The Mysteries of Mithras

RELIGION / PAGANISM "A refreshing study of an often-neglected subject. From the conventional to the controversial, the broad scope of this book and its valuable contribution to Sufi, Mithraic, and Zoro-astrian studies gets to the very heart of the matter."—(Karen Ralls, Ph.D., author of "The Templars and the Grail") "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 Mithras was born of a virgin in a cave on December 25. Payam Nabarz reveals the history, origins, and...