The writings of Teresa of Avila are among the most graphically and ecstatically described experiences with the divine I have seen in Christian mysticism. The idea of the transverberation, or piercing, of the heart as described by Teresa of Avila is viewed as one of the most noted and moving stories in Christian mysticism. Her writings on this experience serve as an integral piece in Christian and Catholic history, and are still revered today as one of the most definitive experiences with the divine. Throughout the following body of work, Teresa's experience with the divine will be deeply investigated while drawing close parallels with that of Song of Songs 2:5, as well as a brief analysis of Gian Lorenzo Bernini's sculpture, "The Ecstasy of St. Teresa". ".

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             It is said to have occurred around the time of 1560 when Teresa of Avila came into contact with God and the divine. In a graphic description of her experience, she says:.

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             "I saw in his hand a long spear of gold, and at the iron's point there seemed to be a little fire. He appeared to me to be thrusting it at times into my heart, and to pierce my very entrails; when he drew it out, he seemed to draw them out also, and to leave me all alone on fire with a great love of god. The pain was so great that it made me moan; and yet so surpassing was the sweetness of this excessive pain that I could not wish to be rid of it. The soul is satisfied now with nothing less than God. The pain is not bodily, but spiritual; though the body has its share in it, even a large one. It is a caressing of love so sweet that now it takes place between the soul and God that I pray God of his goodness to make him experience it who may think I am lying." "1 .

             This description given by Teresa can be interpreted a number of different ways, but it is hard to undermine the erotic tone the passage contains. Although not in every sense, Teresa's words are often times associated with sexual references.