Mysticism vs. Witchcraft — What's the Difference?
Difference Between Mysticism and Witchcraft
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Compare with Definitions
Mysticism
Mysticism is popularly known as becoming one with God or the Absolute, but may refer to any kind of ecstasy or altered state of consciousness which is given a religious or spiritual meaning. It may also refer to the attainment of insight in ultimate or hidden truths, and to human transformation supported by various practices and experiences.The term "mysticism" has Ancient Greek origins with various historically determined meanings.
Witchcraft
Witchcraft is the practice of what the practitioner ("witch") believes to be supernatural skills and abilities, such as the casting of spells and the performance of magical rituals. Witchcraft is a broad term that varies culturally and societally, and thus can be difficult to define with precision.
Mysticism
Belief in direct experience of transcendent reality or God, especially by means of contemplation and asceticism instead of rational thought.
Witchcraft
Magic; sorcery.
Mysticism
Such experience had by an individual.
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Witchcraft
Wicca.
Mysticism
Belief in the existence of realities beyond perceptual or intellectual apprehension that are directly accessible by subjective experience
Belief in séances, astral projection, and similar mysticism.
Witchcraft
A magical or irresistible influence, attraction, or charm.
Mysticism
Belief that is not based on evidence or subjected to criticism
"[When] grappling with the evils they have themselves exposed ... these lifelong Marxists drift off into vague mysticism and into worship of personality" (I.F. Stone).
Witchcraft
The practice of witches; magic, sorcery, or the use of supernatural powers to influence or predict events.
Wiccans believe in a modernised form of witchcraft.
Mysticism
The beliefs, ideas, or thoughts of mystics.
Witchcraft
Something, such as an advanced technology, that seems almost magical.
Mysticism
A doctrine of direct communication or spiritual intuition of divine truth.
Witchcraft
The practices or art of witches.
Mysticism
A transcendental union of soul or mind with the divine reality or divinity.
Witchcraft
Sorcery; enchantments; intercourse with evil spirits.
Mysticism
Obscure thoughts and speculations.
Witchcraft
Power more than natural; irresistible influence.
He hath a witchcraftOver the king in 's tongue.
Mysticism
Obscurity of doctrine.
Witchcraft
Adherence to or the practice of Wicca. In this sense the term does not necessarily include attempts at practice of magic, other than by prayers to the deities.
Mysticism
The doctrine of the Mystics, who professed a pure, sublime, and wholly disinterested devotion, and maintained that they had direct intercourse with the divine Spirit, and aquired a knowledge of God and of spiritual things unattainable by the natural intellect, and such as can not be analyzed or explained.
Witchcraft
The art of sorcery
Mysticism
The doctrine that the ultimate elements or principles of knowledge or belief are gained by an act or process akin to feeling or faith.
Mysticism
A religion based on mystical communion with an ultimate reality
Mysticism
Obscure or irrational thought
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