The Ancient Mysteries. Marvin W. Meyer

The Ancient Mysteries. Marvin W. Meyer

I'm enjoying "The Ancient Mysteries" edited by Marvin W. Meyer.


Zeus and the other gods of shining Olympus were in reality divine only by popular consent. Over the course of time Olympian luster diminished in favor of religious experiences more immediate to the concerns of people living in an increasingly cosmopolitan ancient world. These experiences were provided by the mysteries, religions that flourished particularly during the Hellenistic period and were secretly practiced by groups of adherents who decided, through personal choice, to be initiated into the profound realities of one deity or another. Unlike the official state religions, in which people were expected to make an outward show of allegiance to the local gods, the mysteries emphasized an inwardness and privacy of worship within a closed band of initiates.
In this book, Marvin W. Meyer explores the sacrifices and prayers, the public celebrations and secret ceremonies, the theatrical performances and literary works, the gods and goddesses that were a part of the mystery religions of Greece in the seventh century B.C. to the Judaism and Christianity of the Roman world of the seventh century A.D.

https://amzn.to/3zCWaaz

The History of Freemasonry. Albert Mackey

The History of Freemasonry. Albert Mackey

I'm enjoying "The History of Freemasonry" by Albert G. Mackey.


The fraternal order of Freemasons has been a mysterious organization since its origins centuries ago. Many historical figures such as Voltaire, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, George Washington, and Benjamin Franklin were Freemasons and made the society all the more intriguing. This classic text illuminates the society's origins as well as the philosophical and ritual foundations on which it is built. Readers can explore the mythical tales about Freemasonry and learn how they relate to the historical truth. Included are excerpts from rare sacred documents along with explanations of their significance, plus black and white illustrations.

https://amzn.to/3UEsaUb

The Zoroastrian Faith. Tradition and Modern Research. S.A. Nigosian. Zoroaster. Zoroastrianism

The Zoroastrian Faith. Tradition and Modern Research. S.A. Nigosian. Zoroaster. Zoroastrianism 

I'm enjoying "The Zoroastrian Faith" by S.A. Nigosian. This concise, scholarly work was published by McGill-Queen's University Press a while back.


The Zoroastrian Faith is organized around five themes: an account of Zoroaster's life and work; discussion of the development and spread of Zoroastrianism from its beginnings to the present; description of the sacred writings and religious documents of the faith; an analysis of the basic Zoroastrian beliefs and their influence on Judaism, Christianity, and Islam; and a description of the prescribed observances. In this historical and analytical study, S.A. Nigosian cuts through these problems to present a concise, systematic survey of Zoroastrianism. This book will intrigue scholars and general readers alike. A glossary and bibliography are provided as aids for further study.

The Mysteries of Mithras. by Payam Nabarz

The Mysteries of Mithras. Payam Nabarz. Mithraism. Paganism

I'm enjoying "The Mysteries of Mithras" by Payam Nabarz. In addition to a concise historical background, it also includes seven neo-Mithraic initiatory rituals for those that are curious about the lessons contained within the rites of this ancient Roman mystery religion.



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.