From Greek 'magike' (art of the Magi) — named after the Persian priestly caste whose rituals looked like sorcery to Greeks.
The power of apparently influencing events by using mysterious or supernatural forces; the art of producing illusions by sleight of hand.
From Old French 'magique,' from Latin 'magica' (sorcery), from Greek 'magikḗ (tékhnē)' (μαγική τέχνη, the art of the Magoi), from 'mágos' (μάγος, a Magus, a Persian priest). The Magoi were the priestly caste of the Medes and Persians, specialists in astrology, dream interpretation, and ritual. The word ultimately derives from Old Persian 'maguš,' possibly from PIE *magh- (to be able
The Three Wise Men of the Christmas story are called 'Magi' (magoi) in the Greek New Testament — the same word that gives us 'magic.' They were Persian priests whose expertise in astrology was indistinguishable, to Greek-speakers, from sorcery. Every Christmas nativity scene is, etymologically, a gathering of magicians.