In the natural world, the intellect grasps objects through the forms and images that the senses perceive. These cannot serve to lead forward on the way to God. As well, whatever of the supernatural world is accessible to the intellect here cannot help it attain any certain knowledge of God. The intellect, therefore, in its own insights cannot construct an adequate concept of God. The memory out of all its fantasy cannot create a form or picture that could portray God; the will cannot taste any joy or delight that is at all similar to God himself… That is why the Areopagite calls contemplation mystical theology, that is, secret knowledge of God and a ray of darkness.
Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross