The "Urim & Thummim" were perhaps Joseph's own eyes, which in a mystical state of consciousness could "see" the visionary "plates." He lost these "gifts" for a time.
Blog
The First Vision of Moroni
Was the vision of Moroni unique, or had Joseph experienced something similar before?
Early Secondhand Details about Joseph Smith’s First Vision in 1830-1833?
A late thirdhand account of the First Vision from John Alger in 1893 may be corroborated by some early secondhand (esoteric) references in some songs and hymns recorded in 1833, which may also have connections to a recorded revelation in 1830.
The Perennial Cycle from Mysticism to Religion to Politics
What is the relationship between mysticism and religion? It is perhaps a cycle, which begins in mysticism and ends in fundamentalist dogmatic religion, and politics, where it begins again.
May we all Apostatize, and experience the Apocalypse: A Mystical View
Apostasy (and apocalypse) are two words that could use some closer investigation in our spiritual journey.
Joseph Smith’s First Vision, BHT: A New Translation
A new translation of Joseph Smith's First Vision.
An Introduction to the BHT Translation of Joseph Smith’s First Vision
I introduce a new translation of Joseph Smith's First Vision, giving some background to this interpretation of his mystical experience, the nature of translation, its pseudepigraphal nature, how it was done, and more.
The Mythological Messiah and its Mystical Qualities
I suggest that the mythology of messianism points to qualities of the mystical experience and the awakening of the true Self identity in nondual consciousness.
The Mystical “Messiah” in the World’s Traditions
Many traditions have a messiah who is thought will come to redeem them and the world. There is perhaps a mystical interpretation of this messianism.
Be Ye Perfect? or Be Ye Whole? A Mystical Translation
Are we to strive for perfectionism, or are we to realize the wholeness that already exists within our true Self, our essential divine nature?