Book I, Chapter VIII Summary and Analysis

There are actually two nights through which the soul must pass to be completely purified. The first night purifies the sensual, while the second purifies the soul. Almost all beginners will experience the sensual purgation; very few experience the spiritual. Since little is known or written about the purification of the spirit, St. John devotes more space to this topic. As beginning Christians grow in faith and give up love for material possessions and deal with some suffering for the sake of God, they suddenly feel God has turned away from them. This feeling is a sign that the spiritual night of darkness has begun.