This is the first of several scenes depicting the initiation of a new member into the Mysteries of Mithras, in Capua Vetere.

Italy

Palæographia Britannica: or, discourses on antiquities that relate to the history of Britain. Number III.

A stone in basso relievo found 10 foot underground in Micklegate York in 1747.

United Kingdom

The Mithraic vessel of Ballplatz, Mainz, shows the seven grades with some attributes.

Germany

Fresco shows part of the initiation to the Mithras mysteries at the Mitreo de Santa Maria Capua Vetere.

Italy

Recontextualizing the Initiation rituals of the Roman Mystery Cult of Mithras.

The ancient Roman worshippers were likely in altered states of consciousness.

Anthropological evidence has long suggested that psychedelic plants have played important roles in indigenous communities for thousands of years, but most scholarship does not address their larger sphere of influence on western culture.

In Vergil’s Aeneid, the poet implies that those who have been initiated into mystery cults enjoy a blessed situation both in life and after death.

The Mithraeum Felicissimus has a floor mosaic depicting the seven mithraic grades.

Italy