The Mysteries of Mithras: The Pagan Belief That Shaped the Christian World

An overview of Mithraism, the ancient Roman mystery religion popular in the Roman Legions

- Provides a comprehensive history of Mithraism, including its influence on Christianity and Islam

- Includes rituals, meditations, and teaching tales for readers who wish to follow the Mithraic path

- Studies the evolution and divergence of the Eastern (Persian) and Western (Roman) forms of Mithraism

The Mysteries of Mithras presents a revival of the magical practices and initiatory system of Mithraism, the ancient Roman mystery religion that was immensely popular in the Roman Legions from the late second century B.C. until A.D. 400 and was taken to every corner of the Roman Empire. As the last pagan state religion in Europe, it was the most important competitor to early Christianity and heavily influenced Christian doctrine and symbolism. The parallels between Christianity and ancient Mithraism are striking--for example, the god Mithra was born of a virgin in a cave on December 25.

Payam Nabarz reveals the history, origins, and spiritual and philosophical tenets of Mithraism and its connections to Christianity, Islam, and Freemasonry. He also describes the modern neo-pagan practice of Mithraism in evidence today and for readers who wish to adopt the Mithraic path, he includes seven of its initiatory rituals and meditations, as well as orations and teaching tales, that open the door to the seven Mithraic grades of passage.

Author: Payam Nabarz
Publisher: Inner Traditions International
Published: 06/09/2005
Pages: 240
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.84lbs
Size: 8.96h x 6.24w x 0.60d
ISBN13: 9781594770272
ISBN10: 1594770271
BISAC Categories:
- Social Science | Folklore & Mythology
- Body, Mind & Spirit | Ancient Mysteries & Controversial Knowledge

About the Author
Payam Nabarz, a Persian-born Sufi and practicing Dervish, holds a Ph.D. from Oxford University and is carrying out postdoctoral research there on genetics and cancer. He is a Druid in the Grove of the Order of the Bards, Ovates, and Druids; a member of the Golden Dawn Occult Society; and a revivalist of the Temple of Mithras. He lives in England.