When something has the power to transfix, spiritual, awe, and reverence are words commonly used to describe the profound emotional response. These experiences are often considered ineffable and may evoke a sense of knowledge or insight that is difficult to express, aligning with the concept of consensus mysticum and described as both tremendum et fascinans.
When one experiences something that has the power to transfix, certain words arise to describe this unique and often profound state of being. Such experiences are often spiritual in nature, encompassing a deep sense of awe and reverence. These typical responses include feeling completely absorbed, captivated, or spellbound by the extraordinary or mystical qualities of the experience, often accompanied by an overwhelming emotional response. The subject matter of these descriptions can be reflected in terms such as sublime, ineffable, and transcendental.
The descriptions of this type of experience may also relate to the consensus mysticum, a term referencing the commonalities of mystical experiences shared across different cultures and religions, which are characterized as both tremendum et fascinans (‘tremendous and fascinating’). Moreover, the feeling that something is beyond the scope of words, that it's an 'ineffable' sensation, adds to the mystery and depth of the experience. William James has outlined such experiences as possessing an 'ineffable noetic' quality, suggesting they bring a sense of knowledge beyond our ordinary understanding, yet are challenging to articulate.
Examples of describing such a transformative scenario may include feeling enchanted by a natural wonder, being moved to tears by art, or sensing a sudden profound insight or connection that feels larger than life. The writings of luminaries like Rudolph Otto and William James, as well as descriptions in literature, can provide further context and examples of these experiences.