so called mystics / mediums around, so beware, and use your intelligence and gut reaction.
You can find genuine folk!
There are many things in this world which we do not understand.
For some, it may not be right for them to investigate yet.(closed minds -NOT directed at anyone, especially our Athiest friends!)