What is a Mystic??

Mystic is one of those words that has been batted around a lot, especially in today’s modern world of commercialized spirituality. Many people use the term because it sounds “cool” or “in style” but they may not know what it truly means.

First off, let’s say that you get no judgment from me if you use the term mystic as a descriptor and don’t really know what it means. That works. It is a nice word and I use it regularly in my work. But, I would also like you to know what it means. 

Words have power, right? So why not understand what the word you are using actually means?

And, another caveat here. Words have multiple definitions. This is the definition which I use and one of many, but it is a definition of the term mystic which is universally accepted. 

A mystic is an individual who seeks or has union with God/Source/The Oneness of the universe. 

Mysticism has been around since…likely the dawn of time. Seeking and being one with the source of all is the essence of which this universe is based off of. 

There are many ways mystics go about this union with source energy. Every major religion has a branch of mysticism inherent in its nature. There are Christian mystics, Jewish mystics, Pagan mystics, Buddhist mystic, Islamic mystics…basically every religion has sects or divisions which seek unity with the oneness of the universe. 

Each of these religions has a method and a path which leads to that source energy and many have commonality with their methods, although the terms may be different. 

For example, Christian mystics tend to use the term “contemplative prayer” to speak of practice which is very similar to “mantra meditation”. Again, words and terms can have different definitions as is inherent in the illusion of duality, but they are, in essence, the same.

It is not only religions which have mystics and mysticism as part of their practice. Many philosophies or practices with no inherent religious context consider themselves mystics. Rosicrucians define themselves as mystics and have many practices which go about the seeking of connection to the source of all things.

All of this is to say, there are many paths to a mystic lifestyle and many ways to connect with the oneness of the universe, but all mystics seek and experience the same thing, a connection to the divine in whatever form they see it.

Do you consider yourself a mystic? What does being a mystic mean to you?