Mystagogia

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A practice involving the initiation into sacred mysteries, often related to religious rites or teachings
2. An educational process that guides individuals in understanding spiritual truths, typically within a ceremonial context
3. The act of leading someone into deeper knowledge of faith or spiritual practices, especially through rituals or sacred instruction

Etymology: Initiates into ancient Greek mystery cults were called "mystai," from the verb "myein," which meant to close the eyes or lips. The silence and shut eyes expected of those admitted to secret rites are the usual explanation for the name. The guide who led them in was a "mystagogos," combining that root with "agein," to lead, so the mystagogos was literally the one who brought an initiate into the mysteries. The early Christian church later adopted the idea for teaching new members. Cyril of Jerusalem's "Mystagogical Catecheses" explained the rites of baptism and the Eucharist to candidates after they had experienced them, not before. The noun "mystagogia" names this kind of instruction: an explanation of sacred things to people who are already inside the ritual.

Synonyms: initiation, esoteric teaching, mystical instruction