Further Guidelines for Modern Practice A path of Modern, solitary Mithraism could conceivably take a variety of forms.

The guidelines presented here are only one possible path. Mithraeum as a service organization invites individuals to explore other practices, and to share them! Seven Aspects of Mithraic Worship As a bare-bones approach to personal Mithraic worship, Mithraeum offers the following seven things as a way to become involved with Mithraism on a solitary basis: I. Sacred Space - we advocate setting aside a a separate place for Mithraic prayer, ritual, contemplation, and learning. In ancient times the Mithraeum temple was the place in which this was done - but an individual alone must adapt. Click HERE to learn more about creating sacred Mithraic space. II. Imagery/Art - we have found that it is helpful to have Mithraic iconography present during rites and meditation to help create a setting more like that experienced by ancient Mithraists. Ancient Mithraea were rich in Mithraic art, and there can be no doubt that this art was considered important. Click HERE to learn more about Mithraic Iconography. III. Ritual Tools and Items - ancient Mithraeum temple sites contained many Mithraic items that were used in rites and rituals. We recommend some here as being an important physical aid to personal practice. Click HERE to learn more about Mithraic ritual items. IV. Prayer/Meditation - it is well known that personal, informal prayer and meditation was done by individuals throughout the ancient world as a means of communing and communicating with deity. We believe this must have been a part of Mithraic life as well. Click HERE for more information about ancient prayer. V. Rituals - ancient Mithraism is known to have encompassed a variety of group rituals, including both those of worship and initiation. While we do not advocate self initiation rites, we do recognize that formal ritual is an important part of Mithraic experience. Click HERE for more information on Mithraic ritual. VI. Study and Learning - ancient Mithraism was organized around a grade system which expressed various aspects of spiritual knowledge. Learning and understanding were key elements to Mithraism, for only by gaining knowledge could one progress spiritually. We cannot stress enough the importance of dedicated scholarship to modern Mithraism. For more information on Mithraic learning, click HERE. VII. Active Deeds - ancient Mithraism was a dynamic path. Worship and knowledge were important - but it is clear that in addition to spiritual learning a major goal of Mithraism was to improve the daily life of the individual, and the individual's connection with deity. We feel that active deeds reinforce learning, and also manifest Mithraism in the world around us. Click HERE for more information on Mithraic deeds. MODERN MITHRAIC SACRED SPACE

In the ancient world, Mithraists met in Mithraeum caves or temples to practice group rituals. The solitary Modern Mithraist usually has no such option. Yet, special sacred space continues to be important in that it provides a private setting that is removed from the everyday world. The ideal setting for a modern Mithraeum would be in a natural cave, or in an underground building (or part of a building) where a separate "model cosmos" could be created. The ancient Mithraea were created specifically to be separate isolated places, and they were often located in the basement of buildings. Again ideally, one's personal Mithraeum should be rectangular in shape, with the entrance at one end, and the main altar at the opposite end. The floor plan of an ancient Roman Mithraeum in Ostia is shown at the right. In this image, a central aisle worked with the symbols of the Mithraic grades, can clearly be seen. To the left and right of this decorated center are places for "benches" or places to recline where the Mithraists could share in a communal meal.

Obviously, one's modern "personal Mithraeum" must be dictated by available space and materials. If you have little space to work with, and are on a limited budget, you may not be able to say, reserve a corner of your basement or back room for a large rectangular temple area. Perhaps all you have room for is a very small personal altar, or even part of a shelf! Not to worry. The only things we recommend a personal Mithraic altar to have are: 1. An altar space. This can be a Classical pillar, (Roman altars were tall and thin) or a small table, or even a shelf attached to the wall. The Mithraic altar needs only a little surface area, just enough for some sort of image of the Bull Slaying scene, an offering dish, a lamp or candle, and if possible a burner for incense. 2. Space to kneel and or sit comfortably before the altar. A large rectangular area is nice but not necessary. Prayers, rites and offerings are done at the altar anyway, so the key space is only an area big enough for you. 3. Separation from the outside world if possible. The easiest way to "close off" a modern Mithraic altar from the rest of a house or room is to put up a curtain, or a screen which you can close once you are before the altar. If that is impossible, even keeping a room or space dark, (except for a candle or lamp at the altar) can at least give the impression of being closed off from the world and before only the Light of Mithras. Again, personal living circumstances are going to be the guide here. The "ideal" simple Mithraic altar setup might be a small square table (or Classical Pillar) with some wall space (possibly a shelf) directly behind the altar. That allows the entire top of the altar to be set with ritual items, and put some sort of Mithraic image behind the altar itself. In ancient Mithraea, usually the Tauroctony scene was place behind the altar. Often the scene was placed right into the wall itself. Ancient Roman altars were rectangular stone pieces that were kept bare. If you are using a modern table, you may wish to cover it with a decorated cloth. Again this is something up to personal taste. Final Note: The important thing with a Mithraic sacred space is to create something you are comfortable working with. It is wonderful to want to do something accurate, but don't let worry over proper setting prevent you from doing anything at all! As with most things in life, you may want to start "small" by doing something quick and inexpensive right now, and then improving your personal setup over time. You can always find more space, a better altar, and more privacy later on if you get started now. MODERN MITHRAIC IMAGERY and ART

