Welcome, Magus!

But you all are probably wondering why I put this note in "Questions and Answers" rather than in "Community". Because I have a question:

What's the difference between a mage, a magus, and a wizard? Do they stand for different levels of ability or training?

That's magnus, ain't it?

You see, Lee, even Chicago lawyers sometimes make misteaks in spelling.

Hello im Magnus


Thankyou for Leaving a Post.

So - bypassing the spelling thing . . . what IS the difference between a mage, a magus and a wizard, and who set the standards?

between a mage, a magus and a wizard

Depends who's talking about them, I suppose.

Mage and magus come from a Persian root, magush, and both mean 'sorcerer or magician'; the root is related to may, might, and machine. Magus also has a technical meaning as a member of the priest caste in the Zarathustrian religion. Wizard comes from an Old English word, and is related to wise.

Neo-Pagans, RPGers, and some who practice magick may have finer distinctions, but for most folks they're near synonyms. (Pardon me while I don my asbestos soutane with the stars and moons on it.)

quote:

Zarathustrian

I think it's Pete Seeger who sang "Gimme That Old Time Religion" with the verse about Zarathustrianism . . .

We will sing of Zarathustra,
We will sing just like we use'ta
I'm a Zarathustra boostah,
and it's good enough for me . . .