The Mysteries of Mithras by Payam Nabarz

Section 3 begins with an article by Guya Vichi on his relationship with Mithra, which resulted from a meditation, and includes an Ode. The second section contains a number of pictures showing exhibits from the For example Mithras exhibition by Farangis Yegane, which explore the symbolism of the myths contained within Mithraism through her paintings and installations. The final essay in this first section Mithraism and Alchemy by David Livingstone looks at the alchemical connections in the Mithraic ladder of initiation, drawing on the writings of figures such as Zosimus of Panopolis to explore the connections of these two diverse areas through the planetary symbolism inherent in both. If you are unfamiliar with these two giants of the past, this article provides an ideal introduction to some of their most significant ideas. Particular emphasis is given to Porphyry’s On Abstinence from Killing Animals and On the Mysteries of Egypt by Iamblichus to illustrate their diverging approaches, whilst indicating their significance to future schools of thought.

This overview of the religious approaches of these two key magickal philosophers is fascinating and extremely lucid and enjoyable. The essay Entheos ho syros, polymathes ho phoinix: Neoplatonist approaches to religious practice in Iamblichus and Porphyry by Sergio Knipe is for me the highlight of Volume I. This piece compares and contrasts the similarities and differences between the different religions, whilst providing background information on the religions, such as the appropriate commandments, and makes for a fascinating comparison. Mithraism and Sufiyeh by Dr Saloome Rostampoor. The second paper is an Introduction to Classes of Manichean. Exploring in detail both the similarities and differences, Dr Mendez presents a step-by-step argument for continuity that avoids leaps of faith and relies on solid facts and logical deductions to present a substantial and enjoyable argument. Volume I begins with Continuity and Change in the Cult of Mithra by Dr Israel Campos Mendez, a study of the links and contuinty between the Persian (Iranian) god Mithra and Mithras as worshipped by the Romans in their mysteries. The sections are Academic Papers, Arts and Religious Articles, a template which works well to provide a wide range of material with something for most people. Both follow the same style, being divided into three sections, followed by reviews at the end. Reviewed by David Rankine for the Esoteric Book ReviewĪs I received these two volumes together I decided to cover them both in the same review, though I shall consider the contents of each volume in turn to give them the attention they deserve.

An Academic and Religious Journal of Greek, Roman and Persian Studies

The Mysteries of Mithras by Payam Nabarz