Ancient Mithraeum temples were rich in sacred art and imagery. The floors of the Mithraeum were often decorated in mosaic tiles, the side walls of the Mithraeum were painted with scenes from the life of Mithras, the front altar area was where the sacred Bull Slaying image was kept, and the roof of the Mithraeum was painted with an image of the night sky. Altars were carved with inscriptions and art, and there were often a variety of statues present in the temple as well. Even the ritual tools and service wear for the Sacred Meal were decorated with sacred art! All these things helped to make the Mithraeum a unique sacred atmosphere. Mithraists were constantly reminded about the deity through which they were united. The presence of imagery was strong confirmation that Mithraism was about Mithras - and that focus on him, (rather than say, the participants) was vital. It is, of course, possible to worship Mithras without sacred images being present. The Roman Legionary in the field, for instance, far from a Mithraeum, would of course be able to commune with Mithras through prayer and offerings at any time. Yet it cannot be denied that sacred art was important to the ancient experience and should not be ignored today. Modern Imagery The modern Mithraist has wonderful tools available for creating Mithraic imagery. The quickest and easiest are the computer printer or a photo copier. A quick web search for "Mithras" in the Images search engine at www.google.com will yield a wide variety of Mithraic images. These can easily be printed for personal use. If a picture from a website is too

small, it can usually be enlarged on a photocopier (or color photocopier, depending on the image.) A usual first-step toward decorating your sacred space with Mithraic art would be to put a picture of the Tauroctony over the Mithraic Altar. The Bull Slaying scene is the central icon of Mithraism, and it would be visible over the main altar in almost any Mithraeum. Other images are nice, but not as necessary. A solitary practitioner may not have wall space near the altar for putting up other Mithraic images. If you do have the space, there are a few other "common" Mithraic scenes that can be found on the web or copied from any of a variety of books including: Mithras Born from the Rock - The scene of a young Mithras emerging from solid rock, holding a torch (symbol of Light and spiritual power) and the knife which he will use to slay the bull. Mithras Hunting - This scene was found most often in Eastern Mithraea. In this scene Mithras is on horseback hunting animals with a bow. Similar scenes were often found in ancient Persian art. Mithras Obtaining Water from a Rock - This scene shows Mithras shooting an arrow at a rock, and water coming out of the rock where the arrow has hit. This miracle scene may be a reaffirmation of Mithras being able to bring forth Spirit within Matter. Mithras Wrestling the Bull - Probably the first of the Mithras/Bull images. In this scene Mithras is wrestling the bull to subdue it. (This scene can be seen in a variety of ways - as a symbol of Spirit overcoming Matter, the Mind overcoming base emotions, etc.) Mithras Dragging the Bull - In this image Mithras has successfully wrestled the bull, and is dragging it into a cave. This scene may represent the fact that Mithras first sought to control the Bull before finally being forced to sacrifice it. Mithras Subduing the Bull - The first part of the Tauroctony scene. In this image, Mithras has jumped upon the back of the Bull, forced it to the ground, and has raised it's head backward. The knife is poised to strike, but has not struck yet and Mithras is still looking at the bull. The Tauroctony - In this scene, Mithras is in the act of sacrificing the Bull. The knife has been plunged into the Bull's shoulder, and Mithras is now looking away from the Bull. A rich bounty, usually in the form of sprouting grain, is coming from the knife wound and the tip of the Bull's tail. At the bottom of the scene a Snake, Scorpion, Raven and Dog are attacking/receiving bounty from the Bull. Often Sol (The Sun) and Luna (The Moon) are shown in the upper corners of the Scene. The image is framed on the left and right by the torchbearers, Cautes and Cautopates. Mithras Triumphant - In this scene Mithras is shown standing over the dead bull, the knife in one hand, and a globe (symbol of world domination) in the other. Mithras is flanked by Sol and Luna. All three figures seem to be facing in the same direction, as if looking toward the future. Sol Invictus Kneels Before Mithras - In this scene, Sol Invictus, the Unconquered Sun, kneels in submission to Mithras. In some scenes his hands are held out in supplication, and Mithras is crowing him with a Phrygian Cap. The exact meaning of this scene is unclear, but it may show that Mithras has gained spiritual pre-eminence from successfully completing his Earthly tasks. Sol and Mithras Feasting - In this scene, the bounty of the Bull is being shared. Mithras and Sol are feasting upon the Bull, and the skin of the bull is stretched out over a table. In some scenes this is done as a Roman feast, with other participants, (such as a Roman soldier) present. It is known that Mithraic rituals included a sacred feast, and this image is likely associated with it. The Ascension - In this scene Mithras has completed his Earthly duties, and now returns to the heavens with Sol Invictus. In some images they ride together in the Chariot of the Sun, in others Mithras runs beside the chariot. Ancient Mithraea were decorated with some or all of these scenes, depending on how much the Mithraic group could afford, and what area of the world the Mithraeum was in. Some imagery was different as seen through local tradition and culture. The Mithraea also had a wide variety of other images not mentioned here, such as imagery of other deities, and other less common Mithraic symbols. Producing Mithraic Art

