Van Gogh, Psychosis, and Spirituality

This week, I spent the night in Spokane, WA, to catch Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience before it closed. It’s wrapping up its final weekend after being on display since July 2024. The staff seemed sad to see it go—and understandably so. The exhibit was beautiful and deeply inspiring.

The immersive experiences were stunning: a recreation of his famous “bedroom” painting in 3D that you could step into, a breathtaking 360-degree digital showcase of his artwork, a virtual reality journey through some of his pieces, and more. If it comes to a city near you, I highly recommend going.

Van Gogh is one of the most intriguing figures in art history. His work is instantly recognizable—his use of short, expressive brush strokes, vivid color, and texture is truly one of a kind. There are theories he may have been color blind or that his vision processed the world differently. Extensive studies have explored this. Why else would he outline an orange chair or brown floorboards in green? Or paint bold red and green lines on a country road? Yet somehow, it all makes perfect sense when you look at it. I believe this reflects the energy of his intention and the conviction behind his creative choices.

What struck me most, though, was learning more about how Vincent van Gogh experienced hallucinations—both auditory and visual—that deeply affected his life. While it's commonly said that he cut off his ear after an argument with Gauguin, some reports suggest he may have done so to quiet the voices he was hearing. Others attribute his mental health struggles to alcohol use disorder. I also found it curious that before becoming a full-time artist, he spent over a year studying to enter the ministry—an endeavor he later described as “the worst time in my life.”

Alcoholism has long been associated with hallucinations and spiritual confusion. The Bible even addresses this. In Proverbs 23:33, it warns, “Your eyes will see strange things, and your heart will utter perverse things,” speaking directly to the disorienting and destructive effects of excessive drinking. While both hallucinations and visions involve altered perception, they are not the same. Visions are often interpreted as divine communication, accompanied by clarity, a sense of certainty, and a deepening of faith. Hallucinations—especially those induced by substances or mental illness—can be disturbing, confusing, and spiritually dangerous. Alcoholism, in particular, can attract negative spiritual influences, which is very different from receiving true spiritual visions.

Hallucinations along the spiritual path are not as rare as we might think. In the West, the word "hallucination" often brings to mind clinical diagnoses like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. But in spiritual circles—particularly within New Age and contemplative traditions—the concept of spiritual psychosis is more commonly recognized. This term describes a state where intense spiritual experiences overwhelm the mind’s ability to distinguish between everyday reality and spiritual perception.

This is something I’ve lived with for much of my spiritual journey, which began in 2012. Thankfully, it has calmed down significantly in recent years. But for a long time, I experienced visions—mostly visual, though sometimes auditory. There was a short period when I heard voices, but more often, I “heard energy” moving. I saw it too. I could perceive how people used energy to manipulate one another. I saw spiritual forces—both light and dark—overlaying people. And, to the dismay of some spiritual healers and teachers, I often saw through their facades to the truth underneath. As someone who naturally wanted to see the best in people, that gift was incredibly difficult to bear, and I often struggled to trust what I was sensing.

Because of my own experiences with altered perception, I felt a deep kinship with Van Gogh. To be clear, I have never taken any mind-altering substances, nor did I have an issue with alcohol. These states arose naturally, and I understand just how torturous they can be. I believe certain individuals are more prone to these experiences—particularly those with heightened sensitivity or imbalances in hormone regulation, especially dopamine. That’s a topic I plan to explore in a future article.

For today, I simply want to reflect and bring awareness to the phenomenon of spiritual psychosis—a state that, while often misunderstood, is not uncommon on the spiritual path. These experiences can range from the deeply beautiful to the deeply frightening.

🕊️ A Closing Prayer for Those Struggling with Alcohol Use

God of mercy and grace,

Please lift up all those who are battling addiction, especially those caught in the grips of alcohol.

Pour Your mercy and love over them.

Calm the chaos within, and quiet the voices that lead them astray.

Surround them with love, truth, and the strength to take the next step forward towards healing.

May they know they are not alone, and that You are a refuge even in the darkest places.

Redeem what feels lost.

Restore what has been broken.

Lead them gently into freedom.

In Jesus' Name, Amen.

🕊️ A Closing Prayer for Those Experiencing Spiritual Hallucinations

Holy Spirit,

Be near to those whose spiritual experiences overwhelm them—those who see and hear beyond the veil but struggle to find peace.

Bring clarity where there is confusion, and discernment where there is fear.

Guard their hearts and minds.

Let Your light shine through all distortion, and anchor their soul in truth.

Give them wisdom, trustworthy guidance, and rest for their weary minds.

May they know Your voice above all others, and find safety in Your presence.

In Jesus' Name, Amen.