March 17, 2005, 08:18
shufitzMagus
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?
March 17, 2005, 10:19
jerry thomasYou see,
Lee, even Chicago lawyers sometimes make misteaks in
spelling.March 18, 2005, 05:24
CaterwaullerSo - bypassing the spelling thing . . . what IS the difference between a mage, a magus and a wizard, and who set the standards?
March 18, 2005, 06:33
jheem between a mage, a magus and a wizardDepends 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.)
March 19, 2005, 21:08
Caterwaullerquote:
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 . . .