Ancient Mithraic art was produced in a variety of mediums, most usually involving painting, mosaic and sculpture. Almost any art form can be used to produce original Mithraic art if you have the skills. Art was often dedicated to the Mithraeum as an offering by individual members of the group, and this is a good way to do something on behalf of the God even if you practice alone. Painting, drawing, sculpture, mosaic, carving, and even etching images are good possibilities for Mithraic art. Reproducing the traditional images of Mithraism can be a way to feel more involved with the spiritual process, and also make your practice more enjoyable Modern mithraic ritual tools Ancient Mithraeum temple sites have yielded a variety of items that were used in rituals, ceremonies, and sacred feasts. Modern Mithraism practiced by a single individual may involve a few basic ritual items such as: Candle or lamp- To provide sacred Light in honor of Mithras. In the ancient world ritual lighting was done with an oil lamp made of clay or metal that was lit during the rites in honor of deity. There are companies which make reproductions of ancient Roman oil lamps, but one can use a small modern oil lamp just as well. It is the flame that's important, not the container. Even more easily, a white votive or taper candle in a holder may be used... the tallow candle was invented by Romans and certainly was used in ancient times. Patera- (Pa-TER-ah) The patera was a shallow dish used to offer food or drink to the Gods in Roman times. In ancient religion (and Mithraism) it was thought important to share the sustinance of life with deity. The Patera was used in Mithraism to offer food to the God during the Sacred Meal. A modern patera may be made from any shallow dish such as a saucer or curved plate. It does not need to be large, and can be of any size to fit any particular altar setup. Obviously, the Patera is an easy tool to use. A small bit of food from the sacred meal, a substance such as honey, or wine may be placed into it in offering to Mithras. Items placed on the patera need only be placed on the altar for an hour or two. The Patera should be kept spotless when not in use. Incense burner - this is a simple non-burnable container, (clay, stone or metal), and fill it with some sort of non-burnable substance for the coals to rest on so that they won't make the incense burner too hot to hold or scorch the surface of an altar. A simple pottery bowl filled with an insulating substance such as sand (so that the coals won't overheat and crack the bowl) will work fine. as can a metal or stoneware vessel. The incense burner may be decorated or plain. Incense burners are of course commercially available in religious shops, etc. In the ancient world, the coals for the incense burners were wood charcoal. Today it is easy enough to buy special "incense burner charcoal." This is available at many different stores including church supply stores, religious shops, new age shops, and of course online. Outdoor "charcoal briquettes" for your backyard grill should NOT be used indoors, as those give off poison gasses that can be very dangerous if used inside. The material for the inside of the incense burner should be both non-burnable, and also something that doesn't conduct heat. Sand is perfect. Clay based granular "kitty litter" will work as well. Dug up earth won't work well unless it is very, very dry, as anything organic in it tends to be burned by the charcoal and give off a smell. Again, feel free to email the us if you're having trouble finding something suitable. Knife - Since the knife was a sacred object used by Mithras to slay the Bull, a symbolic knife may be kept at the altar if desired. Knives have been found in Mithraea, but it is unknown whether they had a direct ritual purpose, or were merely items common to the Roman Legions. A knife used as a sacred object should be in ancient style if possible. Ancient Roman daggers may be purchased at www.lawrensnest.com. Sacred Dishes - As has been said, a sacred meal of communion between the worshippers and Mithras was a part of at least some Mithraic rituals. These were most often simple ceramic cups, plates, and bowls of Roman style. Often they were decorated with Mithraic art, but not always if a group (particularly a new group) could not afford it. Obviously, a solitary Mithraist would need only dishes for one, for a sacred ritual meal to be eaten before the altar during a part of personal rites. Plain dishes or items with an ancient pattern will work fine. Other items may be kept for ritual according to personal need. Accessory items might include a small box or dish to keep incense in, sacred amulets or jewelry, items dedicated to Mithras, (such as a Roman sword) or whatever else might evoke religious feeling on behalf of the practitioner.

