Christian Mysticism And Charismatic Experiences

[Shana]

Could someone clarify for me the relationship between Christian Mysticism and Charismatic Spirituality? How do they overlap, are there distinctions between the terms or do they mean the same thing? I've been having experiences of God which my Spiritual Director called mystical...the Holy Spirit moving me physically (e.g. being drawn toward the tabernacle...the Spirit moving my hands). I don't know whether or not this means I'm charismatic? I haven't received the gift of speaking in tongues. As I discern my vocation should I be limiting myself to charismatic orders or would what I'm experiencing now possibly be consistent with a vocation to a contemplative order? I feel very much attracted to a religious community that isn't charismatic per se and I don't know what to make of my mystical experiences in regards to this attraction. Any recommended resources? Thanks.

[Theoketos]

I think the contemporary situation in the Church has done much to confuse these terms. I am not going to try and clear them up right now.


But to answer the most important question, it seems to me with out knowing too much about you specifically, you ought to go discern that community you felt called to even though they are not 'charismatic' in the modern sense of the word.