At the age of approximately 13, Joan of Arc began to experience what she firmly believed were divine, heavenly visions.
The Onset of Heavenly Visions
Around 1425, when she was about 13 years old, Joan of Arc, then living in Domrémy, France, first encountered these profound spiritual experiences. She later recounted that these were vivid encounters with saints and angels who delivered messages directly to her.
Key Aspects of Her Early Visions:
- First Appearance: Her initial vision involved what she understood to be St. Michael the Archangel.
- Divine Directives: According to Joan's later claims, St. Michael gave her specific instructions during these early visions:
- To be a good girl.
- To obey her mother.
- To go to church often.
- Initial Secrecy: Despite the intensity and perceived importance of these messages, Joan kept them to herself for some time, not revealing them to her family or anyone else in her village.
These early spiritual experiences were foundational, shaping Joan's conviction that she had a divine mission to save France from English domination during the Hundred Years' War. For further details on her life and historical impact, reputable sources like Britannica offer comprehensive information.
