In the Middle Ages, the "women's mysticism" movement emerged in Central Europe. Unmarried and widowed women found refuge in monastery-like communities, such as the Beguine movement, which was a lay order that surfaced in the 12th century. ...See moreIn the Middle Ages, the "women's mysticism" movement emerged in Central Europe. Unmarried and widowed women found refuge in monastery-like communities, such as the Beguine movement, which was a lay order that surfaced in the 12th century. Here women could lead contemplative, active and self-determined lives characterized by education in self-imposed poverty, within small and protective communities. The intense contemplation and asceticism in these places brought forth deeply mystical experiences.
See less