News / Magic & mysticism

There is a relation between the two, both are children of the word mystery in a sense. Both of them reflect the unknown, explorations in and of themselves into various places, sometimes into inner space.

While definitions of mysticism and magic differ there seems to be a common thread or element that is expressed in several conceptualizations or models. One of the common themes is that somehow mysticism is less active than magical practice. It is considered more passive. Isaac Bonewits in his book "Real Magic" directly applies this thought in his definition of a mystic when he states: "A person who uses mostly passive talents and rites for mostly theurgical purposes."

The linkage is clearly made between magic and mysticism in the definition above although it may be a more passive than active form. The relationship between mysticism and theurgy is less clear until one examines the definition of theurgy. Theurgy over time has come to have a connotation of good, or holy magic or a manifestation in a sense of that which is holy. It also has the connotation of self improvement through these means, perhaps through mystical means.