Mithraic prayer and meditation Daily Salute to the Sun A simple personal discipline of remembering the Eternal Sun three times daily. The purpose of this prayer is to develop personal spiritual responsibility and to infuse daily life with a rememberance of the Light. To be said to the Sun in the Morning: "Hail to thee, the Eternal Spiritual Sun, whose visible Symbol rises now in the Heavens. Hail unto thee from the Abodes of Morning." To be said to the mid-day Sun: "Hail to thee, Eternal Spritual Sun, whose visible Symbol stands at the height of the Heavens. Hail unto thee from the Abodes of Noontime." To be said to the setting Sun: "Hail to thee, Eternal Spritual Sun, whose visible Symbol sets now in the Heavens. Hail unto thee from the Abodes of Evening." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------'A Song to Mithras' From Rudyard Kipling's Puck of Pook's Hill. (In Songs from Books and verse this poem is subtitled 'Hymn of the XXX Legion: Circa A.D. 350'.) In which the spirit of Mithraism can seen. This poem has proven to be a wonderful prayer, as well as a reading for meditation or ritual liturgy. Mithras, God of the Morning, our trumpets waken the wall! 'Rome is above the Nations, but Thou art over all' Now as the names are answered, and the guards are marched away, Mithras, also a solider, give us strenghth for the day! Mithras, God of the Noontide, the heather swims in the heat, Our helmets scorch our foreheads; our sandals burn our feet, Now in the ungrit hour; now ere we blink and drowse, Mithras also a solider, keep us true to our vows! Mithras, God of the Sunset, low on the Western main, Thou descending immortal, immortal to rise again! Now when the watch is ended, now when the wine is drawn Mithras also a solider, keep us pure till the dawn! Mithras, God of Midnight, here where the great bull dies, Look on thy children in darkness. Oh take our sacrifice! Many roads Thou has fashioned: all of them lead to the Light, Mithras, also a solider, teach us to die aright. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------A brief Mithraic prayer/visualization Take a few moments by yourself. Stand straight (at "attention") with your arms at your sides, and your eyes closed. Let your body posture straighten naturally, and rise to your full height without going too stiff or tightening up so much that

