It is said that Malta has been a predominantly Catholic country ever since St Paul was shipwrecked on the Maltese Islands in 60AD. Mysticism, however, has been around since prehistory, and it continues in the background. Catholic disapproval of alternative religions and practices in Malta often makes them taboo and sometimes hard to find, yet while some are merely kept low-key, others are shrouded in secrecy to protect practitioners from social stigma. Only some of these are more widely accepted. Here's what you could find in mystical Malta.

1. Yoga

Yoga is not a religion, but it certainly comes with a spiritual philosophy. Yoga means 'to unite' and its dedicated practice can have profound effects on the body, mind and spirit. It includes physical poses, meditation, breathing and moral conduct among other principles and practices. Yoga studios are abundant in Malta, ranging from authentic traditions to fad practices. You'll need to investigate a little to find the ones that offer a holistic yoga approach.

2. Buddhism

When people feel let down by the way some theistic religious institutions operate and portray the divine, they tend towards Buddhism. Buddhism offers all the good practices without too much concern about all that. The intention is the cessation of suffering of all beings through wise actions of body and mind. In Malta, you can find various groups that practice Buddhist meditation and a Buddhist community with the occasional Lama visit.

3. Mantra Chanting & Sound Healing

Chanting is an instant 'feel good' so it is a popular practice. Yet it constitutes only a part of the esoteric practices coming from the East. Mantras, based on the 5,000-year-old Vedas of India, are strings of sounds, usually in Sanskrit, which are said to have the potency to purify and transform as well as attract certain qualities into one's life. Sound Healing follows the same principles based on sound frequencies. In Malta, mantras are included in yoga and meditation group sessions with occasional dedicated events, while sound healing is offered as an alternative therapy.

4. Satsang

Most Eastern philosophies tend towards the importance of the spiritual guide and spiritual community. Satsangs are an opportunity to sit with a person on the path who is considered to be empowered to offer inspiration and guidance to others. Such meetings will tend to include a short talk, questions, a meditation and some chanting. There are various spiritual communities in Malta that meet regularly and they occasionally invite elevated spiritual teachers.

5. Tantra

While yoga tends to see the material as distinct from the spiritual and connects them, Tantra overlaps them. Because of this, many tend to focus on the sensory aspects of the practice - including sexual rituals - while overlooking the rest, making them less authentic. Yet, caution needs to be taken on properly understanding Tantric principles as they involve a deep connection with the subtle, energetic field. Seek genuine guides and practitioners.

6. Shamanism

Shamanism somewhat resembles Tantra in that it sees all pervaded by a Great Spirit. It offers great respect to the elements, nature and all beings as a manifestation of the Great Spirit. Temazcal (Native American sweat lodge), chanting, plant spirit medicine such as Ayahuasca and San Pedro, and animal medicine such as Kambo, are some of the Shamanic healing rituals that have found their way to these islands. Any events by various groups tend to be very discreet and information passed by word of mouth. 

7. Paganism

Likewise, Paganism is an umbrella that includes a variety of practices, from following cosmic and natural cycles to full-blown Wicca. But forget those images of witches with pointy hats dancing around a fire while casting spells. The code of conduct for energy work is to act with respect, for healing and the benefit of all. Pagans recognise the Great Spirit as well as the Goddess. Due to severe misconceptions, meetings tend to be kept very low-key.

8. Mediums & Fortune Tellers

While Catholicism is so ingrained in the Maltese make-up, they are, ironically, still inclined towards remnant pagan behaviour and occult practices they often don't even recognise. Mediums, fortune tellers and palm readers may still be considered witches of sorts, yet they are simultaneously feared as they are revered as healers and guides. 

9. Vedic Astrology

Or is it written in the stars? Astrology has been around for a long time, but now, even Vedic Astrology (Jyotish) has made it to the heart of the Mediterranean from the Himalayas. Personal birth charts cover in detail every aspect of the human experience. The precise time, latitude and longitude of birth are required and the precise location of the celestial bodies from that perspective mapped. Important life decisions can be consulted, such as changing career or a marriage match. And this is now possible in Malta.

10. Family Constellations

Deceivingly, Family Constellations have nothing to do with astrology. In a mixture of what appears to be angelic intervention, role-play and psychology, the group's healing intention somehow reveals previously unrecognised family dynamics spanning generations. By recognising and accepting those dynamics, inherited limitations are resolved. Family Constellations are held quite frequently in Malta.

11. Holotropic Breathing

Rather amazing is the trance achievable by merely hyperventilating in a systematic way. And life-changing is the emotional process one can experience via sensory stimulation while in that state. Practitioners report emotional releases of trauma, visions, rebirthing experiences and astral travelling, among other things. Holotropic Breathing offers a natural and safe inner journey with profound healing effects on body, mind and spirit, as 'shadows' are released and light is restored. Sessions are generally done in groups in a safe setup by a trained psychotherapist. 

That's a whole lot of different choices aimed at helping you live a better life as the best version of yourself, is it not?