magian

Magian is an adjective and noun historically used to refer to the priestly caste and related religious practices of ancient Iran, particularly among the Medes and Persians. The term is derived from the Old Persian maguš and the Greek magos, ultimately connected to the word Magi used in antiquity to denote attending priests or sages.

In classical writings, Magi or Magians described a priestly group associated with what later scholars identify as early Iranian religious centers and ritual practices. Over time, the term came to be linked with Zoroastrianism, the predominant form of Iranian religion in the Achaemenid and Sassanian periods. The English usage “Magian” often appears in historical or philological contexts to distinguish ancient Iranian priestly traditions from later, non-Iranian religious movements. It is distinct from the biblical Magi, who are described in Christian scriptures as visitors bearing gifts to the infant Jesus; though some modern discussions tie the biblical Magi to Iranian priestly imagery, they are not the same as the ancient Magian class.

In modern scholarship, Magian is primarily a historical descriptor rather than a contemporary self-designation used by adherents. The term appears in encyclopedic or linguistic contexts when tracing the roots of Magi, Zoroastrianism, and related Iranian belief systems. Contemporary references more commonly use Magi or Zoroastrianism to denote the religious tradition itself.

See also: Magi; Zoroastrianism; Mazdaism; Magus.