you are uncomfortable. Let yourself both relax and focus inward. (With a bit of experience this can be done quickly, so that the meditation may be done anytime at need.) I. Visualize yourself wearing Roman armor, a Roman helmet, and greaves. Put energy into this image, building a "spiritual armor" to help strengthen your natural energy field. Say to yourself (either out loud or in your mind): "I wear the Armor of Mithras and the Light. I am shielded from all that is harmful." Spend a few moments pouring energy into this image, building an aura of power around yourself. II. Keeping the image of the armor in your mind, now see yourself holding a Roman sword and shield. Feel the weapons in your hands, spiritual tools that you have been empowered to use not only for purposes of your own, but also on behalf of Mithras and the Light. Say to yourself (either out loud or in your mind): "I wield the weapons of Mithras and the Light. No darkness may stand against against them." Spend a few moments pouring energy into this image. Feel yourself holding the weapons, and see them as tools of Mind and Spirit which enable you to act positively and decisively. III. Even as you retain the two previous images, now see yourself standing in a beam of bright light. The light comes down over you like a spotlight, leaving you standing in a pillar of illumination. Feel the light entering your body and spirit, and becoming a Roman battle crown or wreath over your head. Say to yourself (either out loud or in your mind): "I stand in the Light of Mithras. In the Light I am invincible, for Mithras is my crown." Hold the three images together for a few moments, so that you can feel the three images surrounding you and filling you with strength and renewed purpose. Gently release the images even as you recognize the energies and the ideas behind them will stay with you, and continue with your day. MODERN MITHRAIC Rituals A Mithraic Astral Temple This meditation is an inner working to build an Astral Mithraic temple which may be used to contact Mithras and to participate in Mithraic worship on a spiritual level. Astral Temple work is an aspect of modern occultism that is easily used for Mithraic purposes. This particular meditation and rite was used by a group that practiced together over the Internet in 1995 and 1996 as a means of "breaking ground" toward more active Mithraic practice. All participants did the rite at the same time on Sunday evening, 7PM EST. After the ritual and meditation notes were compared among the participants. Whether this rite is done in group format or alone, it can be an excellent way to contact Mithraic energies and to help bring forth contact with Mithras as a living deity. PREPARATION: Set up a temple space with as many of the aspects of a Mithraeum as possible. A rectangular space with a central aisle. An altar at one end with candles, Incense and a Mithraic statue, image or symbol. A chalice of wine and a plate with bread should be on the altar. At least two chairs facing each other across the central space. Wear a Roman tunic if you've got one, or a robe or at least comfortable clothing if you don't. Light or white garments preferable. PHYSICAL TEMPLE: Once you're prepared to begin and in a ritual frame of mind, proceed up the central aisle to the altar. Light the candles, saying "May the Light of Mithras illuminate my mind and spirit." Light the incense, saying "May this place be purified in the name of Mithras." Carry the incense around the temple as a sign of purification. When you feel you've created a proper working atmosphere, sit in one of the chairs and allow yourself to

relax. Take several deep breaths, and close your eyes. If you have some personal routine of mental preparation for ritual work do it now. PATHWORKING: Say a prayer to Mithras; "Mithras, Lord of Light and Mysteries, guide me safely to your temple within the Realm of Spirit." Now, with your eyes closed, begin to enter the Inner realms by using a combination of visualization and a deliberate projection of your own energies/consciousness. Try to see yourself, and feel yourself within this image. Here is the sequence to visualize, and to say out loud to yourself if possible: "I am standing in a shadowed place. Before me there is a portal, two double doors of dark oak banded with iron. The top of the portal has a Classical lintel with a symbol of the Sun. To either side of the doorway there are marble pillars. I make the Sign of Opening, and the doors swing outward. I step through the Portal and enter the Inner Realms. I find myself standing in a sun-lit place. I am on a cobblestone Roman road which stretches straight before and behind me. To my right there is a fig tree, its branches giving partial shade to the place where I stand. To my left is a Roman mile marker. All around me there are rolling hills and cultivated fields, a place of abundance and beauty. It is warm here but not hot... the sun is shining brightly but there is a cooling breeze that stirs the grains and grasses in the fields around me. I am wearing a traveler's tunic, and leather sandals. I look at the cobblestone road before me, and see that it stretches out to a long, low hill which has neatly planted groves of fig trees. I begin to walk along the road. As I walk, I can feel and hear my sandals on the stones of the road as I step. There is a noonday sun above me, and a few puffy white clouds in the sky. I can hear the grasses swaying in the slight breeze, and I welcome the warmth of the sun upon my face. I continue along the road, and soon come close to the base of the hill. I see that the road goes up onto the hill and through the groves of trees. I climb the hill, the way is neither steep or difficult. Soon I crest the top and can see the way of the road. The road goes straight past a building, which is a single-storied rectangular temple, built of stone and with a peaked roof. It is a temple to Mithras, a Mithraeum. It is not very tall... it's foundation seems to dug into the earth. I proceed along the road and come to the Mithraeum entrance. (THE TEMPLE) The doorway is recessed, and there are seven steps down to reach it. As I go down the steps the door swings partially open. I make a gesture of respect, and step inside. I find I am standing in a small anteroom. There is a small bench, and places for both cloaks to be left and robes of worship to be put on before entering the Mithraeum itself. The temple door is at the opposite of the room. There are a couple of small oil lamps burning. I close the door of the anteroom. I take off my traveling tunic and put on the robes of a worshipper, and then go to the doorway to the temple itself. At the temple doorway, I make the sign of opening. The door opens and I step into the Mithraeum. I am standing at the end of a long central aisle. The Mithraeum is lit entirely by lamps... there are no windows. The stone walls are heavy, and the roof is as well - the place has the feeling of a cave. There are seven pillars along each side of the aisle, and on the other side

