Where the philosopher guesses and argues, the mystic lives and looks; and speaks, consequently, the disconcerting language of first-hand experience, not the neat dialectic of the schools. Hence whilst the Absolute of the metaphysicians remains a diagram--impersonal and unattainable--the Absolute of the mystics is lovable, attainable, alive.Thoron Woodling would like to provide a more comprehensive answer.
--Evelyn Underhill, MysticismWe dance round in a ring and suppose,
But the Secret sits in the middle and knows.
--Robert Frost, The Secret Sits
A mystic is someone who studies the mysteries of the universe and existence in order to open one's consciousness to a new understanding. Mysticism does not necessarily have to be a religious practice.
An example of a non-religious group of mystics would be the Rosicrucian Order (Ancient Mystical Order of the Rosy Cross, aka AMORC), which defines itself as a fraternity of mystics, and does not consider itself as a religion or a religious organization. A member of the Rosicrucians is a mystic by definition, but does not have to be a priest, witch, or magician, although some Rosicrucians may consider mysticism to be an important part of whatever religion they also practice. All Rosicrucians consider themselves students of mysticism, who constantly seek knowledge of the mysteries.
Popular mysticism topics studied by Rosicrucians include physics, astronomy, archaeology, Egyptology, astroarchaeology, psychology, parapsychology, reincarnation, and Amra/Karma. Subjects actively taught in the correspondence mystery school format used by the Rosicrucian Order are meditation, intuition, scrying, magical and mystical theories, spiritual healing. Their teaching methodology involves the use of simple ritual and initiations. They generally don't draw circles for their rituals, a practice more common to Wicca. Many operate solitary; those who work together often belong to a pronaos, chapter, or lodge, depending on the number of participants.
Wiccans can also be mystics, because Wicca is a mystery religion. It includes certain forms of mysticism in its religious practices. Some Wiccans are interested in the same subjects as the Rosicrucians. A few Wiccans also belong to the Rosicrucian Order.
Are Mystics priests? What about Wiccans?
A priest/ess is someone who serves a deity, deities and/or spirits, or the Divine. Some priests/esses serve their deity, deities and/or spirits, or the Divine through the practice of mysticism. Others do not.
As stated above, Wiccan contains certain forms of Mysticism among its religious practices.
Is a Witch a Mystic?
The terms Witch (upper case W) and witch (lower case w) can cover a number of magical, spiritual, or mystical practices. Thus, some Witches and witches would consider themselves mystics and consider mysticism important in their religious practices.
Thoron Woodling is a former Rosicrucian, and remains a student of the Mysteries.
For another answer, visit:
What is a Mystic?
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