Definition of mystic

The word "mystic" originates from the Greek word "mustikos," which means "initiated" or "secretive." In ancient Greece, mystikos referred to a person who had been initiated into the mysteries of a particular cult or religious group. These mysteries often involved intense spiritual experiences, rituals, and revelations. The term "mystic" was later adopted by early Christian writers to describe those who sought a deeper, spiritual understanding of God. It was used to describe the writings of Jewish mystics, such as the Kabbalah, and the Christian mystics, like the Desert Fathers. In the 16th century, the term took on a more esoteric meaning, referring to those who sought direct experience of the divine or the supernatural. Today, the word "mystic" often connotes a sense of spiritual seeking, intuition, or connection to the unknown.