Mithras and the Stars: Astral Elements in the Cult of Mithras

Mithraism and the Mysteries of Mithras

In this podcast episode, the focus is on the mysteries of Mithras, a long-dead but still influential cult. The podcast explores the connection between Mithras and astral religion, which refers to religious systems where the state of celestial bodies directly influences humans. The imagery found in Mithraic temples, such as the tauroctony, displays elements that can be interpreted as having possible astral references. The podcast also delves into the association of Mithras with the sun and the potential symbolic meaning behind the ladder depicted in Mithraic visuals, which could indicate a soul's cosmic ascent. The podcast presents differing scholarly opinions on whether Mithraism offered salvation in the afterlife, with some arguing for a post-mortem salvation and others emphasizing an emphasis on rituals symbolizing death and rebirth. The episode concludes with the mention of the Mithras Liturgy, a precious ancient document providing detailed instructions for ascending through the cosmic spheres in search of immortality.