Carlos-barraza-logo-50

6 Dark Night of the Soul Stages

The dark night of the soul is a profound and transformative spiritual experience that many individuals go through at some point in their lives. 

It is a term that has been widely used to describe a process of spiritual awakening and growth. 

This experience can be intense and challenging, as it involves confronting one’s deepest fears and uncertainties.

Dark Night of the Soul Stages
Written by
Table of Contents

Carlos' Opinion - Dark Night of the Soul Stages

Rather than saying that the Dark Night of the Soul has stages, I will consider that the Dark Night of the Soul is actually one of the BIG STAGES or STEPS of the Spiritual Awakening. 

As of myself, I would personally not recommend to attempt any strong full spiritual practice, meditation by him or herself alone, reaching the Dark Night of the Soul can be one of the most terryfing experiences for the human mind, but as one eventually learns, it is neccessary to cross through, and not around, the darkness in order to regain the “new light” or “new consciousness” of life. 

Some people have experienced different traumatic or strong events that had led them to reach a Dark Night of the Soul. As for me, a deep soul heart break, plus not finding “a solution” on how to heal an autoimmune disorder Hashimoto, eventually set me up to a desperation and “powerless” point that ended up in a Dark Night of the Soul. This was also the lesson of learning “to let go”. 

As read and heard on blogs and videos, people have experienced it in different ways. I think that one of the most popular stories of a recent spiritual teacher is Eckhart Tolle, where he expresses when he heard a voice or thought that mentioned “I can’t live with myself” and there it was his inflection point of awareness, who is the “I” that can’t live with “myself”.

In 2020, I consider it as my special spiritual year. Besides all it was happening worldwide with Covid-19, also deep inside me there were initiating changes that catapulted me to my spiritual awakening.

Little did I know, that at the beginning of the Lent of March 2020, “listening” a warm lovely voice that said “Liebespunkt”, a place in Heilbronn, would be my start of my intense spiritual practice. For around 40 days, where most of the people was being sent home to “be safe from Covid-19”, I was sitting at the Liebespunkt place praying for the things I was living, and for the love and well being of family, friends, and so can I say, the world in the time of uncertainity and fear, meditating and questioning the “why” of things.

The questioning part could be a stage of the Spiritual Awakening, since the consciousness of the self start to arise.

Eventually, when talking to a friend by phone the day of my dark night of the soul, I suddenly started to “become the observer” and notice differences when I mentioned phrases with “I” and “You”. 

My Dark Night of the Soul ended up as in some cases, in a mental health hospital, which aslo could be consider a symbol of “stepping into the crisol for purification”. What some “non spiritual” people would state or point me as a psychotic break, actually I was reaching out that “madness” point, that “kundalini awakening” that in some cultures is actually considered a blessing. That day, I did felt a undescriptible form of energy running from down and up my body. 

My dark night of the soul also had an “ego death” and an attempt of a “spiritual bypass”, which certainly might be a way of the mind or soul to escape from the current reality in order to leave behind the pain.

My dark night of the soul stage was my symbolic death and rebirth, and as it is said, one has to die in order to live.

Spiritual Awakening - Dark Night of the Soul Stages

  • Initiation and Triggering: The journey into the dark night begins with an initiation or triggering event that disrupts the individual's sense of self and understanding of life. This can be a crisis, loss, or a profound spiritual experience that sets the stage for transformation.
  • The Awakening: In this stage, individuals start to question their existing belief systems, values, and life choices. There is a heightened awareness of the need for change, and a sense of disillusionment with the conventional aspects of life begins to emerge.
  • The Dark Night of the Senses: This phase involves a deeper exploration of the self, often accompanied by feelings of emptiness, despair, and a sense that the world no longer holds the same allure. Old patterns and attachments are challenged, leading to a period of inner turmoil.
  • The Unveiling of the Soul: As the dark night progresses, there is a gradual unveiling of the deeper layers of the soul. This stage involves confronting profound existential questions and experiencing a collapse of previously held meanings and constructs.
  • The Dark Night of the Spirit: The final and most challenging stage, the dark night of the spirit involves a profound spiritual crisis. It is a period of intense purgation, where the individual confronts the core of their being, faces their deepest fears, and undergoes a radical transformation.
  • Spiritual Renewal and Rebirth: Following the dark night, there is a potential for spiritual renewal and rebirth. The individual emerges with a transformed perspective, a deeper understanding of their life purpose, and a renewed connection to the divine. This stage symbolizes the end of the dark night of the soul journey and the beginning of a new chapter in spiritual evolution.

What is the Dark Night of the Soul?

Exploring the Meaning and Significance

The dark night of the soul is a concept that originated in the writings of the Spanish mystic and poet, John of the Cross. It refers to a period of profound spiritual transformation and growth, often characterized by a sense of existential crisis and inner turmoil. This experience is marked by a deep sense of desolation and a feeling of being disconnected from the divine.

Understanding the Triggers for the Dark Night

The dark night of the soul can be triggered by a variety of factors, including personal loss, emotional upheaval, or a crisis of faith. It often occurs when an individual reaches a point of existential questioning and begins to seek deeper meaning and purpose in life.

Go through the Dark Night of the Soul

Embarking on a spiritual path often involves navigating through the profound and challenging terrain known as the “dark night of the soul.” 

This transformative process, illuminated by the teachings of spiritual mentors like Saint John of the Cross, unfolds in stages, each marked by its unique trials and revelations. The initial encounter with the dark night triggers a questioning of old patterns and a letting go of familiar comforts.

As one progresses through the stages, a sense of peace may be elusive, and the experience can feel like a daunting tunnel of darkness. It’s crucial to note that the night of the soul doesn’t adhere to a predetermined timeframe, and it may not necessarily conclude with a clear resolution.

Spiritual awakening, however, lies at the end of this challenging journey, offering a deeper understanding of life’s true meaning and one’s unique purpose in the vast tapestry of the universe. 

The ability to get through the dark night is not only a testament to inner strength but also an alignment with one’s ultimate purpose, transcending the need for control and embracing faith even in the face of profound loss or the collapse of perceived meaning, such as the death of a loved one.

Recognizing the Different Stages

The dark night of the soul is often described as occurring in several stages, each marked by its own unique challenges and revelations. These stages may include feelings of despair, confusion, and a sense of spiritual desolation.

How Long Does the Dark Night Last?

The duration of the night of the soul can vary from person to person, and there is no set timeline for how long it lasts. Some individuals may experience it as a relatively short and intense period, while others may endure it for an extended period of time.

Reaching the Last Stage: Final Thoughts

As individuals progress through the various stages of the dark night of the soul, they may ultimately reach a stage of profound spiritual growth and transformation. This final stage often represents a sense of renewal and a deeper connection to the divine.

Experiencing the Dark Night of the Soul

  • Embracing the Spiritual Journey: Experiencing the dark night of the soul is ultimately a part of the spiritual journey, as it leads to a greater understanding of oneself and one's place in the world. It is a process of awakening to deeper truths and experiencing a profound spiritual transformation.
  • Dealing with Attachments and Detachments: One of the key elements of going through the dark night is the process of confronting and releasing attachments that no longer serve a meaningful purpose. This may involve letting go of deeply ingrained beliefs, relationships, or patterns of behavior.
  • Finding Purpose in Life Amidst an Existential Crisis: The dark night of the soul can lead individuals to reevaluate their lives and seek a deeper sense of purpose and meaning. While it may initially be a period of profound existential crisis, it can ultimately lead to a renewed sense of clarity and direction.
More about Spirit