The poem has many different hidden meanings but they are all based around a common theme of faith.

A common interpretation of the poem is that Elliot wrote about his experiences in converting to Christianity and put them into the context and mind frame of one of the Magi. This interpretation seems to fit very well.

In the first section, of which there are three, the magus describes the physical aspects of the "long journey"; the "weather sharp", the "camels galled, sore-footed", "sleeping in snatches." Elliot is discussing the difficulties that he had on his quest for faith.

He goes on to tell us about the times that he thought about what he was leaving behind...