Vision vs Imagination

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Redrose13

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Hi,

I would like to ask how would you determine if you’re having a vision or just an imagination during a prayer time? I’m having difficulties recognizing a vision from imagination.

Any thoughts on this?

Thanks and God bless!
 
There is no hard and fast rule for this but like the Church does with miracles you should start on the assumption that it is some kind of natural phenomenon. If you can explain your experience as an imagination then in all likelihood that’s what it was.
 
‘I say, then, that since these imaginative apprehensions, visions, and other forms or species are presented through some image or particular idea, individuals should neither feed upon nor encumber themselves with them. And this is true whether these visions be false and diabolical or whether they be recognized as authentic and from God…The reason is that in being apprehended these forms are always represented in some limited mode or manner…Since God cannot be encompassed by any image, form or particular knowledge, the soul in order to be united with him should not be limited by any particular form or knowledge…To reach this essential union of love of God, a person must be careful not to lean upon imaginative visions, forms, figures or particular ideas, since they cannot serve as a proportionate and proximate means for such an effect…The only reason for admitting and valuing them would be the profit and good effect the genuine ones bring to the soul. But admitting them is unnecessary to obtain this good effect; for the sake of (spiritual) progress, rather, one should always deny them.’ - St John of the Cross
 
I was thinking of that passage from St John but did not have much of a clue where it was from.
 
From what I’ve read and heard, people who have a vision know right away that it’s a vision. Not sure if that helps you or not. I’ve always had a good imagination and it has helped in my prayer life so either way if it helps it must be a good thing.
 
Hmm… I was awake when I prayed the Holy Rosary and my intention was for peace. While I was praying it, suddenly a picture of a happy family appeared (the girl doesn’t look like myself) I felt joy and peace. Apparently, an image of a girl alone in a busy place or somewhere else appeared, again the girl doesn’t look like me and tears fell down and I felt a bit sad and lonely.

I was thinking if the images I received were from the Lord? Why did I felt had those emotions when I received the images out of nowhere?
 
I think maybe you should ask your priest about this, and see what he thinks.
 
It comes at the most unexpected time.
It is not something that is demanded.
It comes with a validation, that is, a confirmation of the vision.
The person has no preconceived knowledge.
Imagination, I guess, stems from one’s desire.
 
Thanks all for your thoughts! I’ll talk about this one to the priest.
 
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