of the pillars there are raised benches which face inward toward the central aisle. The aisle itself is done in mosaic tile... a ladder with seven sections, each section bearing the symbols of a Mithraic grade. The walls of the temple are done in light stucco. On the stucco there are bright paintings of the story of the God Mithras. His birth from the Rock, dragging the Bull, feasting with Sol Invictus, etc. But beautiful as the paintings are they are not what draws the eye. At the end of the temple there is a main altar on a raised dais, in a semicircular alcove. Over the altar there is the Tauroctony scene, carved in white marble. There are hanging lamps of gold on either side, giving off a golden light. I walk down the central aisle, and stop before the altar. I bow in respect and say: "Hail to thee Mithras! I come to thy abode as a Servant of the Light and as a Seeker of Wisdom. I beg thee to aid me in my desire to serve." I now reach toward the altar, take a pinch of incense from a silver dish, and drop it into the flames as an offering to Mithras. I then turn and walk to one of the side benches, and take my seat." At this point a variety of inner workings may be done. If you are working with others, (possibly over the Internet as has been done before) a pre-decided rite or experience can be shared. In the original work which followed this format, the first several sessions consisted simply of attempts to "solidify" the temple through repeated experience. No matter what is done, there should be a symbolic meal with wine and bread, which the participant actually gets up and partakes of physically while still holding the Inner realm images. A person doing this Inner Temple Working alone may use the experience to speak directly with Mithras, or to gain inner knowledge about Mithraism as a spiritual path. (END OF THE WORK) Once the work is done, pathwork back out by doing all the images in reverse order for the return trip. Describing the way back to keep the imagery straight is perfectly all right. The way out always takes less time than going in, and the portal is closed behind. The physical temple is left up for the moment. The participant should then have a meal... and then write out their experience in a journal, or even for others over the computer. In this way the experience is preserved and/or shared among all participants. MITHRAIC STUDY and learning Ancient Mithraism was a path of specialized knowledge that progressed over a period of years. Candidates for the various Mithraic Grades were required to learn the secret teachings of each grade, and then undergo an initiation ceremony to both confirm that learning and to make it a part of the very being of the candidate. The modern solitary Mithraist is at a distinct disadvantage in not being able to learn from experienced Mithraists, and to not have direct feedback to make sense of the teachings given. Today Mithraic knowledge for the most part consists of scholarly, non-religious texts. Such volumes go through the physical remains of Mithraism in great detail, with the intent of at least unlocking some of the underlying cosmology... but they do not touch in any extent on the teachings of the Mysteries themselves. The best one can do today is to study Mithraism and and any and all related materials, and work to make sense of the various paths of knowledge. Such learning is in no way a replacement for the actual Mysteries, but it is the most honorable course of action at this time. Continuing to study everything related to Mithraism while you practice personal rites is more than a way to increase your

knowledge. It is also one of the most important means of staying involved with Mithraism as a religion, and of keeping yourself progressing as a person. The "online bookstore" of this website lists the basic Mithraic and Zoroastrian materials that are in print as of this writing. However, those materials, as valuable as they are, are only the tip of the iceberg. There is more Mithraic information out there, and there are other paths which can help shed light on Mithraism as a path of the Mysteries. Tips for further study: I. Once you have the books that are in print, the next step is to look for the materials that are out of print. This can be difficult, but is always highly rewarding. The easiest way to find out of print Mithraic materials is to visit the library of a large university. Many out of print Mithraic works will be in the stacks, others will be in the computer book catalog and may be ordered from other libraries. There is also a vast treasure-trove of Mithraic materials in scholarly periodical journals, such as "The Journal of Roman Studies." Those can be found in the periodicals section of larger university libraries. II. Astrology - a key to Mithraic symbolism. There is much that is astrological within Mithraism. The Planetary Deities and the Mithraic Grades are perhaps the most powerful examples, but there are other astrological and cosmological elements in Mithraism as well. Books on astrology can be very helpful in learning about the basic powers that are expressed through Mithraic symbolism. Books on ancient Greco-Roman astrology are particularly helpful. III. Ceremonial Magic - a modern expression of the ancient Mysteries. While the Mithraic Mysteries were not exactly ceremonial magic themselves, they were certainly part of the religious/spiritual path that gave birth to ceremonial magic as it is known today. Organized rites to specific powers, using ritual tools and secret imagery are common to both. It has also been noticed that the Caballistic Tree of Life has definite similarities to the Mithraic Grades, as both show an interplay between the ancient Seven Planets and their powers. IV. Fraternal Orders - organizational successors of the Mysteries. It cannot be proven that ancient Mithraism (or remnants of it) became fraternal orders such as Freemasonry and the Rosicrucians. However, the fraternal orders of today are certainly distant cousins of the ancient Mysteries, if not their direct children. Many organizational tips can be found in such modern groups. Joining one can be helpful, as can reading about them. Final Note: No matter how you approach your study of Mithraism, Never stop learning, and never assume you know "the" answers. Even the initiates of the ancient Mysteries could find successive levels of meaning within their paths. One could never learn all their was to know, for the closer a path comes to deity the more there is to learn. Keep studying, keep progressing, and keep an open mind. MIthraiC DEEDS

