[milan]

That seems to imply that the stigmata may occur according to the way the subject pictures or imagines them.

Interesting thought.

[drstevej]

BV: That seems to imply that the stigmata may occur according to the way the subject pictures or imagines them.

m: Interesting thought.

drsj: That seems the best explanation for variation of location of the marks. However, it raises the question whether the marks are produced by the individual's meditation or supernaturally by God.

This is an important distinction in responding to my earlier question regarding the appearance of stigmata over a millenia after the NT era.

If they are from God the timing is very hard, IMO, to explain. However, if they are physical effects caused by meditation (psychsomatic in nature) then the experience of St. Francis, whom I believe to be a very devout man would provide incentive for others to follow his lead.