Elay Amitay Halevi describes the spiritual beginner's arc: an initial euphoric state called gadloot, marked by peace and synchronicities, followed by katnut, a contracted darkness where the Creator withdraws light. This shift from miracle-filled ease to loneliness isn't failure but a necessary test where the soul matures.
When someone first steps onto the spiritual path, it's euphoric. Everything feels aligned. You have synchronicities. You have peace. There's flow, there are miracles. The sages call this euphoric state an expanded state. They call it gadloot. The Creator gives you a surge of light at the beginning of your spiritual process, like a parent holding your hand when you first learn how to walk. But then always the light withdraws. You are eventually left to yourself. The sages call this state a contracted state, that is called katnut. This is a time where the light has contracted itself and now you are in darkness. The sweetness fades, you feel lost, you feel alone. And most people at this point panic, and they think that I do something wrong. Am I disconnected? But spiritually, this is a good sign. This time of darkness is a good sign. At this moment, you are elevated. The sages explain that the Creator withdraws the light not to punish you, but to reveal you. This is the moment where your soul begins to fully mature. Can you still walk in the line of miracles when the hand of the Creator lets go? When you no longer feel the Creator by your side? The state of revelation of Gadloot is a gift. The state of darkness, which is katnut, is the test that always follows that great energy.
