{Mithras, god of the Morning [continued (5)]}[27th July 1990]

[Redbook7:172-173][19900727:2338f]{Mithras, god of the Morning [continued (5)]}[27th July 1990]

19900727.2338

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[‘]The rising of the Mithraist in grade prefigured the ascent of the Soul after death.

The series of the 7 initiations seems to have been enacted by passing through 7 gates and climbing a ladder of 7 steps.

Each grade was attributed to one of the 7 planetary gods.

The zealous Mithraist gradually passed the spheres of these minor deities and finally reached the region of the fixed stars.

‘Little is known about initiation ceremonies. Ancient texts refer to ablutions (baptism) and purification and chastisements, to fetters and liberation, and to certain ceremonial passwords. Frescoes at Capua (Italy) show the initiates blindfolded, kneeling and prostrated. A simulated death and resurrection was probably** part of the ceremony.

Tertullian, the 2^nd century North African Christian theologian, describes the test of courage to which the miles was subjected. Weapon in hand, he had to force his way – probably by a sham duel – to a wreath. When he had succeeded, an officiant offered the crown to him with the wreath. But the candidate had to decline, saying that Mithra alone was his wreath; and throughout the rest of his life, he never again wore a wreath.’***

*[See last 2 previous entries]

**(speculation?)

***E[ncyclopaedia] B[ritannica] 8:198

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