This is one of the most subjective aspects of modern Mithraism, but it can also be one of the most important. In the ancient world, Mithraism was extremely popular among sections of society which were active and dynamic. The Roman legions, Roman government, trade, etc. The reason for this is that Mithraism was both concerned with the inner spiritual Mysteries, and the everyday world. Mithraism was more than a path practiced in secret. It was a path that improved everyday life, and that was manifest in the actions and deeds of its adherents. The value of Mithras was proved in the outer world as well as within the person. Even though the solitary Modern Mithraist cannot practice with others, it is still possible to adopt Mithraism as a path of positive action. Making use of Mithraic principles and spirituality in daily life, and for good causes, cannot help but bring one closer to Mithras and to the ancient path over which he presides. The following ideas are some of the ways in which a person can manifest Mithraic religion through daily actions. These are guidelines only, to be used when they are appropriate. They are also of course not the last word on the subject, and other adaptations can just as easily be adopted. I. Honoring Mithras through special "votive" deeds - There are many traditions in the ancient world of people honoring

deities through their actions. Doing work on behalf of a deity is perhaps the sincerest form of offering, and it also puts the practitioner of being in the unique position of assisting the deity in achieving the worldly goals espoused by the religion. Efforts of this type might include volunteering one's time to help others in the name of Mithras, donating money to good charitable causes in the name of Mithras, building a sacred space dedicated to Mithras, or even working to improve one's self to be a better Mithraist. The key to such votive deeds is to make them a part of ritual intent. In prayer or meditation, state before Mithras that you are going to undertake some positive action in his honor. Make it clear both to the God and to Yourself that you do this not for your own purposes or for your own ego, but instead as an act of devotion. Let the effort you put forth be a symbol of your religious intent - and let your actions be positive and constructive for yourself, your path, and for others. II. Honoring Mithras through Art - In the ancient world most sacred objects in Mithraeum temples were specially created for and donated by members of the temple group. This tradition of votive art can make a positive action in honor of Mithras that has long lasting effects. Creating objects and then giving them as offerings to Mithras can not only improve your personal working space (see our section on sacred art) but also improve your creativity and connection to Mithras as deity. III. Honoring Mithras through scholarly work - One of the most noble contributions that one can make to Mithraism in the modern world is to do scholarly research and writing on Mithraism. Keeping information alive and current will be crucial to the advancement of Mithraism as a modern religious path. Non-fictional and archaeological writings are not the only way to express serious knowledge; fictional stories featuring true-to-fact ancient Mithraism, liturgical poetry and other expressions can also be of great value. IV. Honoring Mithras through daily life - perhaps the most important of Mithraic deeds is to manifest the positive goals and virtues of Mithraism consistently in daily life. Special "one time" deeds can be highly meaningful, but the maintenance of ideals as expressions of daily life will not only keep you inspired but will also make your path more attractive to others. Mithraism was a path of strength, virtue and honor, and keeping those qualities alive in the world around you is one of the greatest accomplishments any person can make. There is a saying that "faith without works is dead". An even more important similar expression could be "interest without works is dead." If you are interested in practicing Mithraism, but do not become active with it in the course of daily life, your interest will lessen as you become active in other things. It is natural for people to be active, and if you choose to be active in things that incorporate your faith both your material and spiritual worlds will benefit.