Archive of Mystical Experiences

The Archive of Mystical Experiences (AME) is a collection of primary-source accounts of transcendent experiences—including visions, out-of-body experiences, revelations, apotheosis, and more—spanning antiquity to the present and traditions ranging from the world religions to Indigenous and new religious communities. Alongside these firsthand archival accounts, long-form encyclopedia entries provide historical and interpretive context for extraordinary experiences across particular geographies, traditions, and eras.

Archival Entries

Archival entries present and contextualize primary source accounts of extraordinary religious, mystical, and transformative experiences drawn from diverse traditions, historical periods, and cultural settings. Each entry introduces the source, situates it within its historical and religious context, and highlights its significance for understanding experiences of transcendence and transformation

Encyclopedia Entries

Encyclopedia entries provide scholarly overviews of key figures, traditions, practices, concepts, and movements relevant to the study of mystical and transformative experience. Together, they offer the historical, cultural, and interpretive context needed to understand and interpret the primary sources.

Magic
Andrea Franchetto and Egil Asprim
Dr. Dee's Engraved Wax Seal, 16th century. London, British Museum, 1232.90.c.

About the Project

The Center for the Study of World Religions developed and supported the Archive of Mystical Experiences project between 2023 and 2026. During this period, the Center commissioned more than 70 encyclopedia and archival entries exploring transformative religious experiences across cultures, religious traditions, and historical periods.

A selection of these entries is currently featured here, with additional work developed during the CSWR phase of the project to be released over the course of the 2026–27 academic year.

The project was led by Matthew Dillon, Lead Research Associate, with contributions from Research Associates Keith Cantu (2024–25) and Aaron Ullrey (2023–26). Ullrey served as editor for the majority of the encyclopedia entries.