Ascent of Mount Carmel

In this foundational work, St. John of the Cross provides a systematic guide to the soul's union with God, teaching the necessary removal of earthly desires to make room for God's transformative grace. Through a blend of theological insight and references to holy scripture, he outlines the various stages of spiritual ascent, preparing readers to face the trials that lead to unification. As part of a collection of works exploring the dark night– a period of spiritual desolation, purification and transformation on the journey toward divine union – Ascent of Mount Carmel is best read before Dark Night of the Soul. This treatise provides a framework for understanding the phenomena described in the latter work, equipping readers to navigate the coming struggles with greater clarity. Ascent of Mount Carmel remains an indispensable text for anyone seeking to understand the mystical journey in its fullest depth, preparing the soul for the challenges – and rewards – that lie ahead. This new translation by Anthony K. Irvine bridges the gap between 16th-century Spanish and modern English while preserving the profound wisdom and mysticism that permeates the text.