The Magi: Zoroastrian Spiritual Masters and Priests
The Magi (singular: Magus) were Zoroastrian spiritual masters and priests, forming the hereditary clerical class responsible for rituals, divination, and wisdom preservation. Originating from the Median tribe (ancient Iran), the term “magi” derives from Old Persian magush, meaning “possessor of ability” or “wise one.” In Zoroastrianism, they were athravans (fire-keepers), conducting yasna ceremonies, chanting Gathas, and interpreting omens via astrology and oneiromancy (dream divination). 20 21 22 23 25
Herodotus (5th century BCE) describes them as dream interpreters and royal advisors in Persia, sacrificing to elements without anthropomorphic idols. In the Avesta, they combat evil through purity rites. The biblical Magi (Matthew 2:1–12), “wise men from the East” following a star to Jesus, were likely Zoroastrian astrologer-priests, seeking a Saoshyant (savior)—their gifts (gold, frankincense, myrrh) symbolizing kingship, divinity, and death/resurrection. 21 24 28 30
Esoterically, Magi were spiritual masters mastering fire rituals for ecstasy and prophecy, influencing Western “magic” (from “magi”). In occultism, they embody wise initiates, linking to Hermetic magi and Rosicrucian sages.
Magi (priestly caste)