I can say per Quran (and hadiths) we are supposed to see Ahlulbayt (a) as lights/lanterns and as means to God and use them to burn off devils and defeat the dark sorcery.I guess I'm interested in everyone's experiences. We differ there!
God is meant to be seen per Quran and prayers of Ahlulbayt (a). I can discuss what "spiritual experiences" are supposed to happen per Quran and hadiths.
The disconnected from Ahlulbayt (a) per my understanding of Quran are disconnected from God and Quran. We are supposed to use them while reciting Quran and to try defeat the locks without help from Ahlulbayt (a) is like putting a rope to the roof and cutting it and thinking we can climb the rope.