Definition of mystical

The word "mystical" originates from the Greek word "mystikos," meaning "initiated." In ancient Greece, the term referred to someone who had been initiated into the mysteries of a particular cult or religion, such as the Eleusinian Mysteries. These initiations often involved rituals and revelations that were meant to help the initiate gain spiritual insight and understanding. The word "mystical" was later adopted by European Christians to describe the spiritual practices and teachings of early Christian mystics, such as St. Augustine and St. Teresa of Avila. These mystics sought to experience a deep, personal connection with God through meditation, contemplation, and prayer. Today, the word "mystical" is used to describe a wide range of spiritual and religious experiences, from the ecstatic and emotional to the rational and intellectual. It can also be used to describe artistic or literary works that convey a sense of the mysterious and unknown.