Merkavah mystics

Merkavah mystics, also known as "Chariot" mystics, were Jewish mystics from late antiquity focused on achieving divine union through visionary experiences. They aimed to ascend through complex spiritual realms, focusing on the divine chariot described in Ezekiel's vision. These experiences involved intricate prayer, meditation, and studying sacred texts, seeking direct encounters with God's throne and presence. Their mystical journey was both a spiritual ascent and a way to gain profound understanding of God's nature. The tradition emphasized purification, discipline, and celestial travel, influencing later Jewish mysticism, including Kabbalah.