mystagogue

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   historical religion: a person who guides an initiate into the rites and doctrines of a mystery cult

   The mystagogue instructed each initiate before the secret ceremony.

2. 2
   noun

   a teacher or interpreter of mystical doctrines

   The poet adopted the voice of a mystagogue revealing hidden spiritual truths.

From Latin mystagogus and Greek mystagogos, 'leader of initiates,' combining mystes, 'initiate,' with agogos, 'leader or guide.' The word broadened from ancient mystery rites to teachers who claim to reveal mystical knowledge.

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