What does magus mean?
A magus is a learned or powerful figure associated with ancient Persian religion and with supernatural or occult abilities. Its best-known traditional reference is the Magi, the wise men said to have followed a star to visit Jesus. In modern writing, “magus” is often a deliberately archaic or elevated term for a magician, sorcerer, or adviser whose knowledge appears uncanny. Unlike the general word “magician,” which can suggest conjuring and entertainment, “magus” usually carries a sense of religious authority, esoteric learning, or mysterious power. It is especially common in historical, fantasy, and religious contexts, where it helps evoke an ancient tradition of priests, astrologers, and supernatural figures. The word also underlies the familiar vocabulary of magic and magicians, making it a useful example of how a specific historical title can develop a broader modern meaning.
nounA member of the ancient Persian priestly class, especially one credited with supernatural or occult powers. In modern literary use, the word can also mean a magician or someone believed to possess mysterious powers.
- A member of the ancient Persian priestly class, especially one associated with astrology, divination, or supernatural knowledge.
- A magician, sorcerer, or practitioner of occult arts, especially in literary or historical contexts.
"The scholar compared the magus in the ancient text with later traditions of learned sorcerers."
"The magus explained that the star had guided the caravan across the desert."
"In the novel, the magus is both adviser and illusionist, hiding his command of sorcery beneath the appearance of an ordinary scholar."
The traditional plural is magi, pronounced /ˈmeɪdʒaɪ/ in the biblical phrase “the Magi.”
"The Magi traveled from the east, following the star they had seen."
The word behind “magic” began as a title for an ancient Persian priest: a magus was not merely a stage magician, but a learned figure associated with religious and supernatural authority.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does magus come from?
English borrowed the word from Latin magus, a term for a Persian priest or learned magician. Latin in turn drew it from Greek magos, “one of the Magi” or “one skilled in magical arts,” which is generally traced to Old Persian magush, associated with the magi, an ancient priestly class. Through Greek and Latin, the word entered European languages and contributed to forms such as magic, magician, and magi. Its modern associations therefore combine the historical Persian priestly title with later ideas of sorcery and occult power.
Related word forms
How magus is actually used
The word is now mainly literary, historical, or religious. In Christian tradition, “the Magi” usually refers to the wise men who visited Jesus, while the singular “magus” more often denotes an ancient Persian priest or a figure from fictional occult traditions.
Easily confused with magus
A magus is primarily an ancient Persian priest or occult figure, whereas a magician is a general term for someone who performs conjuring or illusion.