Well, it isn't mysticism, but use of metaphoric language, and done in a way which has long been an accepted and effective technique for delivering a great deal of information in a very small space... not only picturing a scene, but giving some subtle clues to the nature of the world and its inhabitants, the types of beliefs they may have (directly or indirectly), reinforcing the importance of myth to the inner lives of such inhabitants, etc., etc. So no, it isn't because she is a famous, respected author that she is allowed such things... she is a famous, respected author because (in addition to other things) she knows how to use such techniques very skillfully indeed. It may just be that this sort of thing is simply not for you, that's all.
From your description, it sounds more as if you want something very literalistic in approach... is this the case?
On something of that note... have you ever read George O. Smith's Venus Equilateral series of stories? There was an edition of them which had an introduction by Clarke....
