Magoi Aristoi

The Magoi Aristoi or "Best wizards" are wise philosopher-teachers who have been chosen above others for special veneration. This is because of their special usefulness to us in helping us develop our own wisdom.

Tetramagi

Zartochrestians have a list of four Magoi Aristoi who are considered the founding teachers of our philosophy. These are called the Tetramagi.

The Tetramagi (Four Magi) are Zartus (Zoroaster), Gotama (Buddha), Plato and Aristotle.



Zoroaster, Plato, Aristotle and Gotama.

Heptamagi

The Heptamagi (seven magi) is a further scheme. This includes the four magi of the Tetramagi with an additional three more modern figures. Usually these are Hegel, Nietzsche and Carl Jung. Heptamagists argue this gives a broader perspective with which to understand life. In particular they believe that Nietzsche's criticism of Zoroaster and of Christian morality needs to be taken into account.

Wisdom Traditions

Zartian Agathists may study one or more of multiple wisdom traditions which in general will be associated with at least one of the tetramagi.

For instance Buddhism and Stoicism (considered a Greek counterpart to Buddhism) - associated with Gotama.

Ancient Gnosticism associated with both Zoroaster and Plato, and also the later Neoplatonism and Neoplatonic Sufism.

Thomism and Catholic Social Teaching - associated with Aristotle.

The writings of Marcus Aurelius can be a good way in to Stoicism. The writings of Inayat Khan are recommended for students of Neoplatonic Sufism. The modern Cathar movement around John Bogomil is also recommended.

Modern Magi

Zartian Agathists may also study modern philosophers of renown. There is no canonical list but in addition to Nietzsche on the more political side these might include names like Proudhon, Karl Marx, Gramsci and Erich Fromm for example.