Visions of Sister Hadewijch

I I

...cannot be understood by those who have gone astray, who are without love. The pillar resembling fire is the Name of the Holy Spirit. The pillar resembling topaz is the Name of the Father. The pillar resembling amethyst is the Name of the Son. The wheel in the depths, which turns so darkly and furiously, that is the Self-enjoyment of God (Sichgenießen Gottes)A central concept in medieval mysticism referring to the ecstatic, dynamic internal life and mutual delight shared by the persons of the Trinity. with its unknown storms.

Upon the exalted place sat the one whom I sought and with whom I longed to be one in enjoyment. His form was beyond all speech and understanding. His head was noble and of a pale color and bekrönt with a crown that was similar to a stone called SardonyxA gemstone with layers of different colors. In medieval lapidaries, it often symbolized the combination of Christ's suffering (red), purity (white), and humility or death (black).; this has three colors: white, red, and black.

His eyes were wondrous and unspeakable to behold; they lovingly drew all things into themselves. For this, I lack the words. For the infinitely great beauty and the precious sweetness of this worthy, wonderful countenance takes from me all power of speech and comparison.

And my Bridegroom original: "Bräutigam" — a traditional mystical term for Christ, reflecting the "Spiritual Marriage" between the soul and God. made Himself known to me in the feeling and in the grasping original: "Begreifnis" — implies a spiritual "touching" or intuitive comprehension that goes beyond intellectual thought. of His self. As soon as I recognized Him, I fell at His feet; for I was aware that for the path that leads to Him, I still had very much to experience.

And He said to me: "Stand up, for you have risen in Me without beginning, of free will and without falling back. And you have desired to become one with Me. You have attempted this in every way. And because the [desire] so greatly..."