The Mysteries of Mithras - by Payam Nabarz (Paperback)

About the Book

The Mysteries of Mithras presents a revival of this ancient Roman mystery religion, popular from the late second century B.C. Payam Nabarz reveals the history and tenets of Mithraism, its connections to Christianity, Islam, and Freemasonry, and the modern neo-pagan practice of Mithraism today. Included are seven of its initiatory rituals.

Book Synopsis

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.

From the Back Cover

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 spiritual and philosophical tenets of Mithraism--the religion originated in Persia and spread west to Rome--and its connections to Christianity, Islam, and Freemasonry. He also describes the modern neo-pagan practice of Mithraism in evidence today. 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. 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.

Review Quotes

". . . brilliant and compelling . . . . A highly entertaining and informative read by a lucid writer. Highly recommended."-- "Prediction, Oct 2005"

"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 Zoroastrian studies attempts to get to the very heart of the matter."-- "Karen Ralls, author of The Templars and the Grail"

"For those interested in paganism, Witchcraft, the supernatural, and Wicca, among other topics, this book offers some keen insights into a very old religion that Christianity was able to eventually subdue, absorb, and eliminate as competition. . . . A fine book, one you will enjoy and one you will be talking about with friends."-- "Lee Prosser, Ghostvillage.com, Oct 7, 2005"

"In his breakdown on the Mithraic liturgies Doctor Nabarz has successfully researched the intricate levels of the ritual and also heroically deciphered the language of the aforementioned iconography of Mithras to give us a first class series of ceremonies. . . . Whether the reader is a historian or even a practitioner of esoteric studies, this well presented work is a joy to read. I am delighted it now lives on my shelves."-- "Professor Roland Rotherham, Touchstone Magazine, Nov 2005"

". . . a book that is part history-primer, part practical guide 'designed to help the spiritual seeker develop a deeper understanding of the Mithraic mysteries, ' and perform initiation rites and Mithraic liturgy."-- "Publishers Weekly, July 2005"

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.