Observations placeholder
Saint Teresa of Avila - Sees herself in a large field alone
Identifier
000437
Type of Spiritual Experience
Background
We need to remember here that she probably, as a result of her heart problems, suffered very regular oxygen deprivation. She may also have ended up suffering from a kind of paranoia brought on by the same problems, this is a vision................. almost a rebirth experience
So although her life gives us ample evidence of the effects untreated rheumatic fever can have on the mind and the body, it also shows us that even simple visions and hallucinations, in the hands of the simple and indoctrinated can be interpreted in ways well beyond their real meaning and affect the course of a person's life in the most extraordinary ways .
A description of the experience
The Life of Saint Teresa of Avila by Herself
whilst I was at prayer, I saw myself in a large field alone, and around me was a crowd of all sorts of people that hedged me in on every side. They all seemed to be carrying weapons with which to attack me; some had lances, others swords, others daggers and yet others long rapiers. In fact, I could not escape in any direction without running the risk of death and I was quite alone without anyone to take my part..........