Earliest reference describes Christ as 'magician'

[ButterflyWoman]

A bowl, dating to between the late 2nd century B.C. and the early 1st century A.D., is engraved with what may be the world's first known reference to Christ. The engraving reads, "DIA CHRSTOU O GOISTAIS," which has been interpreted to mean either, "by Christ the magician" or, "the magician by Christ."
Interesting article. I did have to chuckle at this: "the discovery may provide evidence that Christianity and paganism at times intertwined in the ancient world." All I could think was, "Well, DUH!" :lol:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26972493/

[Palehorse Redivivus]

There's an awesome book called "Early Christian Magic" which is basically a compilation of actual magical texts from the first few centuries of Christianity. Most came from around Alexandria, those crazy mystics. :P Very interesting stuff tho.

But yes I must concur with CF. Link iiiiit! *shakes you*

Edit: had an old version of the page left open but noticed that you did already. Eeexcellent. *shakes you s'more, just for fun*

[CFTraveler]

Thank you. :D

[Timotheus]

:D

[CFTraveler]

Hi Timotheus.
Most people in metaphysical communities tend to classify a magician as someone who understands and knows how to harness metaphysical laws, such as what has modernly been called the Law of Attraction (or Law of Mind Action as it was called in the earlier parts of the 20th century) the Law of the Subconscious mind, etc., so when we say magician we don't mean someone like David Copperfield or Mindfreak, we mean someone like Franz Bardon or other metaphysicists that have incorporated these 'laws' in their lives.
Of course someone else might confuse the two distinctions, and so-called skeptics will consider them to be the same.
Some communities want to distinguish them by sticking a 'K' at the end, as in 'Magicks', but frankly seems a little contrived for me. (JMO, of course).

[ButterflyWoman]

when we say magician we don't mean someone like David Copperfield or Mindfreak
Generally, I believe this sort of act is known as a "stage magician" or an "illusionist". They don't claim to be doing actual magic. They're performing tricks for the purpose of entertainment.

Real magic, on the other hand... Well, turning water to wine is a pretty good transformation, just off the top of my head.... ;)

[Aunt Clair]

The idea of scrying with the cup and seeing visions within it is done today in Initiatic Magick still . That is in projection food and drink is offered in initiations and attunements and this is an invocation of Christ . Eucharist means Thanksgiving . The Eucharist began with the Last Supper . It is the invocation of Christ . The bread and wine becomes imbibed with ritual intention to seek henios with Christ . This union is sought to become more like Christ , higher in vibration , closer to God , capable of such love and service .
Christ's commandment is "Love one another as I have loved you. "

I believe Christ was a magician and the greatest one that ever lived . He has been called the Magnum Magus . The 3 Wiseman or The Magi are also magicians in the truest sense in my opinion , that is they saw visions , prophesised and studied the stars and signs . I define Magick as change affected by the magician's will , visualisation , intention and energy . Christ performed many miracles which can be interpreted as magick .
changing the water to wine
raising the dead
healing the lame and blind
exorcising demons
et cetera
Here is one list :
http://www.lifeofchrist.com/life/miracles.html

There is speculation online that the translation is suspect . The term goiais is being debated . Goi or Goy is a gentil a non Jew . -ais is a French ending meaning 'I have '. But the form here is Goistais
http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=goy
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/gois
This site below reckons Goistais comes from enchanter ;
http://antiquitopia.blogspot.com/


Some believe that Christ has reincarnated and that he is Enki and Thoth et cetera . Thoth is a teacher of magick also . The Cosmic Christ is a great teacher of Magick today meeting mystic magicians in mystic projection , ceremonial magick , initiatic magick , meditative trance and dreamstate lessons . He teaches about forgiveness , compassion and love . But he also teaches healing and exorcism , methods of projection , ascension and expansion of consciousness . This is the truest Magick .